Getting your North Dakota learner permit

By the end of this topic you can

• You can list the documents you need to bring to a Driver License site.
• You can explain the permit and test fees.
• You can explain who may sign as sponsor for an applicant under 18.
• You can describe the conditions you must follow once you hold the permit.
• You can explain why passing the test online does not give you a permit by itself.

What you need to know and understand

• You must be at least 14 and pass the knowledge test and a vision screening.
• Fees on NDDOT's permit page: knowledge test $5 per attempt, permit $15.
• Bring one original or certified proof of identity, date of birth and legal presence. No photocopies and no hospital birth certificates.
• You also need proof of your Social Security number and two documents showing your North Dakota home address. PO boxes do not count.
• Under 18, a parent or legal guardian signs to approve and sponsor you and accepts financial liability.
• An appointment is needed at Driver License sites.
• Breaking the conditions of a permit puts 2 points on your record.

Your document checklist

NDDOT will not let you test without proper identification. Gather these before you book.

• Identity and legal presence: for example a state-certified US birth certificate, a valid US passport or passport card, or a valid Permanent Resident Card.
• Name change proof if your name differs from that document: a certified marriage certificate, adoption document or court order.
• Social Security number: for example your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099 or a pay stub showing the full number.
• Two proofs of North Dakota address: for example a utility bill, a lease, or a school transcript issued within six months. A parent's proof of address can be used for a child under 18.

Who signs for a teen

If you are under 18, your mother, father or legal guardian must sign the sponsorship. A guardian brings the guardianship papers. If the parent cannot come, they can name someone in a notarized document to sign for them, but the financial liability stays with the parent. If there is no living parent or guardian, another adult who swears responsibility for the minor may sign.

The person who signed can withdraw consent at any time, and the permit is then cancelled.

Applying step by step

1. Study the NDDOT Noncommercial Driver License Manual, especially the Rules of the Road chapters.
2. Take the knowledge test at a Driver License site or online through NDDOT's official online testing platform.
3. Book an appointment at a Driver License site. If you passed online, you still need this visit.
4. Bring your documents and sponsor, complete the application and the vision screening.
5. Pay the $15 permit fee and receive your permit. Sign it and carry it every time you drive.

Driving on your permit

A supervisor must sit in the seat beside you. They must hold a license for that class of vehicle, be at least 18 and have at least three years of driving experience. Nobody else may sit in the front unless the vehicle only has a front seat. At 14 or 15 you may only drive a vehicle owned by a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle, unless it is a dual-control car with a licensed driver trainer. No phone use while driving, whatever your age.

Our North Dakota permit test guide has more on languages and the online option.

Common mistakes

• Bringing photocopies. NDDOT only accepts originals or certified copies.
• Using a PO box as proof of address. Documents must show your physical home address.
• Assuming an online pass means you can drive. You must collect the permit in person first.
• Letting a 16-year-old friend supervise. The supervisor must be at least 18 with three years of experience.

Test yourself: Getting your North Dakota learner permit

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• North Dakota Permit Test
• Learning to Drive in North Dakota
• North Dakota Permit Practice Test