DMV North Dakota · Fees, age, and practice test
North Dakota Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Start the free North Dakota practice testSourced procedural facts for North Dakota DMV, plus a free 205-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the North Dakota permit test cost?
$5 per knowledge-test attempt under NDDOT’s published fee schedule.
- Learner permit / application fee: $15 for a noncommercial learner permit.
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $5 per knowledge-test attempt under NDDOT’s published fee schedule.
- Initial driver license fee: $15 for a noncommercial license; road testing is a separate $5 fee.
Source: North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 205-question North Dakota practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Your 3-stage North Dakota study path
- Stage 1: Study the sheets. Read the North Dakota cheat sheet for signs, numbers, and must-know rules.
- Stage 2: Drill topics. Run the free North Dakota practice test with instant explanations until weak topics turn green.
- Stage 3: Simulate the exam. Take the timed exam simulator under real test conditions.
North Dakota verified practice bank · 205 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
Before your North Dakota knowledge test
Cost details
- One knowledge-test attempt is allowed per day; the later road test costs $5. Official cost source
Before you apply
These notes cover selected application steps. Check the linked official instructions for the full requirements for your situation.
- Prepare proof of identity and address, your physical North Dakota address and Social Security number. Official application instructions
- Choose an in-person or online knowledge test; permit issuance also requires vision screening and a sponsor signature if under 18. Official application instructions
Cost and application notes checked .
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
14 years old
Knowledge test fee
$5 per knowledge-test attempt under NDDOT’s published fee schedule.
Permit fee
$15 for a noncommercial learner permit.
Initial license fee
$15 for a noncommercial license; road testing is a separate $5 fee.
Retake fee
$5 per knowledge-test attempt; one attempt per day.
Retake wait after failing
One attempt allowed per day; must wait until the next day to retest
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours of practice driving in variable conditions required for ages 14-15 before the road test
Documents to bring
Proof of identity/DOB/legal presence (e.g. birth certificate or passport), proof of ND residential address, Social Security number, parent/guardian signature if under 18
Find an office / appointment
Driver License Sites listing; most regional sites are by appointment only (no walk-ins), scheduled online at dot.nd.gov or by calling 1-855-633-6835.
REAL ID status
REAL ID is optional (opt-in); requires documents from all 4 checklist categories (identity and legal presence, name changes, SSN, and ND residence address); obtained at Driver License Sites statewide.
Motorcycle license
Minimum age 14 for motorcycle permit; requires knowledge test and skills test, though MSF Basic Rider Course completion waives the road test.
Commercial license (CDL)
21 for interstate CDL; 18-20 for intrastate; 16 for custom harvesting-restricted CDL. Requires DOT medical cert, knowledge and road skills tests.
Official source: North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official North Dakota Department of Transportation, Drivers License Division site.
How much is the North Dakota permit test?
North Dakota knowledge test fee: $5 per knowledge-test attempt under NDDOT’s published fee schedule. (official source). Permit fee: $15 for a noncommercial learner permit. (official source).
North Dakota DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | $5 per knowledge-test attempt under NDDOT’s published fee schedule. | source |
| Permit fee | $15 for a noncommercial learner permit. | source |
| Initial license fee | $15 for a noncommercial license; road testing is a separate $5 fee. | source |
| Retake fee | $5 per knowledge-test attempt; one attempt per day. | source |
Studying for it? Take the free North Dakota DMV practice test (205 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a North Dakota driver license covers
Initial license fee: $15 for a noncommercial license; road testing is a separate $5 fee. (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID is optional (opt-in); requires documents from all 4 checklist categories (identity and legal presence, name changes, SSN, and ND residence address); obtained at Driver License Sites statewide. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official North Dakota DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in North Dakota
Getting your first permit
In North Dakota, the minimum permit age is 14 years old. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: proof of identity/DOB/legal presence (e.g. birth certificate or passport), proof of ND residential address, Social Security number, parent/guardian signature if under 18. Driver License Sites listing; most regional sites are by appointment only (no walk-ins), scheduled online at dot.nd.gov or by calling 1-855-633-6835.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
$5 per knowledge-test attempt under NDDOT’s published fee schedule. If you fail the knowledge test: one attempt allowed per day; must wait until the next day to retest. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of practice driving in variable conditions required for ages 14-15 before the road test.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID is optional (opt-in); requires documents from all 4 checklist categories (identity and legal presence, name changes, SSN, and ND residence address); obtained at Driver License Sites statewide. For a motorcycle license: minimum age 14 for motorcycle permit; requires knowledge test and skills test, though MSF Basic Rider Course completion waives the road test. For a commercial license (CDL): 21 for interstate CDL; 18-20 for intrastate; 16 for custom harvesting-restricted CDL. Requires DOT medical cert, knowledge and road skills tests.
The North Dakota bank has 205 questions across 8 topics
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable North Dakota checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 18 free lessons that boil the North Dakota driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
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