North Dakota Driver Education

North Dakota requires driver education for drivers under 18. This guide covers the graduated licensing stages, required hours, and how the program works.

Who Must Complete Driver Education

Anyone under 18 must complete a driver education course before getting a license. This requirement applies before road testing for drivers under 16. Drivers 16 and older may qualify for alternative paths in some cases. Confirm your specific requirement with the Department of Transportation.

North Dakota's Graduated Driver Licensing Program

North Dakota uses a three-stage Graduated Driver Licensing program, known as GDL. This program gradually introduces teens to more complex driving situations. The three stages are an instruction permit, a restricted license, and a full license. Completing the full GDL program typically takes about a year.

Stage 1: The Instruction Permit

Teens can apply for an instruction permit starting at age 14. Applicants must submit an application, proof of residency, and a birth certificate. A vision exam and a test on traffic signs and laws are also required. Written parental consent is required for all applicants under 18.

Permit Fees

The instruction permit fee is $15. A separate $5 fee applies for the written test. Bring payment for both fees to your DOT appointment. Confirm current fees before your visit, since amounts can change.

Permit Holding Periods

Teens who receive a permit at 14 must hold it for at least 12 months. Teens who receive a permit at 15 must hold it until turning 16, or at least 6 months, whichever is longer. This holding period ensures adequate practice time. Confirm your specific timeline based on your permit start date.

Supervision Requirements

An instruction permit only allows driving under direct supervision. The supervising adult must be at least 18 years old. This adult must have held a valid license for at least three years. The supervisor must sit in the front seat at all times.

Medical and Mental Health Screening

The DOT examiner may request medical or mental health information during the permit process. This helps confirm the applicant's ability to drive safely. Be prepared to answer questions honestly during your appointment. Contact the DOT in advance if you have specific concerns about this step.

Driver Education Course Requirements

Drivers under 16 must complete driver education before road testing. This requirement is met through one of two paths.

The School-Based Path

This path includes 30 hours of classroom instruction. It also includes 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. An additional 6 hours of observation rounds out the requirement. This path runs through the Department of Public Instruction.

The Commercial School Path

This alternative path includes 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training. This training happens through a DOT-approved commercial driver training school. This path does not include the classroom or observation hours. Confirm which path your local options support.

Waiving the Road Test

Some drivers can waive the standard road test requirement. A Certificate of Course Completion from a driving school may qualify. A Student Completion Certificate from certain programs may also qualify. Confirm your specific eligibility for this waiver with the DOT.

The 50-Hour Supervised Driving Requirement

Teens 14 and 15 years old need 50 hours of supervised driving practice. This applies in addition to any formal driving school hours. A parent or guardian must confirm and log these practice hours. This requirement helps build real-world experience before independent driving.

Scheduling Your Road Test

Schedule your road test online through the Drivers License Road Test Scheduler. A $5 testing fee applies to this appointment. Bring your instruction permit and required documents to your scheduled test. Passing this test allows you to pay your license fee and receive your license.

Stage 2: The Restricted License

Teens can earn a restricted license at 15 with completed driver education. Teens 16 or older who held a permit for 6 months can test without driver education. The restricted license carries specific limitations. These limitations apply until the driver turns 18.

Restrictions for Drivers Under 16

Restricted drivers under 16 may not use electronic communication devices while driving. They may only drive family members' vehicles. Unsupervised driving is not allowed between 9 p.m., or sunset, and 5 a.m. These rules aim to limit risk during the highest-risk driving years.

Restrictions for Drivers 16 and Older

Drivers between 16 and 18 face one primary restriction. They may not use electronic communication devices while driving. This rule applies regardless of which stage of licensing they hold. This restriction reflects North Dakota's zero-tolerance approach to distracted driving among teens.

Stage 3: The Full License

Drivers can transition to a full, unrestricted license as they meet program requirements. This typically happens at age 16 with all prior steps completed. The full license removes the restrictions from the earlier stages. Contact the DOT to confirm your exact eligibility date.

License Cancellation for Point Violations

Minor drivers who accumulate six points face license cancellation. A cancellation for an alcohol or drug-related offense also applies. A canceled license is treated as if it never existed. The teen must restart the licensing process after a cancellation.

Parental Responsibility and Consent

All minor drivers need written parental consent to hold a permit or license. Parents or guardians can be held liable for damage from a teen's negligence. This consent applies regardless of which GDL stage the teen holds. Review this responsibility carefully before signing consent paperwork.

Tips for Parents During the Practice Period

Use supervised practice time to go beyond basic maneuvers. Practice in city traffic, rural highways, and gravel roads. North Dakota's weather adds challenges like rain, snow, and wind. Consistent, varied practice builds stronger skills than logged hours alone.

Start Your Teen's North Dakota Driving Journey Today

Begin with an instruction permit at age 14 or 15. Complete your required driver education hours through an approved path. Log your 50 hours of supervised practice if you are under 16. Contact the DOT with questions specific to your teen driver.