North Dakota Online Driver Education and North Dakota Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in North Dakota? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of North Dakota has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in North Dakota.

North Dakota School Learners Permit (LPE)

You need to be 14 years old to be eligible to get an school learner's permit in North Dakota. This permit is only good for 3 months, but can be renewed. You only need to pass a vision screening test to earn this type of permit.

With an instruction permit, you may drive so long as a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old is sitting in the front passenger seat actively supervising your driving.

North Dakota School Permit (SCP)

Once you've had your school learner's permit for 2 months, you'll be eligible to apply for your school permit (SCP), provided you meet the following requirements:

• Pass both a written exam and a road test given to you by your drivers education course instructor
• Completed 50 hours of supervised driving practice (the certification form must be signed by your parent/guardian)
• Have held your school learner's permit (LPE) with a clean driving record for 2 months
• Completed a state-approved drivers education course

North Dakota Learners Permit (LPD)

You can also apply for a learners permit (LPD) when you turn 15. If you already have a school permit (SCP), you may skip the required written test. The learners permit is valid for 1 year, but may be renewed.

Learners Permit Restrictions:

• You may drive only with a licensed driver who's at least 21 sitting next to you in the front passenger seat, actively supervising your driving.
• All passengers must wear seatbelts (you do, too!)

North Dakota Provisional Driver License

After you've had your learner's permit for six (6) months and have accrued no more than 3 points on your driving record, you may apply for a provisional drivers license provided you meet the following requirements:

• Completed a state-approved drivers education course
• You've completed at least 50 hours of driving practice (you'll need to provide the certification form), including 10 hours at night
• You will need to pass both a written test and a road test before getting your provisional license.

With a provisional license, some restrictions still apply:

• For the first 6 months, you may carry no more than 1 passenger under the age of 19, unless you are under the supervision of a licensed driver
• You may not drive between the hours of 12 midnight and 6am except when commuting to and from work or a school-sponsored activity
• You may not use cell phones or any other type of electronic device while you are driving.
• Everyone is the car must be buckled-up!

After you turn 18, and have held your provisional license for at least 12 months, and have received no more than 3 points on your driving record, you may apply for a full, unrestricted driver's license.

North Dakota Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in North Dakota is as follows:

• $30,000--personal injury (1 person) per accident
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons) per accident
• $25,000--property damage

Driving without the required insurance liability coverage is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

North Dakota Drunk Driving Laws

• 7 to 60 days in jail
• 6-month suspension of your license
• Alcohol assessment/treatment program
• Up to a $500 fine

Further DUI violations will result in more severe penalties, including extended time in jail and the revocation of your driver's license.

North Dakota Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

North Dakota law prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones or any other type of electronic device while driving.

North Dakota Drivers Education Courses

You can learn more about state-approved drivers education courses available in North Dakota by visiting the N.D. DMV website.