How to Book Your North Dakota Driving Test: A Step-by-Step Scheduling Guide

You've studied the driver's manual, passed the written test, and spent hours practicing behind the wheel. Now, the final step to earning your North Dakota driver's license is just around the corner: the road test. Before you can prove your skills to an examiner, however, you must secure an appointment.

In North Dakota, all driver's license services, including road tests, are handled by appointment only. You cannot simply walk into a North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) office and expect to take a test. The process is managed entirely online, and knowing how to navigate the system is key. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for scheduling your road test appointment, helping you get on the calendar and one step closer to your license.

Before You Schedule: Confirm Your Eligibility

Don't jump into the scheduling system until you have confirmed you meet all the necessary prerequisites for the road test.

Eligibility Checklist:

• [ ] Valid Instruction Permit: You must have a current, valid North Dakota instruction permit.
• [ ] Minimum Age and Holding Period (for teens):
  • If you are 14 or 15 years old: You must have held your instruction permit for at least six months AND have successfully completed a state-approved driver education course.
  • If you are 16 or 17 years old: You must have held your permit for at least six months OR have turned 16, whichever is later. Driver education is not mandatory if you wait until you are 16.
• [ ] Applicants 18 and older: You must simply hold a valid instruction permit. There is no minimum holding period.

If you have checked all these boxes, you are ready to book your appointment.

Using the NDDOT Online Appointment System

The only way to schedule a road test in North Dakota is through the official NDDOT website. Be wary of any third-party websites that claim to offer scheduling services; always use the official state portal.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Appointment:

1. Navigate to the Official NDDOT Website: Start by going to the official website for the North Dakota Department of Transportation. A simple search for "NDDOT appointments" will typically direct you to the correct page. The URL will end in .nd.gov.
2. Locate the Appointment Scheduler: On the NDDOT homepage, look for a prominent link or button that says "Schedule an Appointment" or "Dash Pass." This will take you to the scheduling portal.
3. Choose "Driver's License" as the main category. The system will then ask you to specify the service you need.
4. Select the Correct Service Type: This is a crucial step. From the list of available services, you must choose "Road Test." Do not select options for permits, renewals, or written tests.
5. Enter Your Personal Information: The system will prompt you to enter your details to verify your identity. You will likely need:
   • Your First and Last Name
   • Your Phone Number and Email Address
6. Choose a Testing Location: The system will provide a list of all NDDOT Driver's License Sites in North Dakota. You can choose any location in the state, not just the one in your home county.
   • Pro-Tip: Road test appointments are in very high demand and are often booked up weeks or even months in advance, especially in larger cities like Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks. Be flexible! If your local NDDOT site has a long wait, check other, more rural sites. Driving an hour away might get you a test date that is months earlier. New appointments are often released periodically, so checking the site at different times can be beneficial.
7. Select an Available Date and Time: Once you choose a site, the system will display a calendar. Dates with available appointment slots will be highlighted. Click on a date to see the specific times available for that day. Select the time that works best for you and your required accompanying licensed driver.
8. Confirm Your Appointment: A final screen will show you a summary of your appointment details: your name, the service you selected, the office location, and the date and time. Review everything carefully before you click "Confirm."
9. Save Your Confirmation: After booking, you will receive a confirmation email and/or text message. Save this message. It contains your confirmation number and the exact address of the driver's license site.

What if I Need to Cancel or Reschedule?

If you cannot make your appointment, you must cancel or reschedule it as soon as possible, ideally at least 24 hours in advance. Your confirmation message will have a link to manage your appointment. This is a critical courtesy that frees up a high-demand slot for another driver. If you are a no-show, it may impact your ability to schedule a new appointment promptly.

With your road test officially scheduled, your final mission is preparation. Gather your documents, ensure your vehicle is in perfect working order, and practice your parallel parking until it becomes second nature. Booking the appointment is the first step toward the finish line—now it's time to drive your way across it.