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
10. Test 10

Printable ND practice test with answer key

40 sample 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. When a green arrow appears while the light is red, what movement may you make?

   1. Turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection
   2. Make any turn without checking the intersection
   3. Proceed straight regardless of the arrow direction
   4. Remain stopped until the circular signal turns green
   Show answer

   Turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection. A green arrow authorizes the movement shown by that arrow, even when the circular signal is red. Full explanation in Test 1

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

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

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

4. 4. What do North Dakota speed limit signs show when driving conditions are ideal?

   1. The maximum permitted speed
   2. The minimum speed required
   3. A recommended speed that has no legal effect
   4. The speed reserved for emergency vehicles
   Show answer

   The maximum permitted speed. A posted speed limit is a ceiling for travel when conditions are ideal. Full explanation in Test 4

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

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. Temporary registration permits for nonresidents are available for six months or 12 months, and a $10 service fee is charged in addition to t Full explanation in Test 6

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

8. 8. What do these warning signs indicate about the road ahead?

   
   1. A guaranteed clear route with no need to adjust speed
   2. A potentially hazardous condition ahead that calls for extra caution
   3. A service area where parking is required
   4. A lane that is reserved for emergency vehicles
   Show answer

   A potentially hazardous condition ahead that calls for extra caution. Warning signs identify potentially hazardous conditions ahead and tell drivers to proceed with extra caution. Full explanation in Test 8

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

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. Only drivers carrying passengers
    4. Only commercial drivers on interstates
    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

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

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

12. 12. Under North Dakota's DUI law, how many separate penalty processes can affect your driving privileges?

    1. Only a court conviction
    2. Only an administrative license action
    3. None until a third offense
    4. Two: an administrative license penalty and a court conviction penalty
    Show answer

    Two: an administrative license penalty and a court conviction penalty. There are two separate penalties under the North Dakota DUI law: an administrative license penalty and a court conviction penalty, and drivi Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. What is the mandatory minimum jail sentence for driving while suspended or revoked after an alcohol related violation?

    1. One day
    2. Four days
    3. Ten days
    4. Thirty days
    Show answer

    Four days. North Dakota specifies four days as the mandatory minimum jail sentence for driving while suspended or revoked after an alcohol related viol Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. If this WRONG WAY sign faces you, what situation is it warning about?

    
    1. You are entering a gravel road
    2. You are traveling against the permitted direction on a street, freeway, or ramp
    3. You are approaching a school crossing
    4. You are leaving a divided highway legally
    Show answer

    You are traveling against the permitted direction on a street, freeway, or ramp. The Wrong Way sign tells the driver that the vehicle is traveling in the wrong direction on a street, freeway, or ramp. Full explanation in Test 4

15. 15. What does the round yellow railroad advance warning sign tell you?

    1. A school crossing is immediately open
    2. A railroad crossing is nearing
    3. A construction lane must be entered
    4. A hospital is located on the next block
    Show answer

    A railroad crossing is nearing. The round yellow railroad advance warning sign means a railroad crossing is ahead. Full explanation in Test 5

16. 16. An obstruction divides the roadway ahead. Which side should you use when this sign is posted?

    
    1. The right side of the obstruction or divider
    2. The left shoulder regardless of lane markings
    3. The center of the obstruction
    4. Either side without checking traffic
    Show answer

    The right side of the obstruction or divider. The arrow directs traffic around the obstruction on its right side. Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. 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 7

18. 18. 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

19. 19. 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

20. 20. 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

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

    1. Use only the parking lights and leave headlights off
    2. Use the vehicle's headlights
    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 1

22. 22. A North Dakota permit holder is practicing in a sedan with a supervisor beside them. May a friend ride in the front seat too?

    1. Yes, if the friend is licensed
    2. Yes, if the friend wears a seat belt
    3. No, only the supervising driver and the permit holder may be in front, unless the vehicle has only a front seat
    4. Yes, on rural roads only
    Show answer

    No, only the supervising driver and the permit holder may be in front, unless the vehicle has only a front seat. North Dakota says an individual other than the supervising driver and the permit holder may not be in the front seat, unless the vehicle has Full explanation in Test 2

23. 23. When passing a bicyclist on a North Dakota roadway, what minimum space must the driver leave?

    
    1. At least two feet of space
    2. At least four feet of space
    3. At least three feet of space
    4. At least six feet of space
    Show answer

    At least three feet of space. North Dakota requires the motor vehicle operator to leave a minimum of three feet between the vehicle and bicycle while passing. Full explanation in Test 3

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

    
    1. As near as possible before the intersection where traffic can be seen safely
    2. After entering the intersection
    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 4

25. 25. 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

26. 26. 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 6

27. 27. What is the lowest BAC threshold for North Dakota's under-21 alcohol driving rule?

    1. 0.05 percent
    2. 0.02 percent
    3. 0.08 percent
    4. 0.10 percent
    Show answer

    0.02 percent. North Dakota uses a lower alcohol concentration threshold for drivers under 21: .02 percent. The . Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. 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

29. 29. After a minor's permit or license is cancelled for the specified alcohol or drug related offense, how is the minor treated for licensing?

    1. As a driver who needs only a replacement card
    2. As a driver eligible only for a commercial license
    3. As a driver whose license automatically returns after 30 days
    4. As someone who never held a permit or license
    Show answer

    As someone who never held a permit or license. A cancellation under this minor driver provision resets the licensing history for practical purposes. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. A North Dakota driver's first offense in seven years involves an alcohol concentration of 0.10%. How long is the license suspended?

    1. 30 days
    2. 180 days
    3. 91 days
    4. One year
    Show answer

    91 days. North Dakota suspends the license for 91 days for a first offense in seven years. If the alcohol concentration is . Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, who must stop?

    
    1. Only drivers traveling toward the bus
    2. Only drivers traveling behind the bus
    3. Drivers approaching from both directions
    4. No one if the bus is on a straight road
    Show answer

    Drivers approaching from both directions. A stopped school bus with flashing red lights requires drivers approaching from both directions to stop because children may be loading or u Full explanation in Test 1

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

    1. Sound the horn to acknowledge it
    2. Recognize the signal and give them enough space to make the move
    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 2

33. 33. 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

34. 34. During which dates may studded snow tires be used legally in North Dakota?

    1. September 1 through May 1
    2. November 1 through March 31
    3. October 15 through April 15
    4. December 1 through February 28
    Show answer

    October 15 through April 15. North Dakota permits studded snow tires from October 15 through April 15. Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. What penalty does North Dakota list for a fourth or subsequent DUI offense?

    1. A $500 fine
    2. A $2,000 fine, one year and one day in jail, and the 24/7 Sobriety Program as a condition of probation
    3. A 30 day suspension
    4. A warning
    Show answer

    A $2,000 fine, one year and one day in jail, and the 24/7 Sobriety Program as a condition of probation. A fourth or subsequent DUI offense brings a $2,000 fine, one year and one day in jail, and participation in the 24/7 Sobriety Program as a m Full explanation in Test 5

36. 36. Under current North Dakota law, what minimum fee applies to speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit in a highway construction zone while construction workers are present?

    1. $80
    2. $40
    3. $150
    4. $250
    Show answer

    $150. North Dakota sets a $150 fee for exceeding a highway construction zone speed limit by one through ten miles per hour, plus $2 for each mile Full explanation in Test 6

37. 37. 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

38. 38. At the stop sign shown ahead, where must you bring the vehicle to a complete stop?

    
    1. Only after the front wheels pass the crosswalk
    2. After entering the intersection so cross traffic can see you
    3. Beside the warning sign before reaching the stop sign
    4. Before the stop line or crosswalk area
    Show answer

    Before the stop line or crosswalk area. A stop sign requires a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk area. Full explanation in Test 8

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

    1. Orange or white only
    2. Fluorescent yellow green or standard yellow
    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 9

40. 40. When does a North Dakota crash trigger the crash reporting duties?

    1. Any crash, however minor
    2. Only if a vehicle is towed
    3. Combined damage of $4,000 or more, or any personal injury or death
    4. Damage of $500 or more
    Show answer

    Combined damage of $4,000 or more, or any personal injury or death. The crash reporting rules apply when a crash results in combined damage of $4,000 or more, or in personal injury or death. Full explanation in Test 10