State Guide
North Dakota DOT Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your North Dakota instruction permit — from gathering your documents to walking out of the Department of Transportation office with your permit. This guide covers eligibility, documents, fees, the written test, what happens if you fail, and how to prepare. Ready to start practicing? Take a free North Dakota DOT practice test.
Who Can Get an Instruction Permit
North Dakota allows teens to apply for an instruction permit starting at age 14. There is no upper age limit — adults who have never held a license apply through the same process as teens.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the parental consent section of the application. Their signature acknowledges responsibility for the teen driver and gives consent for the permit to be issued.
Residency: You must be a North Dakota resident to obtain a North Dakota instruction permit. You will need to provide documents showing your current North Dakota address. New residents are expected to get a North Dakota license within 60 days of establishing residency.
Driver education: North Dakota strongly encourages driver education for teen drivers. Completing an approved driver education course before applying for a restricted license can shorten the required permit holding period — teens who complete an approved course may be eligible to advance sooner.
Fees and What You Pay For
The fee for a North Dakota instruction permit is $15. This covers the permit itself and your knowledge test attempts. A separate fee applies when you later apply for a restricted or full driver's license.
If you exhaust your allowed attempts and need to restart the process, you will pay the permit fee again.
Payment: Fees are collected at the driver's license office in person. Most offices accept cash, check, and credit or debit cards. Contact your local office to confirm accepted payment methods.
Documents You Need
North Dakota requires applicants to verify identity, Social Security number, and state residency. Bring the following to your office visit:
1. Proof of identity
One primary document proving your legal name and date of birth. Acceptable documents include: U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or passport card, Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card. Bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted.
2. Social Security number
Your Social Security card, W-2, or another document showing your full SSN is required. If you are not eligible for a Social Security number, you will need documentation explaining your ineligibility.
3. Proof of North Dakota residency
Two documents showing your current North Dakota address. Acceptable examples include: utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, lease or mortgage document, school records, or government mail. Documents must show your name and North Dakota address.
Teens under 18: Also bring the completed parental consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian. The parent or guardian does not need to be present at the office, but their signature on the form is required before the permit can be issued.
North Dakota participates in the REAL ID program. If you want a REAL ID-compliant permit (which can be used for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities), the document requirements are the same as listed above — birth certificate or passport, SSN verification, and two proofs of residency. There is no additional fee for REAL ID.
Do You Need an Appointment?
North Dakota driver's license offices accept walk-in applicants for knowledge tests at most locations. You can generally visit during business hours without a prior appointment.
Wait times can vary, especially at offices in larger cities. Arriving early in the morning on a weekday tends to mean shorter waits. Check the North Dakota DOT office directory for hours and locations near you.
What Happens at the DOT Office
Here's what a typical office visit looks like, in order:
1. Check in and submit your application
Present your completed application and identity documents to the clerk at the counter. If you are under 18, your parental consent form must be signed before you arrive.
2. Pay the fee
Pay the $15 permit fee at the counter. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
3. Vision screening
The clerk will administer a brief vision test using a vision testing device. You will need to read characters to confirm you meet the minimum visual acuity requirement for driving in North Dakota.
4. Photo
Your photo is taken at the service counter area. This photo will appear on your instruction permit card.
5. Knowledge test
You will be directed to a testing station to take the 25-question written knowledge test on a computer terminal.
6. Results and permit
If you pass, the clerk will issue your instruction permit. You will typically receive a temporary paper permit the same day, with your plastic card arriving by mail within a few weeks.
The total visit time is usually 30 to 60 minutes. The knowledge test itself takes most people 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
The Vision Screening
North Dakota requires a minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in at least one eye (with or without corrective lenses) to qualify for a driver's license or instruction permit. The screening is quick and takes place at the service counter.
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, keep them on during the screening. Passing while wearing corrective lenses means your permit will carry a restriction requiring you to wear them whenever you drive.
If you cannot meet the visual acuity standard, you will receive a vision report form to take to your eye care provider. Once your provider completes and signs the form, return it to the DOT office to continue your application.
When They Take Your Photo
Your photo is taken at the service counter during the processing step, before you take the knowledge test. Come prepared to have your picture taken when you arrive. Remove hats, sunglasses, and head coverings (except those worn for religious or medical reasons). The photo will appear on your instruction permit and, later, on your driver's license.
The Written Knowledge Test
The North Dakota knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. All questions are based on the North Dakota Driver's Manual. The test is multiple-choice and there is no time limit.
The 25 questions cover topics including right-of-way rules, speed limits, traffic signals and signs, safe following distance, lane changes, and North Dakota-specific traffic laws. Road sign identification is included within the main test.
Can you take the test online? No — North Dakota requires the knowledge test to be completed in person at a driver's license office. There is no remote or at-home option for the permit knowledge test.
What the Test Looks Like
The test is administered on a computer terminal at the DOT office. Each screen shows one question with multiple answer choices. You select your answer and move to the next question.
Feedback during the test: The North Dakota test typically shows your overall result (pass or fail and how many you got right) at the end rather than providing per-question feedback while you are testing.
There is no time limit, so read each question carefully. Once you have advanced past a question, you generally cannot go back. Take your time and think through each question before confirming your selection.
Passing Score and Results
The North Dakota knowledge test has 25 questions. You must answer at least 20 correctly to pass — an 80% passing threshold. You can miss up to 5 questions. The same standard applies to both teens and adults.
Your result will be displayed on the terminal when the test ends. If you pass, the clerk will process your permit. If you do not pass, you will be informed of the wait period and how to reschedule.
All questions count equally. There is no partial credit — focus on answering every question correctly.
After You Pass
After passing the knowledge test, you will receive your instruction permit. You'll typically get a temporary paper permit the same day, with your permanent plastic permit card arriving by mail within a few weeks. Carry your permit at all times when you drive.
Can you start driving immediately? Yes — you can drive the same day you receive your permit. However, you must always have a supervising driver present. The supervising driver must be a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and seated in the front seat beside you.
Driving at night: With only an instruction permit, there are no nighttime curfew restrictions — you can drive at any hour as long as your supervising driver is present. Curfew restrictions only apply after you receive a restricted license.
If You Don't Pass
If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You cannot retest the same day.
Returning for a retake: When you come back, you do not need to redo your documents, photo, or vision screening. Check in at the office and let them know you are there for a retest, and you will be directed to the testing station.
After three failures: If you fail three times, you must wait 7 days before testing again. Use that time to study the driver's manual thoroughly and take practice tests to identify and work on your weak areas.
Different questions are drawn from the question bank on each attempt, so you will likely see a different set of questions each time. Focus on understanding the underlying concepts and rules rather than memorizing specific questions.
Instruction Permit Rules & Restrictions
Your North Dakota instruction permit is valid for one year from the date issued. You must carry it whenever you drive. If it expires before you obtain a restricted or full license, you will need to reapply.
While driving with an instruction permit:
You must have a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old in the front seat beside you at all times.
You cannot drive alone under any circumstances.
You cannot use a handheld cell phone while driving. Teen drivers under 18 are prohibited from any cell phone use while driving.
Moving to a restricted license: After holding your instruction permit for at least 12 months and reaching age 16, you can apply for a restricted license. If you have completed an approved driver education course, you may be eligible to apply sooner — check with the DOT office for details.
Restricted license rules (ages 16–18):
Nighttime curfew: No driving between midnight and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed adult driver, or traveling to/from work, school, or a medical emergency.
Passenger restriction: During the first 6 months with a restricted license, only immediate family members may ride as passengers. After 6 months, you may carry up to one non-family passenger under 18.
Cell phone: All handheld cell phone use is prohibited while driving for drivers under 18. This includes calling, texting, and all app use.
Out-of-State Transfers
If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you can transfer it to a North Dakota license by visiting a driver's license office. You will need to present your out-of-state license, identity documents, and proof of North Dakota residency, and pay the applicable fee.
North Dakota may waive the knowledge test for out-of-state transfer applicants with a valid, unexpired license from another state. You will still need to pass the vision screening. Confirm with the office clerk at the time of your visit whether a knowledge test is required in your situation.
Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when North Dakota issues your new license. If your license has been expired for a long period, you may be required to complete the full application process including the knowledge test and driving skills test.
The Driver's Manual
The North Dakota Driver's Manual is the official study guide for the knowledge test. Every question on the exam is based on content from this manual. It covers North Dakota traffic laws, right-of-way rules, road signs, safe driving practices, and the graduated licensing system.
The manual is available as a free downloadable PDF from the North Dakota DOT website. You can also pick up a printed copy at a driver's license office. It is published in English.
Read the entire manual before you test. Focus especially on road signs, right-of-way, and the specific laws that apply in North Dakota — these are common sources of test questions. The manual is not very long; most people can read through it in one or two sittings.
Practice Tests
Taking practice tests before your visit is one of the best ways to prepare. Practice tests help you identify weak spots and build familiarity with the question format.
DMV Question Bank practice tests: Take free North Dakota DOT practice tests on DMV Question Bank. The questions are drawn from the North Dakota Driver's Manual and cover all the topics on the real test. Aim to consistently score above 90% before heading to the office.
A solid preparation routine: read the manual once, take a practice test to see where you are weak, go back and review those sections, then test again. Repeat until you are consistently passing comfortably. Most people who follow this approach pass on their first attempt.
Behind-the-Wheel Requirements
After receiving your instruction permit, the next step is accumulating supervised driving practice. The requirements differ between teens and adults.
Teens (Under 18)
Hold your permit for at least 12 months and be at least 16 before you can apply for a restricted license.
Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including a minimum of 10 hours at night. The supervising driver must be at least 18 years old with a valid license.
Keep a driving practice log documenting your supervised hours. Your supervising driver should sign the log. The DOT may ask to review it when you apply for a restricted license.
Completing an approved driver education course is strongly recommended and may allow you to apply for a restricted license sooner than the standard 12-month holding period.
Adults (18 and Over)
There is no mandatory holding period for adults. You can schedule a driving skills test as soon as you feel ready.
There is no minimum number of supervised practice hours required for adults. Practice until you are confident in all maneuvers the skills test evaluates.
Driver education is not required for adults. You can prepare through self-study and practice with any licensed adult driver.
Driving skills test: Schedule your driving skills test at a North Dakota DOT driver's license office when you are ready. Passing the skills test, combined with meeting all other requirements, earns you your restricted or full driver's license.
Quick Reference
| Minimum permit age | 14 years old |
| Permit fee | $15 |
| Where to apply | North Dakota DOT driver's license office |
| Payment | At the office (cash, check, card) |
| Written test | 25 questions, 20 to pass (80%) |
| Test format | Computer terminal, multiple choice |
| Can you take it online | No — in-person only |
| Max attempts before extended wait | 3 (then 7-day wait) |
| Wait between attempts | 1 day |
| Permit validity | 1 year |
| Min. holding period (teens) | 12 months, must be at least 16 |
| Supervised practice (teens) | 50 hours total, 10 at night |
| Supervising driver age | 18+ |
| Driving log required | Yes (teens) |
| Driver's ed required | Not required; may shorten hold period |
| Appointment required | No (walk-ins accepted at most offices) |
| GDL curfew | Midnight–5am (restricted license, under 18) |
| Passenger restriction | Family only first 6 months; then max 1 non-family under 18 |
| Cell phone restriction | No handheld phone use for drivers under 18 |
| REAL ID available | Yes (same documents required) |