Free North Dakota DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

Study this first

Most-missed North Dakota DMV rules

These are the numbers and rules that trip up new drivers most often on the real North Dakota knowledge test. Every fact below comes from our free North Dakota DMV practice test question bank, which has 180 questions across 8 topics.

Speed limits

The manual notes these figures are maximums for ideal conditions, meaning drivers must slow further in poor weather, traffic, or visibility.
NDCC 39-09-02(1)(i) sets 80 mph as the rural interstate speed limit on access-controlled, paved, divided multilane interstate highways unless otherwise posted.
NDCC 39-09-02(1)(h) sets 70 mph as the presumptive limit on paved, divided multilane highways that are not access-controlled interstates.
NDCC 39-09-02(1)(g) allows 65 mph on paved two-lane highways only if that speed is specifically posted.
NDCC 39-09-02(1)(f) sets 55 mph as the default limit on gravel, dirt, or loose-surface highways and on unposted paved two-lane county/township highways.
NDCC 39-09-02(1)(e) sets 25 mph as the default limit in any business district, residence district, or public park unless otherwise posted.
NDCC 39-09-04.1(1) caps vehicles with solid rubber tires at a maximum of 10 mph statewide.
NDCC 39-09-07.1 allows a regular speed zone to drop by no more than 20 mph between two signs, while construction zones may drop by up to 30 mph between two signs.
NDCC 39-09-03 allows local authorities to raise a speed limit in an urban district but never above 55 mph, with no more than six speed alterations per mile of roadway.
Per the ND driver manual, violating a construction/work-zone speed limit while workers are present carries an $80 minimum fee.

Right of way

The standard rule at uncontrolled intersections is that the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right.
Merging traffic from a ramp must yield to vehicles already traveling on the roadway.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians in their lane of travel at crosswalks, whether or not the crosswalk has painted markings.
Pedestrians crossing outside of a crosswalk are required to yield to vehicle traffic on the roadway.
Do not cut through or break up a funeral procession. Slow down, be patient, and let it pass. Cutting between the vehicles is unsafe and often illegal.
At an uncontrolled intersection, slow down and yield to any car already in the intersection or approaching from your right.
A left-turning vehicle must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians. Only turn when the gap is safe.
When entering a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and travel counterclockwise. Exit at your street; do not stop in the middle of the circle.
At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends must yield to traffic on the through road that continues.
A round green light allows a left turn but does not give you the right of way. Pull into the intersection, yield to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians, then turn when there is a safe gap.

Alcohol and DUI

A BAC of 0.08 percent or greater is the legal impairment threshold for drivers 21 and older.
While adults face a 0.08% BAC threshold, drivers under 21 face a near-zero tolerance threshold of just 0.02%.
A first DUI offense within 7 years carries a 91 day license suspension, which jumps to 180 days if alcohol concentration is 0.18% or greater.
Refusing a chemical test or PBT triggers an automatic revocation of 180 days to 3 years under North Dakota's implied consent law.
A first DUI conviction carries a mandatory $500 fine, rising to at least $750 plus 2 days imprisonment if AC is 0.16% or greater.
Driving while suspended or revoked following an alcohol-related violation carries a mandatory minimum of 4 days in jail plus a fine up to $1,000.

Signals and markings

Traditional hand signals use an arm bent downward with the palm facing backward to indicate stopping or slowing, alongside the straight-out arm for a left turn.
Hand signals remain a legally valid backup to electric signals; a straight, extended left arm signals a left turn.
Headlights are legally required not just at night but any time weather conditions significantly reduce visibility.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully through the intersection, unlike a dark signal which is treated as a stop.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicates no passing is permitted from your side of the road.
A dashed yellow center line indicates passing is generally permitted when it can be done safely, unlike a solid yellow line.
The manual requires dimming high beams for oncoming traffic to avoid blinding other drivers.
A red flashing light is treated like a stop sign: stop, then yield to vehicles already in or entering the intersection.
The truck apron is a raised, paved area only meant for large truck wheels; ordinary vehicles should never drive on it.
A flashing yellow signal means drivers may proceed but should slow down and use extra caution.
A flashing red signal requires a full stop, after which the driver may proceed when it's safe, just as at a stop sign.
A flashing red signal functions like a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
When a signal is dark or malfunctioning, drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop, coming to a full stop and yielding to the vehicle on the right if both arrive at the same time.
A flashing yellow arrow is a permissive signal allowing a left turn, but only after yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians/cyclists in the crosswalk.
A flashing yellow light warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a flashing red which requires a full stop.
A flashing red signal functions the same as a stop sign, requiring drivers to come to a complete stop before proceeding when safe.
A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline means you may not cross it to pass; passing is prohibited from that side.
A green arrow grants a protected right of way to complete that turn without yielding to opposing traffic.
A law enforcement officer's directions override traffic signals, so drivers must obey the officer even if it means stopping on a green light.
A flashing yellow signal is a caution indicator meaning drivers may proceed but should do so carefully.
A flashing yellow signal warns drivers to slow down and proceed carefully, unlike a solid red which requires a full stop.
Even on a green arrow, a driver must yield to other vehicles already lawfully in the intersection.
A steady yellow light warns the signal is about to turn red; drivers should stop safely if possible or proceed with caution if too close to stop.
A dashed yellow line means passing is allowed when there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic, unlike a solid yellow line.
A solid yellow line on your side of the center marking indicates passing is prohibited from that direction due to limited sight distance or other hazards.
A flashing yellow light means slow down, look, and proceed carefully. It does NOT require a full stop the way a red light or STOP sign does.
A flashing hand or countdown means do NOT start crossing. If you are already in the crosswalk, keep going and finish crossing safely.
A steady DON'T WALK hand prohibits starting to cross. Only a WALK signal or walking-person symbol allows you to begin crossing.
Always signal continuously through a turn or lane change even when you see no other cars, because pedestrians or cyclists may be near. Cancel the signal after you finish.
A green downward arrow means the lane is open for you to use. A red X above the lane means it is closed and you may not drive in it.
Double solid yellow lines separate opposing directions and prohibit passing. You may only cross them for a permitted left turn or a legal U-turn into an intersection or driveway.
A broken yellow line on your side of the lane allows passing when it is safe. The solid line on the opposite side means that direction may not pass.
White lines separate lanes going the same direction. A solid white line means stay in your lane and avoid changing lanes, while a broken white line lets you change lanes when safe.
A two-way center left-turn lane is only for preparing to turn left or merging into traffic. You may not use it to drive straight through or to pass.

Safe driving

ND has a high per-capita deer-collision rate, so the manual dedicates specific guidance to slowing down in posted deer-crossing zones and staying alert at dawn/dusk.
The manual addresses studded snow tires as a distinct winter-driving topic given the severity of ND winters.
North Dakota's high rate of deer-vehicle collisions per capita drives the manual's extra emphasis on this hazard.
North Dakota law requires drivers to leave a minimum of three feet of space between the vehicle and the bicycle when passing.
Children under age 8 must be in a child restraint (car seat or booster) unless they are at least 57 inches tall, in which case a seat belt may substitute; violation carries a $25 fine and one point.
Advisory speed plates on curve warning signs indicate a safe reduced speed that drivers should slow to before entering the curve.
The core safety reasoning is that other drivers may not yield as expected, so defensive caution prevents collisions.
A minimum three-second following gap gives most drivers enough time to react and stop safely under normal conditions.
Since entering roundabout traffic must yield to vehicles already circulating, slowing down and watching for a safe gap is the correct approach.
A minimum three-second following distance under normal conditions gives a driver time to react and brake safely, with more time needed in poor weather.
Easing off the gas and holding a straight steering direction allows the tires to regain contact with the road surface safely.
The manual requires headlights to be on whenever visibility is under 1,000 feet.
Defensive driving calls for slowing down and preparing to stop when visibility of intersection controls is uncertain.
A 3 to 4 second following distance gives drivers enough time to react and brake safely under normal conditions.
The manual stresses that no one should ever assume they automatically have the right of way, since other drivers may not yield as expected.
The manual explains posted limits are for ideal conditions, and driving that speed in bad conditions can still be cited as too fast for conditions.
Scanning further ahead gives drivers earlier warning of hazards, slowing traffic, or obstacles, allowing more time to react safely.
Because SMV-marked vehicles like tractors move slowly and may turn into fields or driveways, safe practice is to keep distance and watch for signals before passing.
Since farm tractors typically travel around 25 mph, the speed differential requires extra caution and clearance when passing.
The manual requires dimming to low beams at least 300 feet before overtaking or following another vehicle.
Wet roads increase stopping distance, so drivers should slow down and add extra space to compensate for reduced traction.
With a tailgater, open up more space in front of you so you can brake gradually instead of suddenly. Do not brake to retaliate and do not race away.
Strong crosswinds can push your car out of its lane. Hold the wheel firmly with both hands, slow down, and be ready for sudden gusts.
Do not engage. Avoid eye contact, do not brake in retaliation, let them pass, and leave a safe distance between you and that car.
Horses and livestock spook easily. Slow down, do not honk or rev your engine, and pass very slowly with plenty of room so you do not startle them.
When you see a hazard developing ahead, cover the brake and plan an escape route so you can react faster if you have to stop.
In a skid, ease off the gas or brake and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Slamming the brakes makes the skid worse.

Road signs

The manual instructs drivers to slow down in posted deer-crossing zones and stay alert, particularly during low-light hours when deer are most active.
STOP (R1-1): full stop at the line or crosswalk even when empty; yield, then proceed.
YIELD (R1-2): give up the right-of-way; slow and be ready to stop.
DO NOT ENTER (R5-1): entry prohibited; common at freeway off-ramps and one-way streets.
WRONG WAY (R5-1a): you have entered opposing traffic. Pull over safely and turn around when possible.
ONE WAY (R6-1): all traffic flows in the arrow's direction.
NO U-TURN (R3-4): no U-turns at this location. This is not a no-left-turn sign (a different arrow shape) or a no-passing sign (a different shape and color entirely).
NO LEFT TURN (R3-2). A red circle-and-slash always bans the pictured movement.
NO RIGHT TURN (R3-1): no right turns, including on red. Going straight is still fine since the sign only bans the right-turn movement; parking is unrelated to this sign.
White/black = regulatory. Speed Limit is the legal max in ideal conditions; drive slower when conditions are bad (Basic Speed Law).
KEEP RIGHT (R4-7): a median or obstruction is ahead; keep to its right.
The crossbuck (R15-1) stands at the tracks and legally works like a YIELD sign: slow, look both ways, be ready to stop.
Advance warning (W10-1): tracks ahead. Slow down, look, and listen.
School (S1-1): school zone or crossing. Slow down and watch for children; obey the posted reduced school-zone speed limit, which varies by state.
Pedestrian crossing (W11-2): crossing ahead; slow and be ready to stop.
Signal ahead (W3-3): an intersection signal is coming, useful when it hides behind a curve.
Stop ahead (W3-1): a stop sign is coming (often obscured); start slowing now.
Merge (W4-1): traffic joins ahead. Adjust speed and position to let them in safely.
Lane ends (W4-2): merge early; zipper-merge when traffic is heavy.
Two-way traffic (W6-3): you are leaving a one-way road; keep right.
Divided highway begins (W6-1): directions separate around a median; always keep right of it.
Slippery when wet (W8-5): slickest in fresh rain. Slow down, keep distance, steer smoothly.
Curve (W1-2): slow BEFORE the curve; do not brake in the middle of it.
Turn (W1-1): sharper than a curve; slow down hard, follow the advisory plaque.
Winding road (W1-5): consecutive curves; hold a steady lower speed throughout.
Crossroad (W2-1): an intersection ahead with traffic entering from both sides. Hospital signs are blue with an H.
NO PASSING ZONE (W14-3): unique pennant shape, posted on the LEFT side, marks where passing becomes illegal.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are standard warning signs alerting drivers to hazards ahead, such as curves, merges, or intersections.
A YIELD sign requires slowing down and stopping only if needed to give way to traffic or pedestrians on the intersecting road.
Pentagon-shaped signs are used specifically to indicate school zones or school crossings, alerting drivers to reduce speed.
Regulatory signs like stop and yield signs establish legally mandated driver actions, distinct from purely informational or warning signage.
The circular yellow sign shape is specifically reserved in the national sign system for advance railroad crossing warnings.
Warning signs alert drivers to hazards or changing conditions ahead, while regulatory signs like stop/yield signs impose legally required actions.
The downward-pointing triangle is the standard yield sign shape, meaning drivers must slow and give the right of way if needed rather than always stopping.
The triangular yield sign shape signals drivers to give the right-of-way as needed to other traffic or pedestrians.
School zone and school crossing signs use a distinctive fluorescent yellow-green pentagon shape to stand out to drivers.
The downward-pointing red-and-white triangle is the standard YIELD sign, requiring drivers to slow and yield to conflicting traffic.
Diamond-shaped yellow signs are the standard shape/color combination used for general warning signs about upcoming hazards or conditions.
Orange is the standard color used for temporary construction and work zone signs, regardless of the specific shape used.
School zone warning signs signal drivers to reduce speed and watch for children, consistent with the guide's emphasis on adjusting speed for conditions and hazards.
Warning signs (typically yellow, diamond shaped) inform drivers of hazards ahead like curves or crossings, distinct from regulatory signs that state legal requirements.
The manual specifically calls out School Crossing signs with children present as requiring reduced speed.
At a yield sign, drivers must slow or stop as needed to let crossing or oncoming traffic clear before proceeding safely.
A yield sign requires slowing and yielding to conflicting traffic, stopping only if needed to avoid a hazard.
The yellow pennant-shaped sign marks the start of a no-passing zone. It usually appears along with a solid yellow line on the pavement.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign is a WARNING sign, alerting you to a hazard or change ahead such as a curve, intersection, or school, so you slow down.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is a REGULATORY sign stating a law you must obey, such as speed or direction of travel.
An orange sign marks a construction or roadwork zone. Slow down and watch for workers and shifting lanes.
A blue sign points to driver services such as gas stations, food, lodging, or hospitals.
A green sign is a GUIDE sign, showing directions, distances, and the names of exits or places.
A red circle with a slash means the action shown is PROHIBITED, such as no turn or no U-turn at that spot.

Laws and paperwork

The manual notes that in addition to maximums, authorities may also post minimum speed limits on some roadways.
The Noncommercial Driver License Manual is published by NDDOT and is the authoritative source for state driving rules.
Open container laws require any opened alcoholic beverage to be sealed or stored where occupants cannot easily access it while driving.
U-turns are prohibited on hills or curves where other drivers cannot see the turning vehicle in time to react safely.
Applicants aged 16-17 must hold their instruction permit for 6 months (or until turning 18) before taking the road test.
Drivers under 16 must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving in variable conditions before the road test, on top of driver's education requirements.
A 15-year-old who passes the road test gets a restricted Class D license limited to operating a parent's, guardian's, grandparent's, sibling's, aunt's, or uncle's vehicle.
The restricted license nighttime curfew requires a supervising parent/guardian or adult 18+ between the later of sunset or 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., except for direct travel to work, school, or religious activities.
At age 16 the restricted Class D license automatically transitions to a full unrestricted operator's license with no further application needed.
Under-18 drivers and permit holders of any age are banned from using electronic communication devices to talk, compose, read, or send messages while driving, except in narrow emergency situations.
A cancelled minor is treated as never having held a license and must restart the licensing process with a new instruction permit.
Texting while driving that impairs vehicle control is a distinct infraction carrying a $100 fine.
Studded snow tires are legally permitted only from October 15 to April 15 each year.
Driving an uninsured motor vehicle carries a $150 fine for a first violation, rising to $300 for a second or subsequent violation within three years, plus possible license suspension.
Entering an officially closed road due to hazardous winter conditions or flooding is illegal and carries a flat $250 fine.

Emergencies

ND's Move Over provisions specifically address interstates and multilane highways where stranded vehicles with hazards flashing pose a passing hazard.
When no other lane is open, the law permits slowing and proceeding cautiously in the adjacent lane instead of an unsafe lane change.
Drivers must yield and move over a full lane for a stranded vehicle with hazard lights on; if moving over isn't safe, they must proceed with caution and reduced speed in the adjacent lane.
Drivers must move over to the opposite lane and proceed with due caution when passing a parked emergency or NDDOT maintenance vehicle with lights flashing on an interstate or multilane highway.
Sudden hard braking or sharp steering after a blowout can cause loss of control; easing off the gas while holding a straight line is safer.
Standard practice for emergency vehicle right-of-way is to safely move to the right side of the road and stop to let it pass.
The manual requires drivers to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction, unless a physical median or barrier separates the roadways.
Drivers must yield right-of-way, pull as far right as possible, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
Steering gently in the direction you want to go while easing off the accelerator helps regain control during a skid.
The priority is to stop safely away from traffic, shut off the engine, and move away from the vehicle before dealing with the fire.
Since moose eyes don't glow like deer eyes under headlights, drivers must scan for a large silhouette instead.
Regardless of whether a crossing has gates or signals, drivers must never attempt to beat a visible train and must stop and wait for it to clear.
Standard guidance for hydroplaning is to ease off the gas and avoid sudden braking or steering, letting the tires regain contact with the road.
Safe driving practice, sometimes called a move-over rule, is to give stopped vehicles extra space by changing lanes or slowing down.
With a median under 20 feet wide, all lanes in both directions are required to stop for the school bus.
On typical two-lane roads, traffic in both directions must stop for a loading school bus; the opposite-direction exception applies only on wider divided highways.
If pulling fully off the road isn't immediately possible, drivers should slow down and use extra caution, but the priority is always to get completely off the pavement as soon as safely possible per Pull Aside, Stay Alive guidance.
The Move Over Law has escalating consequences: a basic violation carries a modest fine and point penalty, a violation causing a crash carries a higher fine, and one causing death or serious injury carries the harshest penalty.
The lane-change requirement applies on interstates and any multi-lane highway with four or more lanes that has at least two lanes traveling in the same direction.
Move over laws generally require drivers to change lanes away from a stopped emergency or hazard vehicle when safe, or otherwise slow down.
The manual instructs drivers to pull to the right edge and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.
Drivers are required to stop at the scene of a crash involving injury or significant damage, provide information, and call for assistance if needed.
Rapid brake lights or hazard signals ahead indicate a potential emergency or obstruction, so drivers should slow down and prepare to react safely.
Move Over laws require drivers to move over or slow down for any stopped vehicle with warning lights activated, to protect people near the roadway.
Drivers may not park their vehicle within the block where an emergency vehicle has stopped to respond to an incident.
If your car catches fire or smells like burning, pull over, shut off the engine, and get everyone away. Do not open the hot hood, since the rush of air will make the fire flare up.
If the gas pedal sticks, shift to Neutral to cut the power, then brake and steer to the shoulder. Only turn off the engine after you have fully stopped, so you do not lose power steering.

Signs

Sign shape and color carry meaning before you even read the words. A red octagon always means stop, a red-bordered triangle pointing down means yield, and yellow diamonds warn of a hazard ahead. For every sign image used in our practice test, with the exact meaning and explanation, see the full road sign glossary.

Keep studying

This cheat sheet is a summary, not a substitute for practice. Test yourself with the free North Dakota DMV practice test, which explains the reasoning behind every answer, or see North Dakota DMV facts and fees before test day.

Reviewed by Kevin Vu, CA DOI #4037122 · Last updated 2026-07-22

North Dakota DMV cheat sheet