ND Permit Practice Test

How to use this ND practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

ND practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable ND practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the ND bank

Every question below comes from the North Dakota question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. At what times does the North Dakota manual tell drivers to pay close attention for deer?

   1. At dawn and dusk
   2. Only at midnight
   3. Only during heavy snowfall
   4. From noon until sunset
   Show answer

   At dawn and dusk. The manual highlights dawn and dusk as times to pay close attention for deer, then advises slower speeds where deer crossing signs are poste Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. Why does the manual emphasize watching for deer in North Dakota?

   1. Deer are a recurring roadway hazard, especially in low light
   2. Deer may legally use any lane during daylight
   3. Federal law requires every state manual to feature deer
   4. Deer crossing signs mean animals cannot enter the road
   Show answer

   Deer are a recurring roadway hazard, especially in low light. The manual treats deer as a recurring roadway hazard and links extra attention to dawn, dusk, and posted crossing areas. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. Even though North Dakota vehicles have electric turn and brake lights, what does the manual say drivers should still know?

   1. The basic hand signals
   2. How to rewire a brake light
   3. The Morse code for stop
   4. Nothing beyond the electric signals
   Show answer

   The basic hand signals. Electric turn and brake lights can burn out or fail, and other road users such as bicyclists still signal by hand, so the manual says every Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. What must North Dakota motorists do when a motorcyclist or bicyclist gives a hand signal?

   1. Recognize the signal and give them enough space to make the move
   2. Sound the horn to acknowledge it
   3. Pass immediately before they turn
   4. Ignore it, since only vehicle signals count
   Show answer

   Recognize the signal and give them enough space to make the move. Motorcyclists and bicyclists often signal turns and stops with their arms, and the manual says motorists must be able to recognize those han Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. Who has the right of way when a vehicle enters a freeway from an entrance ramp?

   1. Vehicles already on the main roadway
   2. The vehicle entering from the ramp
   3. The vehicle with the faster acceleration
   4. The vehicle that signals first
   Show answer

   Vehicles already on the main roadway. Unless signs say otherwise, traffic entering a freeway from an entrance ramp must yield to vehicles already on the main roadway. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. How long may a new North Dakota resident drive on another state's license before getting a North Dakota license?

   1. One year
   2. 10 days
   3. 60 days for Class D or M, but only 30 days for Class A, B or C operators
   4. Indefinitely, as long as the license is valid
   Show answer

   60 days for Class D or M, but only 30 days for Class A, B or C operators. You may operate a Class D or M vehicle with an operator's license from another state for a period of 60 days after you become a resident of Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. What is the maximum speed when approaching a railway crossing where the view of the track is obstructed?

   1. 20 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
   2. 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
   3. 45 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
   4. 55 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
   Show answer

   20 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. When the driver's view of a railway crossing is obstructed, the maximum approach speed is 20 miles per hour unless another speed is posted. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. How long must a 16 or 17 year old hold an instruction permit before completing the road test or waiving it?

   1. Six months or until age 18, whichever comes first
   2. Three months regardless of age
   3. Twelve months in every case
   4. Until age 21
   Show answer

   Six months or until age 18, whichever comes first. An applicant who is 16 or 17 must hold the instruction permit for six months or until turning 18, whichever comes first, before completing o Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What license does a restricted Class D operator's license become when the holder reaches age 16?

   1. An unrestricted operator's license
   2. A motorcycle permit
   3. A temporary instruction permit
   4. A commercial driver license
   Show answer

   An unrestricted operator's license. North Dakota removes the restricted Class D stage at age 16 by transitioning that license to an unrestricted operator's license. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. At what alcohol concentration does North Dakota suspend a license under the threshold described for drivers under age 21?

    1. .02 percent or more
    2. .05 percent or more
    3. .08 percent or more
    4. .18 percent or more
    Show answer

    .02 percent or more. The manual states that a license is suspended when alcohol concentration reaches .08 percent or more, or . Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. What should a driver do when approaching or passing a stranded vehicle with flashing hazard lights?

    1. Yield the right of way and move safely to the lane not adjacent to the vehicle
    2. Stop in the travel lane until the vehicle is removed
    3. Pass on the shoulder without slowing
    4. Maintain speed beside the vehicle
    Show answer

    Yield the right of way and move safely to the lane not adjacent to the vehicle. A driver approaching or passing a stranded vehicle with flashing hazard lights should yield the right of way and move safely to the lane not Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. Which conduct is specifically prohibited while driving under North Dakota’s distracted-driving rule?

    1. Texting or failing to maintain control because of an impairing unnecessary activity
    2. Adjusting a mirror before moving
    3. Listening to a navigation instruction
    4. Checking the fuel gauge at a stoplight
    Show answer

    Texting or failing to maintain control because of an impairing unnecessary activity. North Dakota prohibits texting while driving and also prohibits failing to maintain control because of an activity that is not necessary to Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. You approach this octagonal sign with no stop line or crosswalk. Where should you stop?

    1. After entering the intersection
    2. As near as possible before the intersection where traffic can be seen safely
    3. Only at the nearest driveway
    4. At the next marked crosswalk
    Show answer

    As near as possible before the intersection where traffic can be seen safely. A stop sign requires a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk area. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. In what direction may traffic travel on the road shown by this ONE WAY sign?

    1. In the direction shown by the arrow only
    2. In either direction when the center is clear
    3. Only toward the nearest shoulder
    4. Only during daylight hours
    Show answer

    In the direction shown by the arrow only. A One Way sign means traffic on that particular road flows only in the arrow's direction. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What does the maximum number on this regulatory SPEED LIMIT sign represent?

    1. The maximum speed permitted under ideal conditions
    2. A speed that must be maintained in every condition
    3. A recommended speed for a sharp curve
    4. The minimum speed for the right lane
    Show answer

    The maximum speed permitted under ideal conditions. A Speed Limit sign shows the maximum speed permitted under ideal conditions. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What location does this school-shaped warning sign identify ahead?

    1. A school or marked school crossing
    2. A recreational vehicle inspection station
    3. A railroad loading area
    4. A divided highway median
    Show answer

    A school or marked school crossing. The school warning sign tells drivers that a school or marked school crossing is ahead. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What roadway change should you anticipate from this merge warning?

    1. The roadway will gain an additional lane of traffic
    2. Your lane will end at the next driveway
    3. All traffic must enter the left shoulder
    4. The road becomes one-way immediately
    Show answer

    The roadway will gain an additional lane of traffic. This warning identifies a roadway that will gain an additional lane of traffic, and new traffic will not have to merge. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What do North Dakota warning signs tell drivers to expect?

    1. Potentially hazardous conditions ahead requiring extra caution
    2. A guaranteed clear roadway ahead
    3. A parking area with no traffic controls
    4. A registration checkpoint at every intersection
    Show answer

    Potentially hazardous conditions ahead requiring extra caution. North Dakota warning signs alert drivers to potentially hazardous conditions ahead and tell them to proceed with extra caution. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What does a yellow warning sign showing an intersection ahead tell you?

    1. Vehicles may be entering the flow of traffic
    2. The road is closed to all vehicles
    3. Parking is required on the shoulder
    4. A passing lane is guaranteed ahead
    Show answer

    Vehicles may be entering the flow of traffic. Intersection warning signs alert you to traffic that may enter your path from another roadway. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. Under North Dakota's farm exemption, what may a 15 year old drive?

    1. A farm vehicle within 150 miles of the farm, up to 50,000 pounds, when hauling agricultural products or supplies
    2. Any truck anywhere in the state
    3. A commercial tractor trailer
    4. Nothing until age 16
    Show answer

    A farm vehicle within 150 miles of the farm, up to 50,000 pounds, when hauling agricultural products or supplies. Under the farm exemption on a Class D license, a 15 year old may drive a farm vehicle within 150 miles of the driver's farm, having a gross Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. What does one solid yellow line beside one broken yellow line mean for the lane with the solid line?

    1. Passing is not allowed from that lane
    2. Passing is required before the next intersection
    3. The lane is reserved for parking
    4. Traffic must turn right immediately
    Show answer

    Passing is not allowed from that lane. The paired yellow marking assigns different passing permissions by lane. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What must you do when an emergency vehicle uses lights or a siren?

    1. Stop along the right hand curb or edge until it passes
    2. Stop in the middle of the intersection
    3. Follow it closely through the next signal
    4. Continue normally if your lane is open
    Show answer

    Stop along the right hand curb or edge until it passes. When an emergency or law enforcement vehicle is displaying the specified lights or using its siren, North Dakota requires an immediate stop Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. How far before meeting oncoming traffic should you dim your headlights?

    1. At least 500 feet
    2. At least 100 feet
    3. At least 300 feet
    4. Only after the other driver flashes first
    Show answer

    At least 500 feet. North Dakota directs drivers to dim headlights at least 500 feet before meeting traffic. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. What does a yellow traffic signal warn a driver about?

    1. The light is changing from green to red
    2. The signal is acting like a stop sign
    3. Cross traffic must yield without checking
    4. The light grants a protected turn
    Show answer

    The light is changing from green to red. A yellow indication warns that the signal is changing from green to red. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. What colors may be used for North Dakota school warning signs?

    1. Fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow
    2. Orange or white only
    3. Blue or brown depending on the school district
    4. Red and black only
    Show answer

    Fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow. School warning signs may use either fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What should you do if the windshield wipers fail during rain or snow?

    1. Slow down, look through the side window, and leave the roadway
    2. Slow down and stop on the shoulder if possible
    3. Turn on hazard lights and continue until visibility returns
    4. Pull off the roadway only after finding a safe opening
    Show answer

    Slow down, look through the side window, and leave the roadway. A wiper failure during rain or snow can quickly remove the driver’s forward view. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What may a driver do with a flashing yellow left-turn indication?

    1. Turn left cautiously after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
    2. Turn left immediately without checking opposing traffic
    3. Wait for a red indication before beginning the turn
    4. Use the indication to travel straight in either lane
    Show answer

    Turn left cautiously after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A flashing yellow left-turn indication allows a cautious left turn, but it does not provide an unqualified right of way. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. How far may a fully loaded tractor trailer need to stop on dry pavement, according to the North Dakota manual?

    1. About 100 feet
    2. About 200 feet
    3. More than 400 feet, longer than a football field
    4. About 50 feet
    Show answer

    More than 400 feet, longer than a football field. Tractor trailers take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed, and a fully loaded tractor trailer may take more than 400 feet Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. What must drivers approaching a school bus do when its red lights are flashing?

    1. Stop from both directions
    2. Stop only if traveling behind the bus
    3. Pass slowly after checking for children
    4. Continue if the driver can see an open lane
    Show answer

    Stop from both directions. When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, drivers approaching from both directions must stop because children are being loaded Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. What does one solid yellow line beside one broken yellow line mean for the driver in the solid-line lane?

    1. Passing is prohibited from that lane, though a left turn may cross the line
    2. Passing is allowed whenever the driver signals for three seconds
    3. Both lanes may cross the lines to pass on a straight roadway
    4. The road is restricted to emergency vehicles in that direction
    Show answer

    Passing is prohibited from that lane, though a left turn may cross the line. The solid line controls the lane beside it. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. When visibility is less than 1,000 feet because of fog, what lighting action does the manual require?

    1. Use the vehicle's headlights
    2. Use only the parking lights and leave headlights off
    3. Turn on hazard lights while keeping all other lights off
    4. Use high beams continuously so the fog reflects more light
    Show answer

    Use the vehicle's headlights. North Dakota calls for headlights during inclement weather when visibility falls below 1,000 feet because of fog, rain, snow, sleet, hail, o Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. When should a North Dakota child move from a car seat to a booster seat?

    1. At age 2
    2. When at least 40 pounds and at least 4 years of age
    3. At 20 pounds
    4. When the child asks
    Show answer

    When at least 40 pounds and at least 4 years of age. Children should be at least 40 pounds and at least 4 years of age to move from a car seat to a booster seat, and children under age 13 shoul Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. At what core body temperature does heatstroke begin, according to the North Dakota manual?

    1. About 104 degrees, with about 107 degrees being lethal
    2. About 99 degrees
    3. About 120 degrees
    4. About 95 degrees
    Show answer

    About 104 degrees, with about 107 degrees being lethal. Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees and the body's cooling system is overwhelmed, and a core temperat Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. When can a North Dakota driver get a temporary restricted license after an alcohol suspension?

    1. Immediately
    2. Never
    3. After one year
    4. After at least 30 days of suspension, or after 14 days if in the 24/7 Sobriety Program
    Show answer

    After at least 30 days of suspension, or after 14 days if in the 24/7 Sobriety Program. A temporary restricted license can be issued after serving at least 30 days of suspension, or after serving at least 14 days if the driver p Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. If windshield wipers fail while driving in rain or snow, what does the manual advise?

    1. Slow down and use the side window to see while leaving the roadway
    2. Speed up to reach a sheltered location before visibility worsens
    3. Stop in the travel lane and wait for the wipers to restart
    4. Continue at the same speed while relying on headlights alone
    Show answer

    Slow down and use the side window to see while leaving the roadway. A wiper failure in rain or snow can quickly make forward vision unsafe. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. After a crash involving injury or damage, what information must the drivers exchange?

    1. Name, address, insurance company, and policy number
    2. Only each driver's name and telephone number
    3. Vehicle make, model, and color but no insurance details
    4. A written statement only after the police arrive
    Show answer

    Name, address, insurance company, and policy number. For crashes involving injury or damage, the manual lists four items for exchange: the driver's name, address, motor vehicle insurance compan Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. How does the North Dakota manual say a pedestrian should walk at night?

    1. With traffic, in dark clothing
    2. In the center of the road
    3. On the shoulder with a flashlight pointed down
    4. Facing traffic, wearing light or white clothing
    Show answer

    Facing traffic, wearing light or white clothing. When you walk at night, walk facing traffic and wear light or white clothing so drivers can see you. Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. If an emergency vehicle is parked at a crash scene with lights flashing, what must a driver do?

    1. Drive to the right side and stop, then pass only when the roadway is clear
    2. Stop directly behind the emergency vehicle until an officer waves you forward
    3. Continue in the same lane at the posted speed
    4. Turn around immediately and use the opposing lane
    Show answer

    Drive to the right side and stop, then pass only when the roadway is clear. A parked emergency or law enforcement vehicle with emergency lights flashing still requires action. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. When do teen drivers show the greatest improvement, according to the North Dakota manual?

    1. In the first 1,000 to 5,000 miles of driving
    2. After 10 years
    3. Only after a crash
    4. In the first 100 miles
    Show answer

    In the first 1,000 to 5,000 miles of driving. Teens will show the greatest improvement in the first 1,000 to 5,000 miles of driving, which is why supervised practice should continue afte Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. What is the safest response when another driver follows too closely and behaves aggressively?

    1. Increase space ahead and let the aggressive driver pass when possible
    2. Brake suddenly to punish the tailgating driver
    3. Race ahead so the other driver cannot keep up
    4. Block the passing lane until the other driver stops
    Show answer

    Increase space ahead and let the aggressive driver pass when possible. When another driver tailgates or acts aggressively, preserve your own safety margin. Full explanation in Test 8