How to Get Your North Dakota Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the North Dakota license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a North Dakota learner permit you must be at least 14 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your North Dakota residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of North Dakota residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the North Dakota permit knowledge test
The North Dakota knowledge test has 25 questions; you must answer 20 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and North Dakota-specific rules. Retake policy: If you fail the North Dakota knowledge test, you can retake it. NDDOT typically allows another attempt after a short waiting period. A $5 knowledge test fee may apply for each attempt. Review the Noncommercial Driver License Manual before you return.
The best prep path is to read the North Dakota Department of Transportation driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free ND practice test and the full 25-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a North Dakota learner permit. Bring the documents above to the North Dakota Department of Transportation office and pay the permit application fee (currently $15).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. North Dakota's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full North Dakota license
Schedule your North Dakota road test through the North Dakota Department of Transportation. The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $15 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full North Dakota steps in order
As listed by the North Dakota Department of Transportation:
- Turn 14 to qualify for a North Dakota learner permit.
- Gather your documents: proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Social Security number, and proof of North Dakota residency.
- If under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to sign as your sponsor.
- Visit a North Dakota DOT Driver License Site (or use the KnowToDrive online program if eligible).
- Pay the $5 knowledge test fee and the $15 permit fee.
- Pass the vision screening.
- Pass the 25-question North Dakota knowledge test.
- Receive your learner permit and practice with a licensed adult age 18 or older.
- Complete the required driver education and supervised driving hours.
- At age 16, apply for a restricted license and pass the road test (additional $5).
FAQ: Getting Your North Dakota License
How old do I need to be to get a North Dakota learner permit?
You must be at least 14 to apply for a North Dakota learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the North Dakota Department of Transportation has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the North Dakota permit test?
The North Dakota permit knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my North Dakota permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of North Dakota residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the North Dakota Department of Transportation for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in North Dakota?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the North Dakota Department of Transportation driver manual lists North Dakota's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a North Dakota driver license?
Yes — North Dakota issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free ND practice tests mirror the real North Dakota Department of Transportation exam — road signs, traffic laws, and North Dakota-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.