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North Dakota permit test essentials
Last verified September 28, 2026 against the official North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (revised 2025) and the state’s DMV website.
Study for the North Dakota knowledge test with free practice questions written from the official manual.
Practise North Dakota questions free Your checklist in the app Road signs
Quick facts
- Permit fee
- $15 The learner’s permit costs $15.NDDOT: How to apply for a learner’s permit, How much does it cost to get a learner’s permit?
- Knowledge test fee
- $5 per try The knowledge test costs $5 per attempt, one attempt a day.NDDOT: How to apply for a learner’s permit, How much does it cost to get a learner’s permit?
- Earliest age for a learner permit
- 14 You must be at least 14 and pass the knowledge test (at an office or at nd.knowtodrive.com) and the vision screening.Manual PDF p. 7, Instruction permit
- If you fail the knowledge test
- The next day If you fail any of the tests, you cannot retake it the same day.Manual PDF p. 9, Examinations
- What to bring
- 3 kinds of documents: see your DMV checklist.
The official test format for North Dakota is not confirmed yet, so it is not shown.
Numbers to know
As the North Dakota manual states them; these often come up on the test.
- 0.08%
Blood alcohol limit, 21 and older
With .08% or more alcohol in your blood you are legally under the influence.
Manual PDF p. 40, Driving while under the influence - 0.02%
Blood alcohol limit, under 21
Under 21, .02% makes you legally under the influence.
Manual PDF p. 40, Driving while under the influence - 3 seconds
Following distance
Use the three-second rule; leave four or more seconds in harder conditions.
Manual PDF p. 26, Following distance - 100 feet
Signal before you turn
Signal continuously for the last 100 feet before the turn.
Manual PDF p. 26, Turning - 500 feet
Dim high beams for oncoming traffic
Dim your headlights at least 500 feet before meeting traffic.
Manual PDF p. 29, Night driving - 300 feet
Dim high beams behind a vehicle
Dim your headlights within 300 feet when following another vehicle.
Manual PDF p. 29, Night driving - 10 feet
No parking near a fire hydrant
When you park, stay at least 10 feet from a fire hydrant.
Manual PDF p. 30, Parking - Stop
School bus with red lights flashing
When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, drivers from both directions must stop.
Manual PDF p. 24, School buses - 15 feet
Stopping at a railroad crossing
When a train is crossing, stop at least 15 feet before the crossing.
Manual PDF p. 22, Railroad crossings - 6 to 12 months
How long you hold the permit
At 14 or 15, hold the permit 12 months or until 16 (at least 6 months); at 16 or 17, hold it six months or until 18.
Manual PDF p. 7, Instruction permit - 50 hours
Supervised practice
Under 16: at least 50 hours of supervised practice in varied conditions, in addition to driver’s education.
Manual PDF p. 7, Instruction permit
Your North Dakota DMV checklist
Tick each item as you get it ready. Your ticks stay on this device only.
Documents to bring
- Manual PDF p. 5, Check list for testing
- Manual PDF p. 9, Proof of North Dakota residence address
- Manual PDF p. 9, Proof of Social Security number
Fees
Tests at the office
Parent or guardian (under 18)
Appointment and visit
Rules and fees can change. Check with the North Dakota DMV before you go.
Questions people ask
How old do you have to be to get a learner permit in North Dakota?
You must be at least 14 and pass the knowledge test (at an office or at nd.knowtodrive.com) and the vision screening.
How much does a learner permit cost in North Dakota?
$15. The learner’s permit costs $15.
What happens if I fail the North Dakota permit test?
If you fail any of the tests, you cannot retake it the same day.
What documents do I need for a North Dakota learner permit?
Proof of legal presence, current name and date of birth (for example a certified U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport). Two documents proving your North Dakota home address. Proof of your Social Security number with your name and the full number (for example your Social Security card).