How the North Dakota Permit Test Works
North Dakota's permit test is a written exam you take at a driver's license office to show you understand traffic laws and road signs before you drive. The test covers information from the North Dakota Driver's Manual and includes questions about right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. You need to pass this test to get your instruction permit, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.
The test has 25 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit to the license office, though you can return and test again if you don't pass. There is no fee waiver for retesting — you pay the same fee each time you take the exam.
Key Takeaways
- The North Dakota permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions and you need 20 correct answers to pass.
- You must study the official North Dakota Driver's Manual, which is free and available online or at any driver's license office.
- You can take the test at any North Dakota driver's license office, and you must bring a valid ID and proof of residency.
- If you fail, you can retake the test at your next visit, but you will pay the testing fee again.
- After you pass the permit test, you receive an instruction permit that is valid for one year and requires a licensed adult to supervise your driving.
What You Need to Bring to the Test
Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You also need proof of your North Dakota residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address. If you are under 18, bring your birth certificate or certified copy of it.
Do not bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing room. The license office will not allow you to reference anything during the exam. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to check in and complete any paperwork before the test starts.
How to Study for the Permit Test
The North Dakota Driver's Manual is your main study resource. You can read it free from the North Dakota Department of Transportation website or pick up a printed copy at any driver's license office. The manual covers all the topics on the test: traffic signs, road markings, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices.
Read through the manual at least once, then focus on the sections you find hardest. Many people struggle with right-of-way questions and sign meanings, so spend extra time there. Some online practice tests exist, but verify they use current North Dakota rules before relying on them — traffic laws change, and outdated practice tests can teach you wrong information.
Age Requirements and Restrictions
You must be at least 14 years old to take the permit test in North Dakota. If you are 14 or 15, you are subject to the graduated driver licensing system, which means your instruction permit has extra rules. You must have a licensed adult 21 or older in the car with you at all times, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
If you are 16 or older, the restrictions are less strict. You still need a licensed adult in the car, but the nighttime driving ban does not explore. Once you turn 16 and have held your instruction permit for at least 30 days, you can take the road test to get your regular driver's license.
Where to Take the Test
You take the permit test at a North Dakota driver's license office. There are offices in most towns and cities across the state. Find the office nearest you on the North Dakota Department of Transportation website, which lists addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
You do not need an appointment at most offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some locations do take appointments, and calling ahead is always a good idea. Hours vary by location, so check the website or call before you go.
What Happens After You Pass
When you pass the permit test, you receive your instruction permit on the spot. The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During this time, you must practice driving with a licensed adult before you can take the road test for your regular driver's license.
Your instruction permit is not a driver's license — it only lets you drive under supervision. If you are caught driving alone, you can face a ticket and your permit can be suspended. Keep your permit with you whenever you drive, just as you would a license.
If You Fail the Permit Test
If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test at your next visit to the license office. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the testing fee again. Most people who fail pass on their second or third attempt, especially if they spend more time studying the manual between tests.
When you retake the test, the questions will be different from your first attempt. Study the same manual and focus on the areas where you struggled. If you are unsure about specific topics, ask the license office staff — they can often point you toward the sections of the manual that cover the hardest material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the permit test online?
No, North Dakota requires you to take the permit test in person at a driver's license office. You cannot take it online or by mail. This is true for all applicants, regardless of age or location.
How long does the permit test take?
The actual test usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Add time for check-in and paperwork — plan for 30 to 45 minutes total at the license office. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so arriving early gives you a buffer.
What if I fail the permit test twice?
You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Each time you test, you pay the fee again and must answer at least 20 of 25 questions correctly to pass.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before the permit test?
North Dakota does not require a formal driver's education course to take the permit test. However, if you are under 18, completing an approved course can reduce your insurance costs and may satisfy some school requirements. Check with your high school about whether they offer or require driver's education.
What happens if my instruction permit expires?
Your instruction permit is valid for one year. If it expires before you pass the road test, you must retake the permit test and pay the fee again. To avoid this, schedule your road test well before your permit expires — most people take it within 3 to 6 months of getting their permit.