North Dakota Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test Exam Guide
At a glance
- Exam fee
- $0
- Governing body
- North Dakota Department of Transportation
The North Dakota Road Signs & Driver Knowledge Test covers the sign recognition, signals, and road markings that every new driver needs to know before getting behind the wheel. It's taken by teens applying for their first instruction permit as well as adult first-time applicants, and it's administered by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Driver License Division.
Overview
The knowledge test draws on the Signs, Signals, and Road Markings chapter of the official noncommercial driver's manual, alongside rules-of-the-road content covering safe driving practices. Road sign questions are not a standalone exam — they're folded into the single knowledge test you take when applying for a permit or license.
- Sign shapes, colors, and meanings
- Traffic signals and right-of-way rules
- Pavement and road markings
- General rules of safe driving
Cost and registration
The written knowledge test costs $5.00, and the road test costs $5.00 as well. A non-commercial permit or license runs $15.00, and a duplicate license or permit costs $8.00 (or $3.00 for a name or address change only).
Exam format
NDDOT does not publish an exact question count or minimum passing score for the knowledge test, so applicants should study the manual thoroughly rather than aim for a specific target. The test can be taken at a Driver License office or online through the state's official testing portal with an appointment. If you fail any part of testing, you cannot retake it the same day, and phones, bags, and other electronic devices are not permitted in the testing area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the North Dakota knowledge test cost?
The written knowledge test costs $5.00. This is separate from the fee for the permit or license itself.
What is the minimum age to get a learner's permit in North Dakota?
Applicants must be at least 14 years old to apply for a North Dakota instruction permit.
How many supervised driving hours are required before licensing?
Drivers under 16 must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised practice driving in variable conditions before they can be licensed.
Can I retake the knowledge test the same day if I fail?
No. If you fail any part of the testing process, you are not allowed to retake the exam that same day.
What does it cost to get a permit or license once I pass the tests?
A non-commercial permit or license costs $15.00, and the road test itself costs $5.00.
What am I not allowed to bring into the knowledge testing area?
Cell phones, bags, notebooks, pens, and other electronic devices are not allowed in the knowledge testing area, and children or pets cannot accompany you.
Sources
- 1.2025-2027 Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D) | NDDOT — North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver License Division (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
- 2.Driver License Requirements | NDDOT — North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver License Division (accessed Aug 9, 2026)
Official sources
Every exam fact on this page traces to a primary document published by the body that administers the exam.
- 2025-2027 Noncommercial Driver License Manual (Class D) | NDDOTNorth Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver License Divisiondot.nd.gov
- Driver License Requirements | NDDOTNorth Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver License Divisiondot.nd.gov
- Driver License Types | NDDOTNorth Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) — Driver License Divisiondot.nd.gov
Last verified against the official exam content outline: