How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in North Dakota?

You must be at least 14 years old to get a learner's permit in North Dakota. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in North Dakota?

North Dakota intermediate license holders must be at least 15 years old. There is a curfew from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 16.

North Dakota Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

North Dakota uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 14
Holding period: 12 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 18 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 15
Curfew hours: 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: North Dakota does not impose specific GDL passenger restrictions
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in fines and license suspension

North Dakota-Specific Information

Holding period is 12 months if under 16, 6 months if 16 or older. Supervised hours (50) required only if under 16. Restricted license available at 15 with parental consent. Full unrestricted license at 16. One of the youngest driving ages in the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in North Dakota gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in North Dakota at age 14. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, North Dakota restricts driving between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 16.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in North Dakota at age 16. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.