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North Dakota DOT Permit Test — Study Guide & Cheat Sheet (2026)
The most important facts, rules, and numbers you need to know for the ND knowledge test.
Updated for March 2026 · Based on North Dakota Driver Manual
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Speed Limits
| Zone / Road Type | Speed Limit |
|---|---|
| School zone (when children present) | 15 mph |
| Residential / business district | 25 mph |
| Highway / interstate (posted) | Up to 75 mph |
Always obey posted signs — they override defaults.
Alcohol & BAC Limits
| Driver | Legal BAC Limit |
|---|---|
| Adults (21+) | Under 0.08% |
| Under 21 | 0.00–0.02% (virtually zero tolerance) |
| Commercial drivers (CDL) | Under 0.04% |
DUI Consequences (first offense):
- License suspension
- Fines and court fees
- Possible jail time
- Ignition interlock device may be required
Right-of-Way Rules
- 4-way stop: First to arrive goes first. Tie? Driver on the right goes first.
- Uncontrolled intersection: Yield to traffic already in the intersection.
- T-intersection: Traffic on the dead-end road yields to the through road.
- Roundabout: Yield to traffic already in the circle before entering.
- Turning left: Always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Emergency vehicles: Pull to the right and stop when lights/sirens are on.
- School bus (flashing red): Stop — both directions on undivided roads.
- Pedestrians in crosswalk: Always yield — they have the right-of-way.
Following Distance & Safety
- Normal conditions: 3-second following distance minimum
- Bad weather / night: 4–6 seconds
- Behind large trucks: At least 4 seconds
- Hydroplaning: Ease off the gas — do not brake hard
- Skidding: Steer in the direction you want to go — do not over-correct
- Headlights on when: Wipers in use, visibility under 500 ft, sunset to sunrise
- Seat belts: Required for all occupants — always
Road Sign Colors & Shapes
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red | Stop, Yield, Prohibition |
| Yellow | Warning / Caution |
| White | Regulatory (rules) |
| Green | Guide / Directions |
| Orange | Construction / Work Zone |
| Blue | Services (gas, food, hospital) |
| Brown | Recreation / Historic Sites |
| Yellow-Green | School / Pedestrian zones |
Key Numbers to Memorize
| Rule | Number |
|---|---|
| Passing score (knowledge test) | 20/25 (80%) |
| Minimum age for permit | 14 years old |
| Adult BAC limit | 0.08% |
| Under-21 BAC limit | ~0.00–0.02% |
| CDL BAC limit | 0.04% |
| Fire hydrant no-park distance | 15 feet |
| Intersection no-park distance | 25–30 feet |
| Following distance (normal) | 3 seconds |
| GDL night restriction | 11:00 PM–5:00 AM |
Parking Rules
- Fire hydrant: No parking within 15 feet
- Intersection / crosswalk: No parking within 25–30 feet
- Stop sign: No parking within 30–50 feet
- Driveway: Never block a driveway
- Handicap space: Only with valid permit displayed
- Parallel parking: Within 12 inches of the curb
GDL Restrictions (ND)
- Minimum permit age: 14 years old
- Night restriction: No driving 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM
- Passenger limit: 1 passenger under 18 for the first 6 months
- Cell phone: Handheld devices prohibited for all drivers in most states
- Seat belts: All occupants must wear seat belts at all times
Now Test What You've Studied
Our free ND practice tests cover all these topics — road signs, laws, speed limits, and more.
Take Mini Test Full Test (25 Questions)Printed from DriveCar.org · Free ND Permit Practice Tests · Updated March 2026