How many questions are on the North Dakota permit test?

The North Dakota written permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

What's the passing score for the North Dakota written test?

You must get at least 20 correct answers out of 25 (80%) to pass the North Dakota written knowledge test.

How much does the North Dakota written knowledge test cost?

The North Dakota written knowledge test costs $5 per attempt, with one attempt allowed per day.

How old do I have to be to take the North Dakota permit test?

You must be at least 14 years old to apply for an instruction permit in North Dakota. If you're under 18, you need written permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Can I take the North Dakota DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, North Dakota offers written tests in 12 languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Nepali, Serbo-Croatian, Swahili, Turkish, and Vietnamese. You can request your preferred language when applying for your test appointment.

How many times can I retake the North Dakota written test?

You can retake the North Dakota written test as many times as needed until you pass. You must wait until the next business day before retaking if you fail. Each attempt costs $5.

Is the North Dakota permit test online or in person?

The North Dakota permit test is administered in person at NDDOT Driver License Sites throughout the state. You cannot take the test online; you must visit a physical location to complete the exam.

What documents do I need to bring to the North Dakota DMV?

You'll need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and a completed application form. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide written consent. Original documents are required; bring certified copies if you don't have originals.

North Dakota DMV Practice Test

The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) oversees driver licensing and testing through its Driver License division. North Dakota's permit system is part of the state's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, designed to build safe driving skills progressively. The written knowledge test is the first critical step in obtaining an instruction permit, evaluating your understanding of North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and vehicle operation. North Dakota allows testing in 12 different languages and offers flexible options for retesting. The state's approach emphasizes thorough preparation, with ample opportunities to demonstrate knowledge before moving to the driving test portion.

Available North Dakota practice tests

What's on the North Dakota written test

When you take the North Dakota written knowledge test, you'll visit a NDDOT Driver License Site or testing location. After checking in and verifying your identity, you'll be directed to a testing station where you'll complete the 25-question exam on a computer. The test covers material from the North Dakota Driver's Handbook and typically takes 15-30 minutes. Questions focus on traffic laws, road sign recognition, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices in North Dakota weather conditions, and vehicle equipment. After passing the written test, you may proceed to your road test appointment if scheduled. The testing environment is quiet and professional, with test proctors available to answer procedural questions but not test-related ones. You should plan for your entire visit to take about an hour, including check-in and any processing.

Car / standard license

The North Dakota written knowledge test for the instruction permit consists of 25 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80% passing score). The test costs $5 per attempt, with one attempt allowed per day. You can retake the test as many times as needed; the standard waiting period is until the next business day. Teen drivers ages 14 and 15 must hold an instruction permit for a minimum period (12 months at age 14, or until age 16/6 months for age 15) and complete 50 hours of supervised driving. An adult applicant ages 18+ must pass the written test to obtain their instruction permit.

Motorcycle endorsement

The North Dakota motorcycle knowledge test has 25 multiple-choice questions and requires an 80% passing score. The cost is $5 per attempt with one attempt per day allowed. If you have a Class D permit or license, the motorcycle license fee is $8. Without a Class D license, it's $15. The on-road motorcycle exam also costs $5. Completion of a motorcycle safety course can waive both the written and skills tests if completed within 24 months prior to your application.

Commercial driver license (CDL)

The North Dakota CDL program requires passing a general knowledge test ($5 per attempt) plus additional tests for specific endorsements. Available endorsements include Hazardous Material (H), School Bus (S), Passenger (P), Tank Vehicle (N), and Combination Vehicles (T), each costing $3. The commercial learner's permit is $15 ($20 for non-domiciled). The road test is $5. North Dakota does not classify airbrakes as an endorsement but restricts CDLs accordingly for those without proper airbrake training.

Study tips for the North Dakota written test

Download and thoroughly study the official North Dakota Driver's Handbook from the NDDOT website—it's the authoritative source for test content
Focus on North Dakota-specific winter driving conditions, as they are heavily emphasized in the state's test questions
Review the 12 road sign categories and practice identifying signs by shape, color, and meaning
Use free online practice tests from the NDDOT or third-party providers to familiarize yourself with the computer-based testing format
Take practice tests repeatedly until you score 80% or higher consistently before scheduling your actual test
Study the supervised driving requirements specific to your age group, as they vary significantly for ages 14 versus 15
If you're struggling, consider taking the optional North Dakota driver's education course, which provides comprehensive preparation
If English is not your first language, North Dakota tests are available in 12 languages including Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese

More North Dakota resources

Official agency: North Dakota Department of Transportation, Driver License Division.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the North Dakota permit test?: The North Dakota written permit test has 25 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
What's the passing score for the North Dakota written test?: You must get at least 20 correct answers out of 25 (80%) to pass the North Dakota written knowledge test.
How much does the North Dakota written knowledge test cost?: The North Dakota written knowledge test costs $5 per attempt, with one attempt allowed per day.
How old do I have to be to take the North Dakota permit test?: You must be at least 14 years old to apply for an instruction permit in North Dakota. If you're under 18, you need written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Can I take the North Dakota DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, North Dakota offers written tests in 12 languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Nepali, Serbo-Croatian, Swahili, Turkish, and Vietnamese. You can request your preferred language when applying for your test appointment.
How many times can I retake the North Dakota written test?: You can retake the North Dakota written test as many times as needed until you pass. You must wait until the next business day before retaking if you fail. Each attempt costs $5.
Is the North Dakota permit test online or in person?: The North Dakota permit test is administered in person at NDDOT Driver License Sites throughout the state. You cannot take the test online; you must visit a physical location to complete the exam.
What documents do I need to bring to the North Dakota DMV?: You'll need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill), and a completed application form. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must provide written consent. Original documents are required; bring certified copies if you don't have originals.