North Dakota 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. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

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
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable ND practice test with answer key

40 sample practice 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. In North Dakota, when may you turn right on a red light?

   1. After stopping, when the way is clear
   2. Without stopping, if no cars are coming
   3. Only when a green arrow is also lit
   4. Never; right turns on red are illegal
   Show answer

   After stopping, when the way is clear. You may turn right on a red light after stopping, when the intersection is clear of both pedestrians and vehicles, unless a sign prohibits a Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

2. 2. Which movement is forbidden by the red circle and slash over the U-shaped arrow?

   
   1. Yielding to a pedestrian
   2. Turning into a legal driveway
   3. Following the lane straight ahead
   4. Making a U-turn at that location
   Show answer

   Making a U-turn at that location. The pictured U-shaped movement is the action being prohibited, so a driver must not make a U-turn at that location. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and guide signs

3. 3. How many hours of supervised practice driving must an applicant under 16 complete?

   1. A minimum of 20 hours on city streets only
   2. A minimum of 50 hours in variable conditions
   3. A minimum of 30 hours in daylight only
   4. A minimum of 75 hours on an Interstate
   Show answer

   A minimum of 50 hours in variable conditions. Applicants under 16 must complete at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving in variable conditions. Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Instruction permits and licenses for minors

4. 4. Unless a different limit is posted, what is the maximum speed in a North Dakota business or residential district?

   1. 25 mph
   2. 20 mph
   3. 35 mph
   4. 45 mph
   Show answer

   25 mph. The maximum speed in a business or residential district is 25 mph unless another limit is posted. Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way rules

5. 5. At what point total does North Dakota move to suspend a driver's license?

   1. 12 or more points
   2. 6 points
   3. 20 points
   4. Any points at all
   Show answer

   12 or more points. Points are added to the driver's record normally within 10 days of a conviction, and when the record reveals a total of 12 or more points th Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Points, texting and other penalties

6. 6. What service fee does North Dakota charge each time a temporary registration permit is bought or renewed?

   1. No fee
   2. $50
   3. $100
   4. A $10 service fee in addition to the registration fee
   Show answer

   A $10 service fee in addition to the registration fee. A temporary registration permit is an option when the vehicle license from another state is still current and you plan to be in North Dakota Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Residency, license classes and insurance

7. 7. What is the North Dakota penalty for distracted driving, such as texting or losing control due to an unnecessary activity?

   1. $25 and one point
   2. $500 fine
   3. $250 fine
   4. $100 fine
   Show answer

   $100 fine. North Dakota's distracted driving rule covers texting and failing to maintain control because of an activity not necessary to operate the ve Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Points, texting and other penalties

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

   1. 45 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
   2. 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
   3. 20 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 8

   Study this in the handbook: North Dakota speed limits

9. 9. A 17-year-old visitor with a valid license from another state wants to drive in North Dakota. What minimum age applies to non-residents?

   1. 14
   2. 15
   3. 18
   4. 16
   Show answer

   16. North Dakota exempts non-residents who carry a valid license from their home state or country, including members of the Armed Forces station Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Instruction permits and licenses for minors

10. 10. Who is prohibited from using an electronic communication device while driving in North Dakota?

    1. Only drivers who are under 16
    2. Instruction permit holders and licensed drivers under 18
    3. Drivers who are carrying passengers at night
    4. Commercial drivers, but not drivers of passenger cars
    Show answer

    Instruction permit holders and licensed drivers under 18. The restriction covers anyone driving with an instruction permit, regardless of age, and licensed drivers younger than 18. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Instruction permits and licenses for minors

11. 11. What must a person have to operate a snowmobile on a highway right of way?

    1. A valid driver license or a snowmobile safety certificate
    2. Only a verbal okay from a parks officer
    3. A hunting license issued during that season
    4. Registration papers for the motor vehicle only
    Show answer

    A valid driver license or a snowmobile safety certificate. In order to operate a snowmobile on a highway right of way, you must have in your possession a valid driver's license or a snowmobile safety Full explanation in Test 11

12. 12. Where do most crashes involving a motor vehicle and a bicyclist occur?

    1. They occur on straight rural highways with no side roads.
    2. They occur in parking lots during evening hours.
    3. They occur at intersections.
    4. They occur on designated bicycle trails away from public roads.
    Show answer

    They occur at intersections.. The manual says most crashes involving a motor vehicle and a bicyclist occur at intersections. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians

13. 13. What is the only safe cure for driver fatigue?

    1. Drinking strong coffee
    2. Getting some sleep
    3. Opening the windows
    4. Playing loud music
    Show answer

    Getting some sleep. Fatigue raises the chance of a crash, and the handbook says the only safe cure is to get some sleep. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Points, texting and other penalties

14. 14. A pedestrian has already stepped into the roadway ahead of you. What must you do?

    1. Wait only if a crosswalk is painted
    2. Sound the horn and keep moving
    3. Drive around the person
    4. Stop or yield until the person clears
    Show answer

    Stop or yield until the person clears. Pedestrians have the right of way in marked or unmarked crosswalks, and the rule also protects anyone who has already begun crossing a stree Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and passing

15. 15. No sidewalk is available along a road. How should a pedestrian walk there?

    1. With traffic, near the center line
    2. Only in the middle of the roadway
    3. In the traffic lane with the flow
    4. Facing traffic, as far off the road as possible
    Show answer

    Facing traffic, as far off the road as possible. Walk facing traffic and get as far off the road as possible when no sidewalk can be used, and use sidewalks whenever they exist. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians

16. 16. A car has automatic shoulder belts that move into place when the doors close. What else must be fastened?

    1. Nothing, the automatic belt gives full protection
    2. The rear seat belts must be buckled instead
    3. A separate lap belt must be fastened manually
    4. Only the driver side belt needs manual work
    Show answer

    A separate lap belt must be fastened manually. Automatic seat belts automatically move into place around front-seat occupants when the car doors are closed, but a separate lap belt must b Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Points, texting and other penalties

17. 17. After stopping for a school bus with red lights flashing, which event other than the bus beginning to move permits you to proceed?

    1. After ten seconds have passed, even if the red lights still flash.
    2. When the bus driver signals you to pass or the red lights stop flashing.
    3. As soon as the last child reaches the curb safely.
    4. When a driver behind you honks and traffic moves around the bus.
    Show answer

    When the bus driver signals you to pass or the red lights stop flashing.. A driver stopped for a school bus must wait until the bus begins moving, the bus driver signals vehicles to pass, or the red lights are no l Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way rules

18. 18. After a DUI conviction or a test refusal, what may happen to a driver's annual insurance rates?

    1. They remain unchanged by law.
    2. They could double or even triple.
    3. They automatically drop after one year.
    4. They become a small capped annual fee.
    Show answer

    They could double or even triple.. The manual warns that annual motor vehicle insurance rates could double or even triple after a driver refuses an alcohol concentration test Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians

19. 19. A minor finishes the requirements after a license cancellation. What happens to the point total at that moment?

    1. It automatically returns to zero at once
    2. It does not automatically go back to zero
    3. It is cut in half without further action
    4. It converts to a warning on the record
    Show answer

    It does not automatically go back to zero. The points total does not automatically go back to zero when the cancellation requirements are fulfilled. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Residency, license classes and insurance

20. 20. How much greater are your chances of being killed if you are thrown from a vehicle in a crash?

    1. Twice as great as staying inside the vehicle
    2. The same as remaining belted inside it
    3. Ten times greater in every type of crash
    4. Four times greater if you are thrown from it
    Show answer

    Four times greater if you are thrown from it. Your chances of being killed are four times greater if you are thrown from the vehicle in a crash. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians

21. 21. A marked safety zone sits at the curb. What parking does the handbook prohibit near it?

    1. Parking anywhere on the same block as the zone
    2. Parking within 5 feet of the zone ends
    3. Parking beside the zone only after dark
    4. Parking within 15 feet of opposite curb points
    Show answer

    Parking within 15 feet of opposite curb points. A safety zone is a marked area set aside for pedestrians. Full explanation in Test 21

22. 22. Why does a vehicle travel farther during a driver's reaction time on the Interstate than on city streets?

    1. Interstate speeds are higher.
    2. Reaction time becomes shorter.
    3. City streets have more traffic lights.
    4. Interstate lanes are painted wider.
    Show answer

    Interstate speeds are higher.. Speeds are higher on the Interstate than on city streets. Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way rules

23. 23. An accessible parking space has diagonal stripes beside it. What do the stripes mean for a driver who has a placard?

    1. The stripes reserve an extra space
    2. The stripes are decorative
    3. Do not park on the striped area
    4. The stripes mark a loading zone
    Show answer

    Do not park on the striped area. A placard or accessible plate allows you to use the marked accessible space, but it does not allow you to stop on the diagonal stripes besid Full explanation in Test 23

24. 24. A driver is towing a trailer on a highway in a strong wind. What does the North Dakota manual recommend?

    1. Speed up to resist the wind
    2. Slow down
    3. Hold the same speed
    4. Turn on the hazard lights and continue
    Show answer

    Slow down. A trailer acts like a sail in a strong wind, so the handbook advises slowing down while towing in those conditions. Full explanation in Test 24

25. 25. You are approaching the top of a hill on a two-lane road. Why should you avoid passing?

    1. The pavement marking always turns solid white
    2. Your engine will lose power on the grade
    3. Oncoming traffic may be hidden beyond the crest
    4. The speed limit drops at every hilltop
    Show answer

    Oncoming traffic may be hidden beyond the crest. The handbook says to treat a hill or curve ahead as if oncoming traffic is just beyond it, and it lists the approach to the top of a hill or Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and passing

26. 26. A school bus ahead turns on its yellow caution lights. What do they warn you about?

    1. The bus is leaving the stop
    2. The bus has broken down
    3. You may pass the bus quickly
    4. The bus is about to stop
    Show answer

    The bus is about to stop. When a school bus has yellow caution lights, they may be used to warn that the bus is about to stop and that the red flashing lights will so Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way rules

27. 27. What should you do as this railroad warning indicates that a crossing is near?

    
    1. Stop on the tracks to listen for a train
    2. Accelerate to clear the tracks before looking
    3. Slow down so you can safely stop if a train is coming
    4. Treat the crossing as an ordinary intersection
    Show answer

    Slow down so you can safely stop if a train is coming. The railroad advance warning information directs drivers to slow down near a crossing so they can safely stop if a train is coming. Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, school and work zone signs

28. 28. What does a green traffic signal permit when the intersection is clear?

    1. Stop until a flashing signal appears
    2. Proceed through the intersection
    3. Yield to every vehicle behind you
    4. Use the signal only for a left turn
    Show answer

    Proceed through the intersection. Green means go only when the intersection is clear. Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic signals and arrows

29. 29. What does this NO TURN ON RED sign require at an intersection?

    
    1. A complete stop before the crosswalk
    2. Do not turn while the traffic signal is red
    3. A left turn after yielding
    4. A straight movement on a green light
    Show answer

    Do not turn while the traffic signal is red. The NO TURN ON RED sign prohibits turning during the red signal. Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: Regulatory and guide signs

30. 30. How should you position your vehicle before making a right turn at an intersection?

    1. Stay as far right as possible and turn close to the right curb
    2. Approach beside the centerline and turn wide
    3. Enter the left lane before turning right
    4. Use the shoulder as the normal turning path
    Show answer

    Stay as far right as possible and turn close to the right curb. For a right turn, approach as far to the right as possible and complete the turn close to the right curb. Full explanation in Test 5

    Study this in the handbook: Following distance, lane changes and headlights

31. 31. What does the round yellow railroad advance warning sign tell you about the road ahead?

    
    1. You are nearing a railroad crossing
    2. A roundabout entrance is mandatory
    3. A bicycle lane is ending
    4. A hospital entrance is nearby
    Show answer

    You are nearing a railroad crossing. The round railroad advance warning sign indicates that a railroad crossing is near. Full explanation in Test 6

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, school and work zone signs

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

    1. A temporary instruction permit
    2. A motorcycle permit
    3. An unrestricted operator's license
    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 7

    Study this in the handbook: Instruction permits and licenses for minors

33. 33. Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed on a paved and divided multi-lane highway in North Dakota?

    1. 55 miles per hour on a paved and divided multi-lane highway
    2. 70 miles per hour on a paved and divided multi-lane highway
    3. 65 miles per hour on a paved and divided multi-lane highway
    4. 80 miles per hour on a paved and divided multi-lane highway
    Show answer

    70 miles per hour on a paved and divided multi-lane highway. The listed maximum for a paved and divided multi-lane highway is 70 miles per hour unless a different limit is posted. Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way rules

34. 34. What shape do most signs in North Dakota work areas have?

    1. Diamond shaped
    2. Round
    3. Octagonal
    4. Pennant shaped
    Show answer

    Diamond shaped. Most signs in North Dakota work areas are diamond shaped. Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: Warning, school and work zone signs

35. 35. What should a driver do when conditions require traveling below the posted speed limit?

    1. Stop on the roadway whenever visibility changes
    2. Maintain the posted number in every condition
    3. Add five miles per hour to preserve traffic flow
    4. Drive slower than the posted limit when conditions require it
    Show answer

    Drive slower than the posted limit when conditions require it. A posted speed limit assumes ideal driving conditions, but weather, traffic, visibility, or the road surface may require a lower speed. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way rules

36. 36. A rear tire goes flat while you are driving. How will the vehicle tend to behave?

    1. It will pull toward the side of the flat tire
    2. It will sway back and forth as you drive
    3. It will stop steering in both directions
    4. It will accelerate without throttle input
    Show answer

    It will sway back and forth as you drive. A flat rear tire will cause the vehicle to sway back and forth, unlike a front blowout, which pulls the vehicle in the direction of the blow Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Points, texting and other penalties

37. 37. A stop line and a crosswalk are both painted at an intersection. Where must you stop?

    1. On the crosswalk
    2. Before crossing the stop line
    3. Past both painted lines
    4. At the center of the intersection
    Show answer

    Before crossing the stop line. When a stop line and crosswalk lines appear together, you stop before crossing the stop line. Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and passing

38. 38. You are driving slowly on an Interstate with two lanes in your direction. Which lane should you use?

    1. The left lane
    2. Either lane at any speed
    3. The center lane if one exists
    4. The right lane
    Show answer

    The right lane. The handbook's Interstate driving list says to keep to the right if you are traveling slowly. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way rules

39. 39. You must make an emergency stop on a highway. Where should the vehicle be parked?

    1. Two wheels on the shoulder
    2. With the left wheels on the traveled pavement
    3. In the nearest traffic lane
    4. All four wheels off the pavement, if possible
    Show answer

    All four wheels off the pavement, if possible. For an emergency stop, the handbook asks you to park with all four wheels off the traveled pavement whenever that is possible. Full explanation in Test 14

40. 40. You are already in an intersection when a flashing Don't Walk signal appears. What should you do?

    1. Move to the other side at a normal pace
    2. Run back to the curb you left from
    3. Stop and wait in the middle of the road
    4. Turn and walk diagonally to the corner
    Show answer

    Move to the other side at a normal pace. If you are already in the intersection, move to the other side at a normal pace. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians