Free North Dakota Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 14 years old to apply for a learner’s permit in North Dakota.

When you apply for a permit in North Dakota you will need to bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of North Dakota residency
• Social Security number (or proof you don’t have one)
• Payment for the application fee
• Completed SFN 2003 application form

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license additional documentation may be required. Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Be with you at the driver’s license office when you apply
• If your parents share custody, both must sign the application unless one has primary custody

The application process in North Dakota is as follows:

1. Complete the SFN 2003 application form
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. If you’re under 18, have a parent or guardian sign the application
4. Pay the application fee
5. Take a vision test
6. Take a written knowledge test

No, you cannot apply online for a first-time permit in North Dakota. You must visit a driver’s license office in person to complete the process.

The fee for a learner’s permit in North Dakota is currently $15 for a Class D permit. Check the North Dakota DOT website for the most up-to-date fee information.

To get your permit in North Dakota you will need to take:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A written knowledge test about traffic laws and safe driving practices

The North Dakota permit written test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must get at least 20 questions correct (80%) to pass.

The North Dakota permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Effects of alcohol and drugs on driving
• Driving emergencies
• Sharing the road with other users

The best ways to prepare for your North Dakota permit test:

• Study the North Dakota Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at North Dakota Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts

If you fail the North Dakota permit test:

• You can retake the test the next day
• There’s no limit on the number of attempts
• You’ll need to pay the testing fee each time
• It’s recommended to study the driver’s manual thoroughly before retaking the test

With a North Dakota learner’s permit you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has at least three years of driving experience
• This supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your behind-the-wheel driving test

When driving with a permit in North Dakota you:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and has at least three years of driving experience
• Cannot use electronic communications devices while driving
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
• Must maintain a clean driving record

In North Dakota, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 16:

• You must hold your learner’s permit for at least 12 months before applying for a restricted license
• During that time, complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)

If you are 16 or 17:

• You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before applying for a license
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period; take the road test when you feel ready

North Dakota requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 16: You must complete a state-approved driver education course before you can get a restricted license (this is not required for the initial permit)
• If you are 16 or 17: You must hold your permit for at least 12 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice. Driver education is recommended but not required
• If you are 18 or older: No formal driver education is required

In North Dakota, before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:

• If you are under 16:
  • Complete a state-approved driver education course (typically including 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training)
  • Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• If you are 16 or 17:
  • Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night); driver education is recommended but not mandatory if you hold your permit for 12 months
• If you are 18 or older:
  • No formal driver education is required

You can find North Dakota-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking with your local high school
• Visiting the North Dakota Department of Transportation website
• Contacting the North Dakota Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association
• Looking for programs approved by the ND Department of Public Instruction

The North Dakota road test will check:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signs
• Basic maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
• Awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you begin, the examiner will inspect your vehicle to ensure it is safe for testing.

You can schedule your road test in North Dakota by:

• Visiting the North Dakota DOT website
• Calling your local driver’s license site
• Using the online appointment system at participating locations
• Note: Many sites accept walk-ins, but appointments are recommended to reduce wait times

On the day of your road test in North Dakota, bring:

• Your learner’s permit
• A properly registered and insured vehicle for the test
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• If you are under 18, your completed driving log showing 50 hours of practice (including 10 hours at night)
• A licensed driver who meets state requirements (if applicable)

Common reasons for failing the North Dakota road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Difficulty parallel parking

To get your license in North Dakota:
If you are under 16:

• Hold your permit for at least 12 months
• Complete a state-approved driver education course
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (10 hours at night)
• Pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 16 or 17:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night)
• Pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit
• Pass the road test
• Pay the license fee

North Dakota’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Learner’s Permit: Available at age 14 by passing the vision and knowledge tests.
• Restricted License: For drivers under 16. Must hold a permit for at least 12 months, complete driver education, and 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night). Can only drive with a parent or guardian.
• Intermediate License: For drivers 16–17. Must hold a permit for at least 6 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night). Restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving apply.
• Full License: All restrictions are lifted at age 18.

As a new driver in North Dakota, restrictions vary by age:

• If you’re under 16 with a restricted license:
  • You can only drive with a parent or guardian
  • You cannot drive between sunset (or 9:00 p.m., whichever is later) and 5:00 a.m.
• If you’re 16 or 17 with an intermediate license:
  • You cannot have more than one passenger under 18 who isn’t an immediate family member for the first six months
  • You cannot drive between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or driving to/from work, school, or religious activities

These restrictions end when you turn 18.

North Dakota does not recognize out-of-state permits. If you are moving to North Dakota with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a North Dakota permit
• You may receive credit for time spent with your out-of-state permit, but you must pass the North Dakota vision and knowledge tests

North Dakota offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• Sign language interpreters (with advance notice)
• Extended testing time
• The ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local driver’s license site before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, you can get your permit in North Dakota if you’re a non-U.S. citizen by providing:

• Proof of lawful presence in the United States
• Proof of North Dakota residency
• Proof of identity
• Other required documents as specified by the ND DOT

You can download a copy of the North Dakota Driver’s Manual from our website at this link. Physical copies are also available at any driver’s license site.

Yes! We offer free North Dakota-specific practice tests that mirror the actual permit test. They are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the North Dakota permit process, contact the Driver’s License Division of the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

If you lose your North Dakota permit:

• Visit a driver’s license site in person
• Provide proof of your identity
• Pay the duplicate fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written request to the Director of the Driver’s License Division.