
North Dakota Driving Test Routes (ND)
Steady Driving in the Peace Garden State
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North Dakota’s open roads, changing seasons, and small towns make every test center a little different.
From Fargo to Bismarck and beyond, knowing what to expect on test day helps ease nerves and boost confidence.
With our no.1 app, you can follow the same routes examiners use - guided by GPS and available offline to practice anytime.
Select your nearest North Dakota DOT in the app or the routes directory below to get started.
North Dakota DOT Directory & Routes
Beulah Driving Test Routes
Beulah DMV, 250 7th St NE, Beulah ND 58523
Bismarck Driving Test Routes
Bismarck DMV, 608 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck ND 58505
Bottineau Driving Test Routes
Bottineau DMV, 115 W 6th St E, Bottineau ND 58318
Bowman Driving Test Routes
Bowman DMV, 104 1st St NW #2, Bowman ND 58623
Devils Lake Driving Test Routes
Devils Lake DMV, 208 US-2, Devils Lake ND 58301
Fargo Driving Test Routes
Fargo DMV, 4101 13th Ave S, Fargo ND 58103
Grafton Driving Test Routes
Grafton DMV, 701 W 6th St, Grafton ND 58237
Grand Forks Driving Test Routes
Grand Forks DMV, 1951 N Washington St, Grand Forks ND 58203
Harvey Driving Test Routes
Harvey Armory DMV, 120 8th St W, Harvey ND 58341
Jamestown Driving Test Routes
Jamestown DMV, 300 2nd Ave NE 139, Jamestown ND 58401
Linton Driving Test Routes
Linton DMV, 101 1st St NE, Linton ND 58552
Minot Driving Test Routes
Minot DMV, 1600 2nd Ave SW, Minot ND 58701
Oakes Driving Test Routes
Oakes DMV, 124 S 5th St, Oakes ND 58474
Rolla Driving Test Routes
Rolla DMV, 14 1st St NE, Rolla ND 58367
Valley City Driving Test Routes
Valley City DMV, 250 W Main St, Valley City ND 58072
Wahpeton Driving Test Routes
Wahpeton DMV, 1505 11th St N, Wahpeton ND 58075
Watford City Driving Test Routes
Watford City DMV, 201 5th St NW, Watford City ND 58854
Williston Driving Test Routes
Williston DMV, 537 W Dakota Pkwy, Williston ND 58801
Keeping Routes Current
California roads don’t sit still. One week there’s new roadworks, the next there’s a traffic pattern change. This matters - especially when your driving test depends on them.
We keep our routes accurate by:
Recording real road tests - GPS recordings of actual exams give us a clear insight.
Using learner feedback - you and other drivers help us spot updates quickly.
Refreshing the app immediately - the route you practice today could used in a test tomorrow.
The benefit for you? You’ll spend your time learning the exact roads that prepare you best for test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It's worth asking. If you have a valid certificate from an approved driver education/training course certifying that you have undertaken 30 classroom hours + 6 behind-the-wheel hours, the state may waive your road test.
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Before driving, the examiner will inspect your car, and if any of the following fail, your test may be postponed:
Valid registration and insurance
A clean windshield (no cracks or obstructions)
Working lights (headlights, brake lights, turn signals), horn, mirrors, brakes, and seat belts
Doors and windows that open and close properly
Safe tires (inflation, tread)
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The driving element usually lasts about 15 minutes (give or take a minute or two depending on test center and route).
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Yes - violations such as disobeying traffic laws, unsafe maneuvers, or failing the safety inspection are deemed serious enough to cause the examiner to end the test immediately.
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If you fail the road test don't worry too much. Typically you can't retake it on the same day, and you’ll need to schedule another test (and pay the fee again).
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You must be at least 16 years old to take a full operator (Class D) road test to progress to an unrestricted license.
Younger individuals of 14–15 years with a permit, may get a restricted license after completing mandatory driving practice, as part of ND’s graduated licensing program.
Driving in North Dakota
Learning to drive in North Dakota means getting used to long highways, wide-open spaces, and often unpredictable weather. Here are a few things you should know before you start practicing.
Roads and Speed Limits
Out on rural highways, you’ll find long stretches of road with speed limits up to 65 mph. On the interstates, you can in some areas legally go as fast as 75 mph.
In towns and neighborhoods, speed limits are much lower - usually around 25 mph - to keep both you and pedestrians safe.
Remember: local cities and towns are often allowed to set their own speed limits, so you need to watch for posted signs, as the rules can change quickly the further you drive.
Key Laws That Affect You
Some North Dakota laws are especially important for new drivers:
No texting while driving - it’s illegal for everyone, no matter what your age. If you’re under 18, you can’t use any electronic device while driving, even if it’s classed as hands-free.
Seat belts are mandatory - everyone in the vehicle must be buckled up, and young children need to be sat in a properly fitted car seat or booster.
DUI laws are strict - you’ll get into serious trouble if you drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or above. The penalties are especially tough, and they could stay on your record.
Headlight use - it’s against safe driving law to keep your high beams switched on when another car is approaching within 500 feet. Always dim your lights to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.
Winter Driving in North Dakota
Winter is a big deal here. Snow, ice, and blowing drifts can make roads tricky, even if you’re an experienced driver. The safest, smartest thing you can do is to slow down to below the posted limit when the road is slippery.
Snowplows are another thing to watch out for. They clear the roads, but their blades can stick out by several feet, and the snow they disperse can block your view ahead. Hang back and give them space, rather than trying to pass.
Try to learn the basics of winter driving early - good practices like avoiding cruise control on ice, accelerating slowly, keeping a longer following distance, and considering winter tires or chains will all help if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow.
North Dakota New Driver Resources
North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual
This is the official ND DOT manual covering all road rules, traffic signs, safe driving practices, and licensing rules you will need to familiarize yourself with before the written test.
How to Apply for a Learner’s Permit
Walking you through precisely what you must bring, age requirements, test procedures, and latest permit rules.
KnowToDrive – North Dakota
KnowToDrive allows you to take your knowledge test online at home. You receive an instant result and the test has multiple languages supported.
Forms
The official NDDOT forms page where you can find driver license, vision exam, temporary restricted license, and all other relevant forms.
REAL ID Information
Explaining what documents you will need for a REAL ID-compliant driver license or permit in ND.
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