North Dakota's Teen Driving Laws: A Guide for Parents and New Drivers

For a teenager in North Dakota, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage, symbolizing newfound freedom and the ability to navigate the wide-open spaces of the state. For a parent, it's a milestone that brings both pride and understandable concern. To manage this critical transition safely, North Dakota has a Graduated Driver License (GDL) system, a program designed to reduce the high crash risk among young, inexperienced drivers by introducing them to driving challenges gradually.

Understanding these laws is not just about avoiding traffic tickets; it's about saving lives. As a parent or a new teen driver, knowing every detail of the GDL program is essential for a safe, legal, and positive start to a lifetime behind the wheel.

The GDL Philosophy: A Phased Approach to Safety

The GDL program works by phasing in driving privileges. The rules are strictest for the youngest drivers and gradually loosen as they gain age and experience. The main stages are:

1. Instruction Permit: The initial supervised learning phase.
2. Restricted License: A license with specific restrictions for drivers under 16.
3. Unrestricted License: Full privileges, typically obtained at age 16.

Stage 1: The Instruction Permit - The Learning Phase (Age 14+)

This is the starting point where all foundational skills are built under the watchful eye of an experienced adult.

Key Requirements and Rules:

• Minimum Age: A teen must be at least 14 years old to apply for an instruction permit.
• Prerequisites: They must pass the vision and written knowledge tests at an NDDOT Driver's License Site. A parent or guardian must be present to sign the application.
• Mandatory Supervision: A permit holder may never drive alone. They must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old, has three or more years of driving experience, and is seated in the front passenger seat.
• Permit Holding Period:
  • If under 16: The permit must be held for at least 6 months before the teen is eligible for a road test.
  • If 16 or older: There is no minimum holding period.
• Driver Education Requirement: To get licensed before age 16, a teen must complete a state-approved driver education program, including both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

For Parents: This is your most important time for hands-on coaching. While North Dakota doesn't mandate a specific number of logged hours, consistent practice is key. Use this time to go beyond basic maneuvers. Practice in diverse conditions: city traffic, rural highways, gravel roads, and in North Dakota's challenging weather, including rain, snow, and wind.

Stage 2: The Restricted License - The First Taste of Freedom (Age 14.5 to 16)

After successfully holding the permit for the required time, completing driver's ed (if applicable), and passing the road test, a teen can obtain their first license. If they are under 16, this license comes with specific restrictions.

Key Restrictions for Drivers Under 16:

• Passenger Limit: The driver may not carry more passengers in the vehicle than the number of factory-installed seat belts. This is a common-sense safety rule that applies to all drivers but is specifically noted for young drivers.
• Nighttime Passenger Restriction: This is the most significant restriction. Between sunset (or 9:00 p.m., whichever is later) and 5:00 a.m., a driver under 16 may not transport any passengers under the age of 18 unless:
  • The passenger is a member of the driver's immediate family or household.
  • The driver is accompanied by a licensed adult (18+, 3+ years experience) in the front seat.
• The Reason: This rule is designed to minimize peer-related distractions during the highest-risk nighttime driving hours, while still allowing a young driver to, for example, drive a younger sibling home from an event.

North Dakota does not have a statewide driving curfew that prohibits teens from driving alone at night, but this passenger restriction serves a similar safety purpose.

Stage 3: The Unrestricted License (Age 16+)

• Automatic Upgrade: Once a driver turns 16 years old, the nighttime passenger restrictions are automatically lifted. They are then considered a full, unrestricted Class D operator.
• Continued Responsibility: While the GDL restrictions are gone, it's critical for parents and teens to remember that the learning process never stops.

Zero Tolerance: DUI and Electronics

North Dakota law is especially strict on several key issues for all drivers, but the rules are particularly important for teens.

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): For drivers under 21, the legal BAC limit is 0.02%. This is effectively a zero-tolerance policy. Any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to a DUI charge and severe penalties, including license suspension.
• Texting and Electronics: It is illegal for any driver in North Dakota to use a handheld electronic device to compose, read, or send electronic messages while driving. For a new driver still developing hazard-perception skills, this distraction is exceptionally dangerous.

A Partnership for Safety

The GDL laws provide a legal safety net, but parental involvement is the single most important factor in a teen's safety.

• Be the Supervising Driver: Actively coach your teen during practice sessions.
• Set Clear House Rules: Create a "driving contract" with your teen. This can include rules that are even stricter than the GDL, such as an earlier curfew, limits on driving in bad weather, or rules about who pays for gas.
• Lead by Example: Your teen learns their driving attitudes from watching you. Put your phone down, obey speed limits, and be a calm, courteous driver.

By working together and fully understanding North Dakota's GDL system, families can confidently and safely navigate this exciting and challenging new chapter.