What You Need to Know Before You Start
North Dakota issues three types of driver's licenses: a Class D for regular passenger vehicles, a Class M for motorcycles, and a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) for trucks and buses. Most new drivers start with a Class D. The process moves through three stages: a learner's permit, a written test, and a road test. You cannot skip steps or test out of the learner's permit phase, no matter how much driving experience you have.
The entire process typically takes several months because North Dakota requires you to hold your learner's permit for a minimum of 14 days before you can take the road test. If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before retesting. The state also has different rules depending on your age — teenagers face more restrictions than adults, and the restrictions ease as you get older.
Key Takeaways
- You must get a learner's permit first, pass a written test, hold the permit for at least 14 days, then pass a road test to receive your Class D license.
- North Dakota requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and North Dakota residency before you can test for anything.
- Teenagers under 16 cannot get a learner's permit in North Dakota; the earliest age is 14 for a restricted permit if you are enrolled in a driver's education course.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
- Road tests are scheduled through your local driver's license exam station and typically cost between $10 and $20.
Age Requirements and When You Can Start
In North Dakota, you must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit, but only if you are currently enrolled in a driver's education course offered by a school or approved provider. If you are not in a driver's education program, you must wait until you are 16 to explore for a learner's permit.
Once you turn 16, you can get a learner's permit without being in a course. At 16 and 6 months, you become may be able to access for a Class D license if you have held your permit for at least 14 days and passed the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can skip the learner's permit stage entirely and go straight to the written and road tests, though most people still get a permit first to practice.
Getting Your Learner's Permit
To explore for a learner's permit, visit your local North Dakota driver's license exam station with proof of identity, your Social Security number, and proof of North Dakota residency. Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and address.
You will take a written test covering North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly (80 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back later. Once you pass, you receive your learner's permit when ready. The permit is valid for one year and costs around $10.
With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you must follow all traffic laws. The 14-day waiting period begins the day you receive your permit.
Preparing for and Taking the Road Test
After holding your learner's permit for at least 14 days, you can schedule your road test at your local exam station. Call ahead or visit in person to book an appointment; wait times vary by location but are usually available within a few weeks. Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use during the test.
The road test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the exam station. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must demonstrate that you can control the vehicle safely and obey all road signs and signals. Common reasons people fail include rolling through stop signs, improper lane changes, and hitting the curb during parking.
If you pass, you receive your Class D license on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test after one day has passed. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though each attempt costs money (typically $10 to $20 per test).
Documents You Need to Bring
North Dakota requires specific documents at each stage. For your learner's permit, bring a document proving your identity (birth certificate, passport, or state ID), your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, and proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease.
For your road test, bring your learner's permit, the same identity document you used for the permit, and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive during the test. The vehicle itself must be registered and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins.
License Renewal and Restrictions for Teenagers
Once you receive your Class D license, it is valid for eight years if you are 18 or older, or four years if you are under 18. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at an exam station. Renewal costs around $30 to $40.
If you received your license before age 18, North Dakota places restrictions on your driving until you turn 18. You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even for hands-free calls. These restrictions lift automatically when you turn 18; you do not need to explore for anything.
Getting a Motorcycle License (Class M)
To ride a motorcycle in North Dakota, you need a Class M license or an endorsement added to your Class D license. You must be at least 16 years old. The process is similar to getting a Class D: you get a learner's permit, pass a written test, and pass a road test on a motorcycle.
The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules and safety. The road test takes place on a closed course and includes tasks like figure-eights, quick stops, and swerving. If you do not own a motorcycle, some exam stations allow you to use a school motorcycle for the test, though you should call ahead to confirm. Alternatively, you can take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course, which may waive the road test requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?
If you are 14 and homeschooled, you can get a learner's permit only if you are enrolled in an approved driver's education course. The course does not have to be through a traditional school — many private providers and online courses are approved by North Dakota. Check with your local exam station for a list of approved courses in your area.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can test. Each attempt costs money, so practicing with your learner's permit before retesting is a good idea. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can focus on those areas.
Can I renew my license online?
Yes, if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions that require an in-person exam. You can renew online through the North Dakota Department of Transportation website. If your license is expired or you need to update your address, you may need to visit an exam station in person.
Do I need insurance to take the road test?
Yes. You must bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use during the test. The vehicle itself must be insured and registered. If you do not own a vehicle, ask the exam station whether you can use a school or borrowed vehicle — you will still need proof of insurance for that vehicle.
What is the difference between a Class D and a Class M license?
A Class D license allows you to drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans. A Class M license allows you to ride motorcycles. You can have both at the same time. A Class M is added as an endorsement to your Class D, not as a separate license.