North Dakota permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost

North Dakota permit test questions, answered with facts from the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

The North Dakota rules of the Road knowledge test (Class D noncommercial instruction permit) has a signs, signals and road markings section, a rules of the road section, a driving skills and emergency situations section, a drinking, drugs and driving section and a pedestrian traffic and recreational vehicles section, per the North Dakota Department of Transportation; questions come from the official North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D) (revised 2025).

Practice format (commonly reported): The North Dakota Department of Transportation does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 25 questions with 20 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.

The North Dakota rules of the road knowledge test in brief

How many questions are on the North Dakota permit test?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation does not publish the number of questions; the test is commonly reported as 25 questions with 20 correct (80%) to pass, and our practice tests use that format.

What is the pass mark for the North Dakota permit test?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation does not publish a pass mark for the North Dakota rules of the road knowledge test. It is commonly reported as 20 of 25 (80%), and our practice tests use that mark.

Is the North Dakota permit test hard?

You need 20 of 25 (80%) to pass, so in the commonly reported 25-question format you can get at most 5 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D) (revised 2025) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.

How much does the North Dakota permit test cost?

$5 — Knowledge test per attempt, per the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Is there a free North Dakota permit practice test for 2026?

Yes. This site has 2 free North Dakota rules of the road knowledge test practice tests for 2026, each with 25 questions and the commonly reported pass mark of 20 of 25 (80%), plus a free road-sign quiz.

Time limit, retakes, age and ID

How long is the North Dakota permit test?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation does not publish a time limit for the North Dakota rules of the road knowledge test.

Can I retake the North Dakota permit test if I fail?

Learner's permit page: 'one attempt allowed per day'. Manual: 'If you fail any of the tests, you will not be allowed to retake the examination the same day.' Online test (KnowTo Drive FAQ): 'If you fail, you can retake the test after 24 hours.' In-office: $5 per attempt, one attempt per day; no cap published. Online: 'If you fail five times, you can retake the test after a year'; 'If you were disqualified, you can retake the test after 7 days.' Manual: 'You will receive a failed test score if you bring any of these items into the testing area' (phones, bags, paper etc.) and 'if you leave the knowledge testing area before your test is completed.' Applicants must arrive at least one hour before closing (or before noon at offices that close for lunch).

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

The minimum age is 14, per the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

What do I need to bring to the North Dakota permit test?

Learner's permit page: 'you must provide proof of identity and address' (ID Checklist); 'All applications for permits, licenses, or identification cards must contain a Social Security number'; 'Successfully complete a vision screening'; '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.' Manual: proof of current name, date of birth and legal presence (e.g. state-certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport or passport card); proof of Social Security number (card, W-2, SSA-1099, non-SSA-1099 or pay stub); two proofs of North Dakota residence address; 'All applicants must be at least 14 years of age. Applicants under 18 years of age must have parent or legal guardian approval and sponsorship' (guardianship papers required); 'You will not be allowed to test or obtain a North Dakota permit, license, or non- driver identification card without proper identification.'

Which handbook is the North Dakota permit test based on?

The official North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D) (revised 2025). You can read it on the official site.

Official source: North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), Driver License Division. Handbook: North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D).

Start the free North Dakota rules of the road knowledge test practice test 1 · Road-sign quiz

Last updated October 13, 2026.

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