North Dakota Permit Test: Knowledge Test Format, Languages and Retakes
What is on the North Dakota permit test, and what happens if you fail?
The North Dakota permit test is the Rules of the Road knowledge test. State law says it covers highway signs and North Dakota traffic laws, and you must also pass a vision screening. At a Driver License Site, it costs $5 per attempt, with one attempt per day, in 14 languages. If you fail, you can try again on a later day for another $5.
Where the North Dakota permit test facts come from
The test steps, fees, languages and study tools come from the NDDOT learner's permit page. The test-day rules come from the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual (2025-2027). The exam content, the language rule and the $10 online fee come from North Dakota Century Code chapter 39-06. The NDDOT Driver License, Driver License Sites, Driver Education, Drivers from Other Nations and manual pages add the appointment, online test, road test and manual edition details. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (dot.nd.gov) before you drive.
What the North Dakota knowledge test covers
For a Class D instruction permit, you take the Rules of the Road knowledge test. NDDOT also calls the permit a learner's permit. State law says the exam tests your eyesight, your ability to read and understand highway signs that regulate, warn and direct traffic, and your knowledge of North Dakota traffic laws.
You must also pass a vision screening before NDDOT issues the permit. Our free question on the tests required for a permit shows how the two steps fit together.
North Dakota permit test and permit fees
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test at a Driver License Site | $5 per attempt | One attempt per day |
| Online knowledge test | $10 (state law) | Check the price on the online test site before you pay |
| Class D instruction permit | $15 | Separate from the test fee |
Where to take the North Dakota permit test: office or online
Who can take the North Dakota permit test and what to bring
- Any North Dakota resident who is at least 14 years old can apply for a Class D instruction permit.
- If you are under 18, a parent, legal guardian or designated person signs approval and sponsorship on the application. NDDOT needs this sponsor signature for approval and financial liability before it issues the permit.
- Bring proof of identity and address. The application needs your physical North Dakota address and a Social Security number.
Languages for the North Dakota permit test
The Class D knowledge test is offered in 14 languages: English, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, French, Nepali, Pashto, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Somali, Swahili, Turkish and Vietnamese. State law says the written part must be available in any widely practiced language, except the writing on sign illustrations.
The road test is different. NDDOT gives all road tests entirely in English.
North Dakota knowledge test day rules
- Leave children, pets, backpacks, purses, paper, pens, pencils, markers, notebooks, cell phones and other electronic devices out of the knowledge testing area. Medical alert and service animals are allowed.
- If you bring a banned item into the testing area, you get a failed score.
- If you leave the testing area before you finish the test, you also get a failed score.
Retaking the North Dakota permit test after you fail
If you fail the North Dakota knowledge test, you cannot take it again the same day. At a Driver License Site, NDDOT allows one knowledge test attempt per day, and each attempt costs $5. To retest, make a new appointment for a later day and pay the $5 fee again.
How to study for the North Dakota knowledge test
- Study the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, 2025-2027 English edition. It is the basic reference for the written exam.
- Spend most time on the manual chapters "Signs, Signals, and Road Markings" and "Rules of the Road", because the exam tests signs and traffic laws.
- You can also use the NDDOT Online Study Guide, or read the manual at a Driver License Site.
- The Spanish manual and the audio version on the NDDOT page are the older 2023-2025 editions. Check rule changes in the English manual.
- Practice with our free questions (in English only), such as the one on where to stop at a stop sign. They are practice questions, not official test questions.
- After you pass, learn the instruction permit rules: who must ride with you and how long you hold the permit.
Key takeaways
- The North Dakota permit test is the Rules of the Road knowledge test, and you also pass a vision screening.
- At a Driver License Site, the test costs $5 per attempt, with one attempt per day. State law sets $10 for the online test. The permit costs $15.
- You can test in 14 languages. The road test is in English only.
- A banned item in the testing area, or leaving before you finish, gives a failed score.
- Next step: practice on the free North Dakota practice test.
North Dakota permit test: common questions
Can I take the North Dakota permit test in Spanish?
Yes. Spanish is one of the 14 languages of the Class D knowledge test. The Spanish manual on the NDDOT page is the 2023-2025 edition, and NDDOT says the 2025-2027 Spanish edition will be available soon. Until then, check rule changes in the English 2025-2027 manual before you test.
Can I take the North Dakota permit test in sign language or with audio?
Yes, at eight offices. 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. Make an appointment at one of these sites online or at 1-855-633-6835.
Can I use my phone during the North Dakota knowledge test?
No. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the knowledge testing area, and bringing one in gives you a failed score. You are responsible for putting your phone, bag and notes in a safe place before the test starts.
What if I am late for my North Dakota knowledge test?
You may not be allowed to test. Arrive no later than one hour before closing. All sites close from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., except Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo, so at the other sites also arrive no later than one hour before noon.
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