How to Get Your Driver's License in North Dakota

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in North Dakota. North Dakota uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 16.

GDL Stages in North Dakota

1

Learner's Permit

Age 14+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 18 or older
2

Restricted License

Age 15+ 12 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • Driving allowed only for school, work, religious activities, and medical needs
  • No statutory passenger restriction
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 16+

Requirements

  • Turn 16

Restricted License Rules

  • The restricted license at age 15 allows driving only for specific purposes such as going to and from school, work, religious services, and medical appointments.
  • North Dakota does not impose a separate nighttime curfew or passenger limit during the restricted phase.

How restrictions lift: All restrictions lift when the driver turns 16.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 16 and older receive a full license after completing the GDL stages. Adults 18+ can apply directly if they have not previously held a license.

North Dakota-Specific Information

North Dakota allows a restricted license at age 15, which is purpose-limited rather than time-limited. The state's GDL law is considered among the weakest nationally because it lacks a nighttime curfew and a formal passenger restriction.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 16 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in North Dakota.

North Dakota uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Restricted License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • The restricted license at age 15 allows driving only for specific purposes such as going to and from school, work, religious services, and medical appointments.
  • North Dakota does not impose a separate nighttime curfew or passenger limit during the restricted phase.

Adults age 18 and older in North Dakota can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 16 and older receive a full license after completing the GDL stages. Adults 18+ can apply directly if they have not previously held a license.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

North Dakota learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in North Dakota.

North Dakota drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on North Dakota Department of Transportation guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official North Dakota Department of Transportation website for the most current information.