How to get a North Dakota Driver's License
- North Dakota Driver's License Guidelines
- How to Prepare for the Written Exam
- Required ID and Paperwork
ND Driver's License Rules and Requirements
Find out the steps to get your drivers license, pass your DMV written test, replace your out-of-state license and the required paperwork to bring to the DMV office to get your driver's license.
Try Sample Test!All applicants need to be familiar with the North Dakota Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
Get your ND Driver's Permit
You must be at least 16 years of age to apply for a North Dakota Drivers License.
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a North Dakota learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test and vision test to receive a ND drivers license.
14 or 15 years old must hold the instruction permit for 12 months or to the age of 16, whichever comes first; but no less than 6 months prior to completing the road test for an operator's license.
Individuals who are 16 or 17 must hold the instruction permit for 6 months or to the age of 18, whichever comes first, prior to completing the road test for an operator's license.
Prepare for the Written Knowledge Test
All new drivers are encouraged to study for this driver education exam so you don't miss the opportunity to get your learners permit as soon as you reach the approved age. Online practice tests are available that provide real sample questions from the DMV Exam - Take the North Dakota practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
New North Dakota Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a North Dakota driver's license within 60 days of establishing a permanent residence in ND. When heading to the DOT, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
The written exam and vision test are required to change a valid out-of-state license to a ND driver's license, however the road skills test may be waived at the discretion of the examiner.
If your out-of-state driver's license is more than 12 months expired, you will be required to apply for a license as a new driver and pass all required testing.
International Drivers
North Dakota honors a valid foreign driver's license with an international driving permit for a period of 90 days. After living in the State for 90 consecutive days you will be deemed a resident of North Dakota for the purpose of driver licensing and be required to apply for a ND license.
Required Paperwork
Before you head to the North Dakota DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your new:
- Intermediate Driver's License (15 years of age) valid for 4 years.
- Full driver's license (16 and older) valid for 4 years.
Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
