The North Dakota permit test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass

North Dakota's written permit test, officially called the knowledge test, contains exactly 25 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 80 percent, which means you need to get at least 20 questions right. You have up to 30 minutes to complete the test, though most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes.

The test covers material from the North Dakota Driver's Manual, which the Department of Transportation publishes and makes available online. Every question on the test comes directly from that manual, so studying the manual is the most direct way to prepare. The manual covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies.

Key Takeaways

  • North Dakota's permit test has 25 questions, and you need 20 correct answers (80 percent) to pass.
  • You have 30 minutes to complete the test, though most test-takers finish in 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Every question comes from the official North Dakota Driver's Manual, which you can read online for free before testing.
  • The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and emergency procedures.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you may have to wait a few hours depending on the testing location.

What the test covers and how questions are distributed

The 25 questions are not evenly split across topics. Road signs make up a significant portion of the test — you should expect several questions asking you to identify what a sign means or what action to take when you see it. Traffic laws and right-of-way rules also appear frequently, including questions about speed limits, following distance, and who has the right of way at intersections.

Safe driving practices and vehicle control account for another chunk of questions. These cover topics like how to steer in a skid, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to handle different weather conditions. A smaller number of questions cover parking rules, pedestrian safety, and what to do after an accident.

The exact mix varies slightly from test to test because North Dakota draws questions from a larger pool in the Driver's Manual. This means two people taking the test on different days may not see the exact same questions, but both will see the same types of questions covering the same topics.

Where to take the test and what to bring

You take the permit test at a North Dakota Department of Transportation office. There are locations in most counties, and you can find the office nearest you on the DOT website. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices may ask you to call ahead during busy times.

Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your North Dakota residency (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pay the test fee, which varies slightly by location but is typically around $10 to $15. The DOT office will tell you the exact fee when you call or visit.

You cannot bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing room. The test is administered on a computer at most locations, though some rural offices may still use paper tests. Either way, the questions and format are the same.

How the test is scored and what happens if you fail

The computer or test administrator will score your test when ready after you finish. You will know your score before you leave the office. If you pass, you will receive your permit that same day, and you can begin driving with a licensed adult in the car.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, though you may have to wait a few hours. Some offices require you to wait until the next business day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee each time. Most people who study the Driver's Manual pass on their first attempt.

How to prepare for the 25-question test

The North Dakota Driver's Manual is free and available online through the DOT website. Read through the entire manual at least once before you test. Pay special attention to the sections on road signs, traffic laws, and right-of-way rules, since these topics appear most often on the test.

After reading the manual, use practice tests to identify weak areas. Practice tests show you the types of questions you will see and help you get used to the multiple-choice format. Many practice tests are free online, and some are designed specifically for North Dakota. Take several practice tests and review any questions you miss.

On the day of your test, get enough sleep the night before and eat a meal before you go. Arrive at the DOT office with plenty of time to spare so you are not rushed. Read each question carefully and do not second-guess yourself too much — your first instinct is usually correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retake the test if I fail?

Yes. You can retake the test the same day at most North Dakota DOT offices, though some locations may require you to wait until the next business day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you pay the fee each time.

How long is the permit test?

You have 30 minutes to complete the 25-question test. Most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes, so time is rarely a problem. You cannot leave early once you have submitted your answers.

What happens if I pass the permit test?

You receive your permit the same day and can begin driving with a licensed adult in the car. Your permit is valid for one year, and you must hold it for at least 30 days before you can take the road test for your license.

Are all 25 questions multiple choice?

Yes. Every question on the North Dakota permit test is multiple choice with four answer options. You select your answer on a computer or paper form, depending on the testing location.

What score do I need to pass?

You need to answer at least 20 out of 25 questions correctly, which is 80 percent. Getting 19 correct means you do not pass and will need to retake the test.