Obtaining an instruction permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in North Dakota. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 14 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of North Dakota who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the North Dakota Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local driver license office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian will need to sign the permit application.
3. Visit your local driver license office to submit the application. You must bring with you:
4. Proof of acceptable proof of name and date of birth (North Dakota's Department of Transportation (NDDOT) doesn't accept copies and original proof of identification needs to be given).If you have changed your name; you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
5. Proof of proper identification.
6. Your Social Security card, if issued.
7. The proper identification for the instruction permit includes $5 for the written test and $5 for the driving test.
8. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Office. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, which is valid for one year. A learner's permit may be renewed for an additional one year at a cost of $5.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 18 or older having at least 3 years of driving experience. This person must sit beside you.

THE RESTRICTED LICENSE

A restricted license may be issued when you are 16 years old, although in some circumstances, you may get a restricted license at the age of 14. You must wait at least six months after being issued your learner's permit, and complete a minimum of 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience (under direct supervision of an experienced adult driver) before taking the driver's license road test. If you are under 16, you must have completed a driver education class before taking the road test. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a restricted license. The restricted driver's license in North Dakota includes the following restrictions:

1. Restricted license drivers are not permitted to drive at night.
2. Driving is only allowed for specific purposes (work for instance).

THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. An instruction permit may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have held an instruction permit/restricted license for at least six months.
2. You have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.
3. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.
4. You have successfully completed a driver training course approved by the North Dakota MVD.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of North Dakota, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.