Ace Your 2025 North Dakota Permit Test: 15 Practice Questions You'll Likely See

The first official step toward getting behind the wheel in North Dakota is passing the NDDOT's written knowledge test. This 25-question exam is designed to ensure you have a solid understanding of the state's traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving principles. To pass and earn your learner's permit, you must correctly answer at least 20 questions—an 80% passing score.

While the most comprehensive resource is the North Dakota Driver's Manual, there's no better way to gauge your readiness and calm your nerves than by tackling practice questions. We've created 15 questions that reflect the style and topics you're likely to encounter on the real test. After each question, you'll find the correct answer and an explanation to help reinforce your learning.

North Dakota Permit Practice Test

Question 1: In North Dakota, when must you use your headlights?

a) Only from sunset to sunrise. b) When you cannot clearly see 500 feet ahead. c) From a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, and when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. d) Only when it is precipitating.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: North Dakota law is specific about headlight use. They must be on from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise. Additionally, headlights are required any other time when weather or lighting conditions prevent you from clearly seeing people or vehicles 1,000 feet away.

Question 2: What is the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit for a driver 21 years of age or older in North Dakota?

a) 0.10% b) 0.08% c) 0.05% d) 0.02%

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: It is illegal for any person 21 or older to operate a motor vehicle in North Dakota with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. For drivers under 21, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.

Question 3: A solid yellow line on your side of the road means:

a) You are in a passing zone. b) The road is ending ahead. c) You are not allowed to pass. d) You may pass only if the way is clear and you honk first.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Pavement markings are a key part of road communication. A solid yellow line on your side of the centerline indicates a "no-passing zone." You are forbidden from crossing this line to overtake another vehicle.

Question 4: At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, who has the right-of-way?

a) The vehicle on the left. b) The vehicle that is larger. c) The vehicle on the right. d) The vehicle that is traveling straight.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This is a fundamental right-of-way rule. When two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection or a multi-way stop at approximately the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.

Question 5: What does a red, eight-sided (octagonal) sign mean?

a) Yield. b) Stop. c) Warning of a hazard. d) Railroad Crossing.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: The octagonal shape is reserved exclusively for stop signs. When you see this sign, you must come to a complete stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection and yield to any crossing traffic or pedestrians.

Question 6: When approaching a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated on a two-lane road, you must:

a) Slow down to 15 mph and pass with caution. b) Stop at least 20 feet away and remain stopped until the lights are off. c) Stop only if you are traveling in the same direction as the bus. d) Honk to alert the children and then proceed.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: North Dakota law requires all drivers, regardless of their direction of travel, to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights on any road that is not separated by a physical median. You must remain stopped until the lights are turned off and the stop arm is retracted.

Question 7: A driver under the age of 16 with a restricted license has a nighttime passenger restriction. What is it?

a) No passengers are allowed at night. b) Between sunset and sunrise, they may not carry passengers under the age of 18 who are not family members. c) They cannot drive after 9 p.m. d) They are limited to one passenger at all times.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: A key restriction for the youngest licensed drivers is the nighttime passenger rule. Between sunset and sunrise (or 9 p.m. if specified), they are not permitted to transport any non-sibling passengers under the age of 18.

Question 8: If you accumulate 12 or more demerit points on your driving record, what is the consequence?

a) A warning letter. b) A mandatory driver retraining course. c) A license suspension. d) A $500 fine.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The NDDOT's point system tracks traffic violations. Accumulating 12 or more points on your record will trigger a license suspension.

Question 9: What does a diamond-shaped road sign indicate?

a) Regulatory information (like speed limits). b) A stop is required ahead. c) A warning of a potential hazard ahead. d) Motorist services information.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Diamond-shaped signs are used as warning signs. They alert you to conditions that require special caution, such as a sharp curve, a slippery road, or merging traffic.

Question 10: When parking your vehicle uphill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels:

a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It does not matter as long as you use the parking brake.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This is a critical safety maneuver. When parking uphill against a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb. This way, if your vehicle's brakes were to fail, the front tire would roll back into the curb, stopping the car.

Question 11: The "three-second rule" helps you to:

a) Judge how long it takes to stop your vehicle. b) Maintain a safe following distance. c) Time your merge onto an interstate. d) Know how long to signal before a turn.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation: To avoid tailgating, use the three-second rule. Watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a fixed object. Begin counting "one-thousand one, one-thousand two, one-thousand three." If you pass the same object before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

Question 12: A flashing yellow traffic light at an intersection means:

a) Stop and wait for the light to turn green. b) The light is about to turn red, stop if you can do so safely. c) Slow down and proceed with caution. d) Stop and yield to all cross traffic before proceeding.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: A flashing yellow light means proceed with caution. You do not need to stop, but you should slow down, be alert for crossing traffic or pedestrians, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Question 13: You are approaching an intersection and the traffic light is red, but a police officer is signaling you to proceed. You should:

a) Obey the traffic light and remain stopped. b) Point at the red light to show the officer it's red. c) Obey the police officer's instructions. d) Pull over and wait for the light to turn green.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: In any situation where traffic signals and a law enforcement officer's directions conflict, you must always obey the officer. Their instructions override the automated signals.

Question 14: Unless otherwise posted, what is the maximum speed limit on a paved two-lane county or state highway?

a) 55 mph b) 65 mph c) 70 mph d) 75 mph

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: This is a specific North Dakota speed limit to know. Unless a sign indicates a different speed, the maximum legal speed on paved two-lane highways is 70 mph. On unpaved highways, it is 55 mph.

Question 15: If an emergency vehicle is approaching from any direction with its siren and flashing lights on, you must:

a) Speed up to clear the way for them. b) Maintain your speed and lane position. c) Pull over to the right side of the road and stop. d) Stop immediately, even if you are in the middle of an intersection.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: When you see or hear an emergency vehicle, you must immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right-hand edge of the roadway, clear of any intersections, and come to a complete stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

How to Guarantee Success

These questions are a great start, but true mastery comes from studying the North Dakota Driver's Manual. Focus on chapters covering traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and the effects of alcohol. By combining diligent study with practice tests, you'll be ready to pass your knowledge test on the first try.