Updated for 2026

North Dakota NDDOT (North Dakota Department of Transportation)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$5 (Written Test) / $5 (Road Test) / $15 (License/Permit)

Testing System

touchscreen computer / Online 'KnowToDrive' (at home for teens)

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in North Dakota is the 'Implied Consent' refusal regulations and failing to identify the correct procedure for 'Zipper Merging' (merging too early is considered incorrect). Additionally, confusion over 'uncontrolled intersections' on rural gravel roads is a frequent error.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

North Dakota traffic laws are strictly enforced under the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC), with specific statutes designed for its harsh winter climate and agricultural landscape. A critical legal distinction for drivers to understand is that North Dakota is primarily a 'Fence In' state (NDCC 36-11-01), unlike some western neighbors that are 'Open Range'. This means livestock owners are legally liable if their animals wander onto the roadway and cause an accident, except in specifically designated 'Grazing Areas' where counties have voted otherwise. Regarding alcohol, the state enforces a rigorous 'Implied Consent' law. By driving on North Dakota roads, you automatically consent to chemical testing. Refusing a test is a separate crime punishable in the same manner as a DUI and results in an automatic license revocation of 180 days for a first offense, even if you are not convicted of the DUI. For teen drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws allow for an instruction permit at age 14, one of the youngest in the nation. However, the restrictions are tight: minors holding a permit or restricted license cannot drive between the later of sunset or 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Passenger limits dictate that a driver under 16 may not carry more passengers than the vehicle has factory-installed seat belts, and typically no non-family passengers are allowed without supervision. North Dakota also aggressively enforces the 'Move Over Law'. Drivers must move to a non-adjacent lane for ANY stopped vehicle displaying flashing lights (including hazards) on a multi-lane highway. If moving over is impossible, you must slow down significantly. Furthermore, texting while driving is banned for all drivers (primary offense), and drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any electronic communications device, even hands-free. Finally, regarding school buses, drivers must stop for a bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm unless they are on the opposite side of a divided highway separated by a physical barrier.

Statistical Realities

Driving in North Dakota involves mastering winter survival skills and specific traffic flow concepts promoted by the NDDOT. The most heavily emphasized campaign in recent years is the 'Zipper Merge' (Late Merge). Unlike in many places where merging early is considered polite, North Dakota officially teaches drivers to use BOTH lanes fully until the merge point in construction zones, and then alternate turns. Merging too early is viewed as inefficient and dangerous because it creates longer backups. Winter driving here is defined by unique alerts; drivers must know the difference between a 'Travel Alert' and 'No Travel Advised'. When 'No Travel Advised' is issued, motorists are not technically banned from the roads, but if they get stuck, emergency responders may not come to rescue them until the storm clears, putting their lives at risk. The state manual advises carrying a 'Winter Survival Kit' including a metal cup (to melt snow for water), candle, matches, and red fabric for a distress signal. Statistically, North Dakota has a very high rate of rollover accidents due to the lack of shoulders on rural roads and high winds that can push vehicles off the pavement. Drivers are warned that gravel roads offer significantly less traction; stopping distances on gravel are much longer than on asphalt. Another unique feature is the 'Native American Chief' highway marker signs used for state routes, featuring a profile of a Sioux chief, which is distinct to the state. Regarding the test itself, the written exam is concise with only 25 questions, requiring 20 correct answers (80%) to pass. The test format allows you to skip questions you don't know and return to them later (or not answer them at all if you reach 20 correct first). Also, unlike some states with mandatory vehicle inspections, North Dakota does not have a statewide periodic safety inspection program for passenger cars, placing the responsibility entirely on the driver to ensure lights and brakes are functional before the road test. Finally, be aware that studded tires are legal but only from October 15 to April 15, and using them outside this window results in fines.