US driving theory test practice

North Dakota DMV Cheat Sheet

A condensed study guide for the NDDOT written knowledge test — test logistics, plus the North Dakota-specific rules most likely to differ from what you already know. This isn't a substitute for the official North Dakota driver's manual, or for practicing the real questions. Looking for the core rules and signs that apply everywhere, not just North Dakota? Check the general driving theory cheat sheet instead.

25Questions
80%To Pass
The manual doesn't print a license or permit fee schedule.Fee

North Dakota-Specific Rules

Minor & Provisional Licensing

  • Instruction Permit: at least 14, pass knowledge and vision tests; under 18 needs a parent, legal guardian, or approved sponsor's signature.
  • Supervising passenger: valid license for the vehicle class, at least eighteen years old, at least three years of driving experience, seated beside the permit holder.
  • Hold period: an applicant age 14 or 15 holds the permit 12 months or until turning 16 (never less than six months); a 16- or 17-year-old holds it six months or until turning 18.
  • Under-16 permit holders need 50 hours of supervised practice driving, certified by a parent/guardian at the road test site.
  • Road test waiver (age 15+): certificate showing 30 hours classroom + 6 hours behind-the-wheel training.
  • At 15, a restricted Class D license only allows driving a parent's, guardian's, grandparent's, sibling's, aunt's, or uncle's vehicle.
  • At 15, curfew is the later of sunset or 9pm to 5am unsupervised, except direct travel to work, school activities, or religious activities.
  • At 16, the restricted Class D license automatically transitions to an unrestricted license.
  • Total electronic device ban while driving applies to any Instruction Permit holder (any age) and any licensed driver under 18.

Licensing Procedure & Documents

  • New residents (90+ consecutive days) may drive on an out-of-state Class D/M license for only 60 days before a North Dakota license is required.
  • CDL (Class A/B/C) drivers only get 30 days to get a North Dakota CDL after establishing residency.
  • Proof of residence requires two current documents showing a physical address -- P.O. boxes are not acceptable.
  • Licenses can be renewed up to 10 months before expiration with no loss of remaining time; a vision test or recent vision certificate is required every renewal.
  • The knowledge test can be taken online immediately at nd.knowtodrive.com, but an office appointment is still needed to get the physical permit.
  • Testing area bans children, pets, bags, paper, and electronics -- bringing any in, or leaving early, is an automatic fail.
  • A duplicate license is needed if the original is lost, wrong, or unreadable; a name/DOB change needs documentary proof.
  • A temporary vehicle registration permit (six or 12 months) carries a $10 service fee each time it's purchased or renewed.

Rules of the Road

  • Rural Interstate speed limit is 80 mph unless posted otherwise; divided multi-lane highways are capped at 70 mph.
  • 20 mph limit applies approaching a railway crossing or intersection with an obstructed view, unless posted otherwise.
  • Stop from both directions for a school bus with flashing red lights, until it moves again or the lights stop.
  • Texting while driving is illegal for anyone and carries a $100 fine -- lighter than the total device ban for permit holders/under-18 drivers.
  • Seat belts required in every seating position; violation is a $25 fine plus one point.
  • Children under 8 need a child restraint, unless already at least 57 inches tall, when a seat belt satisfies the law.
  • No drinking alcohol in a vehicle for driver or passenger; open containers need an unbroken seal or must go in the trunk.
  • U-turns are banned near the crest of a hill or on a curve with less than 500 feet of visibility.

DUI & Alcohol Laws

  • Legally under the influence at .08% BAC (21+) or .02% BAC (under 21).
  • First DUI administrative suspension: 91 days, rising to 180 days if the alcohol concentration was .18% or greater.
  • Refusing a chemical test or roadside PBT: 180 days to 3 years license revocation, same range either way.
  • A temporary restricted license needs 30 days served on suspension, or just 14 days in the 24/7 Sobriety Program.
  • First DUI conviction: $500 fine, or $750+ and two days jail if the alcohol concentration was .16% or greater; fourth or subsequent conviction: $2,000 and one year and one day jail.
  • Driving on an alcohol-related suspension: mandatory minimum 4 days jail plus up to a $1,000 fine.
  • Minor in possession: anyone under 21 is banned from purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcohol, driving or not.
  • Causing serious injury while DUI adds 90 days jail; causing death adds a full additional year.

Vehicle, Insurance & License Actions

  • Uninsured driving: $150 first violation, $300 second+ within three years, plus a full year of required proof and a $50 restricted duplicate license.
  • Point system: 12 points triggers a seven-day suspension; each point above 11 adds another seven days.
  • Points reduce by one point per violation-free three-month period, or by three points at once via an approved driver improvement course (once per 12 months).
  • A driver improvement course can replace points instead of removing them, but only for violations worth five points or fewer, once every 12 months.
  • Littering on a public highway carries a $500 fine.
  • Vehicles must be registered immediately upon the owner/operator becoming a resident or gainfully employed in North Dakota, and must carry liability insurance.
  • Motorized bicycle operators must be at least fourteen years old with a qualifying license/permit; riders under 18 need an approved safety helmet.
Want the core rules and road signs that apply everywhere, not just North Dakota?General cheat sheet →

Rules and fees change — always confirm current details with NDDOT before your exam. Cheat sheet v1.0, last checked 2026-08-07.