North Dakota Instruction Permit at 14

By Javier Marín, Editor·Last reviewed September 2026·How we check this

North Dakota issues its instruction permit - the state's version of a learner's permit - starting at age 14, one of the youngest in the United States alongside Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, and Arkansas. Unlike some neighbors, North Dakota requires the teen to complete an approved driver education course before applying.

Eligibility

To qualify for a North Dakota instruction permit you must be at least 14 years old, have completed an approved driver education course (or be currently enrolled, depending on local policy), have a parent or legal guardian sign the application acknowledging financial responsibility, and pass the NDDOT vision screening and knowledge exam. The driver education requirement makes North Dakota's permit pathway slightly more rigorous than South Dakota's.

Where to apply

Instruction permits are issued at any of the NDDOT Driver License Division offices - Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Dickinson, Williston, Jamestown, Devils Lake, Wahpeton, Valley City, Mandan, and a few smaller communities. Bring the teen and the parent or legal guardian; both have to sign the application together at the counter unless the parent provides a notarized consent statement.

Documents required

Proof of identity - certified U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.
Proof of Social Security number - Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099.
Two proofs of North Dakota residency dated within the last year - utility bill, school enrollment, parent's mortgage statement, or property tax notice.
The completed SFN-2475 driver license application with the parental consent section signed.
Certificate of completion (or current enrollment) from an approved driver education program.
Permit fee.

The knowledge exam

The 25-question knowledge exam at the permit stage draws from the North Dakota Driver License Manual. The applicant must score at least 80% (no more than 5 missed) and is given two on-the-spot retakes if needed. Topics include right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections, school-bus stop laws, snow and ice driving, North Dakota's seat belt and child restraint requirements, and the 0.02% BAC threshold for under-21 drivers.

Restrictions while on the permit

An instruction permit holder may drive only when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 18 years old and seated next to the permit holder. The supervising driver must have at least one year of valid driving experience. The permit holder cannot use a wireless device while driving, including hands-free use. All occupants must wear a seat belt, and the driver is responsible for ensuring compliance.

Holding the permit for 6 months

North Dakota requires the instruction permit to be held for at least 6 months before the teen can apply for a restricted Class D license at age 14.5. During the holding period the teen must complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night. Many North Dakota families log practice hours in a notebook or app; the supervised hours sheet must be signed by the supervising adult.

The Class D-Farm Permit alternative

North Dakota also offers a Class D-Farm Permit for teens whose families operate farms or ranches. The Farm Permit allows broader daytime driving for agricultural work between the family's residence, school, and the family farm operation. The Farm Permit has its own application process and supervised-driving requirements; it does not replace the instruction permit but supplements the GDL pathway for ag families.

What happens if the permit lapses

The instruction permit is valid for 1 year. If the permit holder does not move on to a restricted Class D license before the permit expires, they can renew the permit at any NDDOT office. The 6-month holding clock continues to count against the permit period; renewal does not reset progress. If the holder accumulates a moving violation conviction, the 6-month holding clock can reset or the permit can be canceled - NDDOT reviews each case under N.D.C.C. § 39-06.

From instruction permit to a full license

The North Dakota progression is unusually fast. A teen who gets an instruction permit at age 14 can hold it 6 months, qualify for a restricted Class D at 14.5, drive with that intermediate credential, and apply for a full Class D license at age 16 - faster than in most other states. Insurance carriers in North Dakota price young drivers high during the permit and restricted Class D stages; see North Dakota car insurance for what to expect.