To legally practice driving on North Dakota roads, all first-time drivers must obtain an instruction permit. The minimum age to apply is 14 years old. If you are younger than 18, you must also have parent or legal guardian sponsorship.

Driver Education Exemption

If you are enrolled in a high school driver education program, you don’t need an instruction permit or license to practice with a drivers ed vehicle. Students must be under the supervision of a certified operator training instructor, and the school district sponsoring the training program must have appropriate auto insurance to cover you. Again, you must be at least 14 years old to be eligible for this behind-the-wheel training.

A) Ace a Few DMV Practice Permit Tests

Before you take the ND Department of Transportation written permit exam, take multiple online practice permit tests to prepare. Sample test questions cover topics you’ll find on the actual ND exam.

In addition to passing some practice tests, thoroughly study the North Dakota Rules of the Road until you feel prepared enough to breeze through the actual Department of Transportation learner’s permit test.

B) Gather Required Documents and Permit Fees

Make sure you have the following in check for your visit to the North Dakota DOT driver licensing office to take your written examination and visual screen test.

• Proof of current name and date of birth; check the state’s full list of acceptable forms of identification

• Permit fees

C) Take the Written ND Permit Test

With the above requirements in hand, go to a nearby North Dakota DOT driver licensing office to take your written exam. Once you pass, you’ll receive an instruction permit valid for one year.

Recent Successes