How to Pass the North Dakota DMV Exam 2026
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Gather Your Documents
Make sure you qualify before you begin
North Dakota licenses drivers through the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Driver License Division. You may apply for an instruction permit at age 14, obtain a restricted Class D license at 15, and a full unrestricted Class D license at 16. Gather your REAL ID documents before you visit a Driver License office so your trip is not wasted.
- Proof of identity and date of birth, such as a certified U.S. birth certificate, a valid unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, a Certificate of Naturalization, a Permanent Resident Card, or an Employment Authorization Document — no photocopies and no hospital certificates
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Two documents proving your physical North Dakota residence address, such as a current vehicle insurance policy or statement, a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy, or a school transcript issued within the last six months — P.O. boxes are not accepted
If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must authorize the application, and the license or permit must be signed by the holder to be valid under NDCC 39-06-14.
Step 2: Study the Official North Dakota Driver Manual
Prepare for the knowledge test
The North Dakota knowledge test is written directly from the official NDDOT Noncommercial Driver License Manual. Every question comes from that manual, so studying it is the single best preparation you can do. You can read it and practice on our North Dakota driver manuals page.
- Learn the sign shapes and colors, traffic signals, and pavement markings
- Memorize the North Dakota numbers: the three-second following rule, the 100-foot signaling rule before a turn, the 25 mph limit in business and residential districts, and winter and survival driving guidance
- Review North Dakota-specific rules such as the 0.02% absolute-sobriety limit for drivers under 21, the 25/50/25 liability insurance minimums, the 12-point suspension threshold, and the requirement to stop from both directions for a school bus flashing red lights
Work through North Dakota practice tests until you consistently score above 80%, and pay special attention to any question you get wrong twice.
Step 3: Pass the Vision and Knowledge Tests
Take the tests that unlock your permit
Every applicant takes a vision test, and beginning drivers must pass the knowledge test. North Dakota lets you take the Class D written exam either online from home or in person at a Driver License office by appointment.
- The Class D knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions and 80 percent is passing, meaning at least 20 correct answers and no more than five missed
- You have a 60-minute time limit to complete the exam
- NDDOT's only official online at-home testing platform is KnowTo Drive at nd.knowtodrive.com; each online attempt costs $10.00 and requires a webcam
- In-person testing is available at Driver License offices by appointment, and non-English-language and audio testing is offered at the Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, and Williston sites
Questions cover road signs, signals, pavement markings, traffic laws, communicating with other drivers, winter and survival driving, parking, distracted driving, and North Dakota's absolute-sobriety laws and penalties.
Step 4: Get Your North Dakota Instruction Permit
Start practicing legally
Once you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you can be issued a North Dakota instruction permit. An instruction permit may be issued starting at age 14, and you must carry it whenever you drive.
- Applicants who are 14 or 15 must hold the instruction permit for at least 12 months (and no less than six months) before completing the license process
- While driving on the permit, you must be accompanied by a validly licensed driver at least 18 years old, seated beside you — unless the vehicle has only a front seat
- A 15-year-old who passes the required tests is issued a restricted Class D license, and during a restricted session may only operate a vehicle belonging to a parent, sibling, aunt, or uncle
- Operating outside the terms of your instruction permit is a two-point penalty on your driving record
The full, unrestricted minimum driving age is 16, so plan your permit period to reach the practice and time-held requirements before you apply.
Step 5: Complete Driver Education and Log Your Practice Hours
Build real experience behind the wheel
New teen drivers in North Dakota build their skills through an approved driver education course and supervised practice driving before the road test.
- Applicants who are 14 or 15 must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving, documented in the manual's supervised driving log
- An approved driver's education course requires a minimum of 30 hours of classroom instruction plus a minimum of 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training
- Completing an approved course can waive the Class D road test
- Your supervising driver signs to certify that you completed the required practice hours at the road-test appointment
Practice in a range of conditions — including North Dakota winter and low-visibility driving — so you are ready for whatever the examiner or the road brings.
Step 6: Pass the Road Skills Test
Prove you can drive safely
The road test is given by appointment at a Driver License office. Bring a properly equipped vehicle, because the examiner inspects it before the drive begins.
- Your vehicle must have working headlights with high and low beams, working turn signals, a leak-free exhaust system, seat belts, valid registration, and valid liability insurance
- Children, pets (except service or medical-alert animals), extra passengers, backpacks, and purses are not allowed in the vehicle during testing
- You will be tested on vehicle control, turns, signaling, lane use, speed control, parking, backing, and safe attention to traffic and pedestrians
Signal continuously for the last 100 feet before every turn and check both ways for traffic and pedestrians — the examiner is watching for the safe, consistent habits taught in the manual.
Step 7: Receive Your North Dakota License and Get Insured
Get licensed and drive responsibly
Once you pass the road test and meet all remaining requirements, NDDOT issues your North Dakota Class D driver license. For drivers younger than 78 the license is valid for six years and the standard renewal fee is $15; it expires at midnight on your birthday in the year printed on the card.
- Carry at least North Dakota's minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage — plus the required $30,000 basic no-fault (personal injury protection) and 25/50 uninsured motorist coverage
- A conviction for no liability insurance requires you to file proof of insurance (SR-22) with the division for one year and can lead to license suspension
- North Dakota uses a point system: at 12 or more points you are notified of intent to suspend (12 points = 7 days, with 7 additional days for each point over 11), and you can earn back points for clean quarters or an approved defensive-driving course
- You may renew up to 10 months before expiration, and a vision test is required at renewal
Keep your record clean and remember that driving under 21 with any measurable alcohol (0.02% or more) triggers North Dakota's absolute-sobriety penalties, including a 91-day suspension for a first offense.
These links should help guide you through the application and testing process. Each official state agency page contains the latest requirements and resources to ensure you have everything needed to obtain your North Dakota driver’s license.
