What you need to do to get a North Dakota driver's license

North Dakota issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation. You must pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test with an examiner. The process takes at least two visits — one to explore and test, another to take the road test — and typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your driving exam.

You cannot get a license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a Driver's License Examination Station, which North Dakota operates in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Williston, plus several smaller cities. Each location has its own schedule, and road test slots fill up weeks in advance in larger cities.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver's License Examination Station in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The written test covers North Dakota traffic laws and safe driving practices; you can study using the official North Dakota Driver's Manual, available free online or in print at any examination station.
  • You must pass a vision screening (correctable to 20/40) and a written test before you can schedule a road test with an examiner.
  • Road tests are scheduled separately and can have wait times of several weeks in Fargo and Bismarck; smaller cities often have shorter waits.
  • North Dakota charges a flat fee for a license that is valid for eight years; the cost does not change based on age or license type.

Documents you need to bring to the examination station

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity if it is still valid. If you do not have any of these, North Dakota accepts a combination of documents — for example, a school ID plus a Social Security card, or a work ID plus a utility bill.

You also need proof that you live in North Dakota. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — tax return, voter registration card, or court document — also counts.

Bring your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, tell the examiner when you arrive; North Dakota can issue a license without one, but the process takes longer and requires additional paperwork.

The written test and what it covers

The written test has 25 questions about North Dakota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the examination station, and you get your score when ready.

Study material is free. The North Dakota Driver's Manual is available as a PDF on the Department of Transportation website, and printed copies are free at any examination station. The manual covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours and pass on their first try; others take it two or three times. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the written test, but you must wait one day between attempts.

You can take the test in English or Spanish. If you need the test in another language, contact the examination station at least one week in advance; not all stations can accommodate all languages.

Vision screening and what disqualifies you

After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the same station. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear corrective lenses, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed to the road test until you see an eye doctor and bring a letter stating your corrected vision meets the standard.

North Dakota also screens for color blindness and checks your peripheral vision. These are quick tests done on machines at the station. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain medications — tell the examiner. You may need a letter from your doctor saying you are safe to drive, or you may be required to take an additional road test with an examiner trained in medical evaluations.

Scheduling and taking the road test

After you pass the written test and vision screening, you schedule your road test at the same station. The examiner will give you a form with available dates and times. In Fargo and Bismarck, road tests are often booked four to six weeks out. In smaller cities, you may get a slot within one or two weeks.

On the day of your road test, bring the same documents you brought for the written test, plus proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use. The insurance must be active on the day of the test. You can use someone else's car as long as it is insured and registered. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors.

The road test lasts about 20 minutes. The examiner watches you start the car, drive on city streets and highways, park, and handle common situations like turns and stops. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting one day. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Cost and how long your license is valid

A North Dakota driver's license costs $100 and is valid for eight years from the date you receive it. The fee is the same whether you are 16 or 65. You pay when you pass the road test and receive your license at the examination station. North Dakota does not accept payment by mail.

If you need to renew your license before it expires, you can renew by mail or online if you have not had any traffic violations and your address has not changed. If your address has changed or you have had violations, you must renew in person at an examination station.

What happens if you fail the road test

If you fail the road test, the examiner gives you a written explanation of what you did wrong — for example, "failed to signal," "improper lane change," or "did not maintain safe speed." You can retake the test after one day. There is no limit on how many times you can take it, and each attempt costs the same as the first.

Many people schedule their second attempt before they leave the station. If you wait, you can call or visit the station to book a new date. Between attempts, practice the specific skills the examiner noted. If you failed because of parallel parking or highway merging, spend time practicing those maneuvers with someone who can give you feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test and vision screening first, then schedule the road test for a later date. The examiner will give you available dates when you pass the written test. In most cases, the earliest road test slot is at least one week away.

What if I move to North Dakota from another state and already have a valid driver's license?

You can exchange your out-of-state license for a North Dakota license without taking the written or road test. Bring your current license, proof of North Dakota residency, and proof of identity to any examination station. The fee is the same as for a new license. Your new North Dakota license will have the same expiration date as your old one, unless your old license expires within the next year.

What if I fail the vision screening?

You cannot take the road test until you pass the vision screening. See an eye doctor and get a letter stating your corrected vision meets the 20/40 standard. Bring the letter to the examination station and retake the vision screening. You do not have to retake the written test.

How do I know which examination station is closest to me?

The North Dakota Department of Transportation website lists all examination stations with their addresses and phone numbers. Call ahead to ask about wait times for road tests and hours of operation. Some stations have limited hours or are closed on certain days.

Can I take the road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?

Yes. You can take the road test in any vehicle that is safe and legal to drive. Your license will not be restricted to automatic or manual transmission. If you want to be able to drive a manual transmission, you can practice and take the road test in one, but it is not required.