How to Apply for a Learner's Permit

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Find information about how to apply for a learner's permit, including where to apply, what documents to bring, what to study, and how much it costs. This page also details the licensing requirements for different age groups.

Apply for a Learner's Permit

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Apply for a Learner's Permit
  1. You can apply in person at a North Dakota Driver License Site, or you can take the knowledge test online.
  2. In order to obtain a ND Learner's Permit, you must provide proof of identity and address.
  3. Complete an application. All ND applications require you to provide your physical North Dakota address.
  4. All applications for permits, licenses, or identification cards must contain a Social Security number.
    • Social Security numbers will be verified with the Social Security Administration. However, they will not be used as the driver license or identification card number.
  5. Successfully complete the Rules of the Road knowledge test.
  6. Successfully complete a vision screening.
  7. If you are under the age of 18, you will need a sponsor's signature for approval and financial liability before a learner's permit will be issued to you.

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Licensing Requirements

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Licensing Requirements

Steps to Become Licensed

  • Must hold a valid learner’s permit for at least one year (six months if you received a permit prior to January 1, 2012).
  • Must complete an acceptable formal driver's education course.
  • Must complete 50 hours of practice driving in variable conditions. (Not applicable to those who received a permit prior to January 1, 2012.)
  • Must successfully complete a road test through the state to become fully licensed.

Restrictions While Operating on a Learner’s Permit

  • Must be accompanied by a supervisor driver in the front seat.
  • May not operate an electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle.
  • May only operate a vehicle owned by a parent, guardian, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle unless in a vehicle equipped with dual controls and accompanied by a licensed driver trainer.
  • May not have more passengers than the motor vehicle is designed to carry.

Restrictions While Operating on a Restricted Class D License

  • May not operate a motor vehicle between sunset or 9 p.m. (whichever is later) and 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver is in the front seat or the vehicle is being driven directly to or from work, an official school activity or a religious activity.

Steps to Become Licensed

  • Must hold a valid learner’s permit for at least six months.
  • Must complete a road test through the state to become fully licensed.

Restrictions While Operating on a Learner’s Permit

  • Must be accompanied by a supervising driver.
  • May not operate an electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle.

Steps to Become Licensed

  • Must complete a road test through the state to become fully licensed.

Restrictions while Operating on a Learner’s Permit

  • Must be accompanied by a supervising driver.

FAQs

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FAQs

In order to obtain a North Dakota Learner’s Permit, you will be required to successfully complete the knowledge test. Visit a ND Driver License Site to review a copy of the Rules of the Road manual, or consult the Online Study Guide.

The Non-Commercial Knowledge Test is offered in the following languages:

  • Arabic - العربية
  • Chinese - 中国人
  • Dari - دری
  • English
  • French - Français
  • Nepali - नेपाली
  • Pashto - پښتو
  • Russian - Русский
  • Serb Croatian - српски хрватски - srpsko-hrvatski
  • Spanish - Español
  • Somali - Soomaali
  • Swahili - Kiswahili
  • Turkish - Türkçe
  • Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt

Automated American Sign Language and Audio Testing is available at the Fargo, Jamestown, Bismarck, Dickinson, Williston, Minot, Devils Lake, and Grand Forks Driver License Offices.

  • Knowledge Test: $5 per attempt (one attempt allowed per day)
  • Permit: $15
  • Road Test: $5

See ND Driver License Sites for locations, days and hours of operation, and phone numbers.