ND Permit Test cheat sheet
ND Permit Test · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Traffic Signs and Signals
Eight-shape (octagon) red sign is always STOP; inverted triangle (point-down) red sign is always YIELD; these shapes are unique and recognized from the back.
Sign colors carry meaning: red = stop/prohibit, yellow = warning, fluorescent yellow-green = pedestrian/school warning, orange = construction/work zone, green = guidance/distance, blue = services, brown = recreation/cultural, white = regulatory.
A flashing red signal is treated as a stop sign: full stop, yield, proceed when clear; a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution, no stop required.
A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely, otherwise clear the intersection with caution.
Solid yellow pavement lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; broken yellow permits passing when safe; double solid yellow prohibits passing in both directions.
A red X over a lane means that lane is closed to traffic; a green arrow means the lane is open; a white steady left arrow in a lane marks a left-turn-only lane.
Railroad crossbuck (X-shaped) signs mark the crossing; a round yellow sign with an X and RR means advance warning; flashing red lights or gates require a stop.
A pentagon-shaped (five-sided) sign warns of a school zone or school crossing; slow to the posted school speed limit when children are present or the beacon is flashing.
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle that arrived first; if two arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.
A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right; a vehicle turning right on red must stop first, then yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right-of-way; drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the driver's lane and the adjacent lane.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop until it passes; never stop in an intersection.
A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop; on a divided highway, opposing traffic on the other side of a physical median need not stop.
Four-way stop rule: first to arrive proceeds first; simultaneous arrivals yield to the vehicle on the right; a vehicle going straight has priority over one turning left.
When entering a highway from an on-ramp or driveway, you must yield to traffic already on the roadway; merging traffic does not have the right-of-way.
Passing on the right is permitted only when the vehicle ahead is turning left, or on a multi-lane road where lanes move in the same direction and it is safe.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
Use the three-second following rule in good conditions; increase to four or more seconds in rain, snow, ice, or when following large trucks and motorcycles.
North Dakota's open landscape means long sight distances but sudden hazards: deer/animal crossings at dawn and dusk, farm equipment, and high winds on open stretches.
In a skid, look and steer where you want to go and ease off the accelerator; do not slam the brakes, which can worsen the skid and cause a spin.
Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water; ease off the gas, keep the steering straight, and avoid hard braking until traction returns.
If your vehicle begins to leave the paved surface, slow gradually, keep a firm grip, and steer back onto the pavement only after reducing speed; do not jerk the wheel.
Use low-beam headlights in fog, rain, or snow; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
When a large truck or bus turns right, it may swing wide or track over the curb; never pass on the right in the turn zone - stay back until it completes the turn.
Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment comparably to alcohol; take a break every two hours or 100 miles on long trips.
North Dakota Laws, Penalties, and Licensing
North Dakota's implied consent law requires a driver lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to a chemical test; refusing can result in license suspension independent of the criminal case.
North Dakota's legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older; a lower limit applies to commercial drivers and under-21 drivers are subject to a zero-tolerance standard.
North Dakota uses a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for young drivers, with learner's permit and intermediate license stages that restrict passengers and nighttime driving.
North Dakota requires liability insurance (minimum limits set by statute) and proof of insurance; driving uninsured carries fines and possible registration suspension.
Seat belts are required for front-seat occupants, and children must be secured in an appropriate child restraint per North Dakota's child passenger safety law.
A first DUI conviction in North Dakota carries fines, license suspension, and possible jail time; penalties escalate for repeat offenses and for high BAC or test refusal.
North Dakota law prohibits texting while driving and restricts handheld device use, especially for novice drivers; violations carry fines and points.
A driver must report a crash to law enforcement when it involves injury, death, or property damage above the statutory threshold; leaving the scene of an injury crash is a criminal offense.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A steady green arrow means you may proceed in the direction of the arrow, but you must still yield to pedestrians and vehicles already lawfully in the intersection.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering is regulatory (e.g., speed limit, lane use); a yellow diamond is a warning sign about road conditions ahead.
Pavement markings: a solid white line marks the right edge or separates lanes going the same direction; a broken white line permits lane changes when safe.
A yellow X or diagonal arrows over a lane indicate the lane will soon close or must be vacated; move out of that lane as soon as it is safe.
A circular sign with a red slash and a symbol inside means the action is prohibited (e.g., no U-turn, no left turn).
At a yield sign, slow down and be prepared to stop; if traffic is clear, you may proceed without stopping, unlike a stop sign.
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
On a one-way street, a vehicle may pass on the left or right if there is more than one lane in the same direction and it is safe to do so.
When two vehicles approach an intersection at the same time and one is turning left, the left-turning vehicle yields to the one going straight.
A vehicle entering a roundabout yields to traffic already in the circle; vehicles in the roundabout have the right-of-way.
When a pedestrian is crossing with a walk signal or in a crosswalk, drivers must yield, and a driver turning must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk they are entering.
You must not enter an intersection if traffic is backed up and you cannot clear it, even on a green light; blocking the box is a violation.
When an emergency vehicle approaches from behind, pull over to the right and stop; if you are in an intersection, clear it first, then pull over.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
The three-second rule: pick a fixed object ahead; when the vehicle ahead passes it, count three seconds; if you reach it before finishing, you are following too closely.
In rain, snow, or ice, double the following distance and reduce speed; stopping distances on ice can be many times longer than on dry pavement.
Scan 12-15 seconds ahead in urban areas and farther on rural highways to spot hazards early; check mirrors every 5-8 seconds.
If you must drive in fog, use low beams and slow down; if visibility is too poor, pull off the road completely and turn on hazard lights.
When a deer is on the road, brake firmly and stay in your lane rather than swerving, which can cause a rollover or head-on crash.
Large trucks have large blind spots (no-zones) on both sides, directly behind, and in front; if you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
North Dakota Laws, Penalties, and Licensing
North Dakota's point system assesses points for moving violations; accumulating too many points in a set period can lead to license suspension.
A driver under 21 with any measurable alcohol in their system can face license consequences under North Dakota's zero-tolerance law.
North Dakota requires drivers to carry a valid license and registration; driving with a suspended or revoked license is a separate offense with escalating penalties.
Child restraint law: children under a certain age/height must use an approved child safety seat; rear-facing seats are required for the youngest children per North Dakota statute.
North Dakota's DUI law applies to driving with a BAC at or above the legal limit or while under the influence of drugs; commercial drivers face a lower BAC threshold.
Open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle are prohibited under North Dakota law, regardless of whether the driver is impaired.
North Dakota's Good Samaritan and implied consent provisions mean refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest can lead to administrative license revocation.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A red circle with a diagonal slash over a black symbol means that maneuver is prohibited; a red circle without a slash means no entry.
A green light means proceed if the intersection is clear; you must still yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the intersection.
A yellow diamond warning sign may include a supplemental plaque (e.g., 'when wet', 'school zone') that modifies the warning.
A white painted stop bar or crosswalk line marks where to stop at a signal or stop sign; stop before the line, not in the crosswalk.
A blue sign with a white 'H' marks a hospital; a blue sign with a white 'P' or services icon marks a rest area or services ahead.
A rectangular white sign with black lettering and a red circle/slash is a regulatory prohibition; a rectangular white sign with black lettering alone is a regulatory instruction.
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
When making a left turn, signal at least 100 feet before the turn in urban areas and 300 feet on rural highways (check your state's exact requirement).
When passing, signal, check mirrors and blind spots, move into the passing lane, and do not return to the right lane until you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
On a two-lane road, you may not pass when approaching a curve, hill, or intersection where your view is obstructed, or when a solid yellow line is on your side.
At a stop sign, come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk; if none, stop before entering the intersection, then yield to cross traffic.
A vehicle must yield to a pedestrian who is legally in a crosswalk, including at an intersection with no marked crosswalk (an unmarked crosswalk).
When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
Tire blowout: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight; do not brake hard until the vehicle slows and you have control.
Brake failure: pump the brakes if you have conventional brakes, downshift to a lower gear, and use the parking brake gradually; steer to a safe area.
When driving at night, use high beams on unlit rural roads when no oncoming traffic is within 500 feet; dim to low beams for oncoming vehicles and when following within 200-300 feet.
In winter, clear all snow and ice from windows, roof, hood, and lights before driving; snow left on the roof can blow off and blind other drivers.
If you become stranded in a snowstorm, stay in the vehicle, run the engine intermittently for heat, keep a window cracked for ventilation, and tie a bright cloth to the antenna.
Aggressive driving and road rage: do not engage; avoid eye contact, do not respond to gestures, and allow the aggressive driver to pass.
North Dakota Laws, Penalties, and Licensing
North Dakota's GDL learner's permit stage generally requires a supervising licensed driver in the front seat and restricts driving hours; check current statute for exact hour limits.
Intermediate license holders in North Dakota face passenger and nighttime restrictions; violations can delay eligibility for a full license.
North Dakota requires a vision test and knowledge and driving tests to obtain a permit/license; renewal requirements vary by age.
A DUI conviction in North Dakota can require an ignition interlock device as a condition of reinstatement, especially for repeat or high-BAC offenses.
North Dakota law requires motorists to move over or slow down for stopped emergency, tow, and maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.
Driving without insurance in North Dakota can result in fines, license suspension, and required SR-22 filing to reinstate driving privileges.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; it does not mean the turn is protected.
A steady red arrow means stop and do not turn in that direction until the arrow changes; a green arrow gives a protected turn.
An octagon is exclusively used for STOP; a downward-pointing triangle is exclusively used for YIELD; a round sign warns of a railroad crossing ahead.
Orange diamond signs mark construction and work zones; reduce speed and watch for workers and equipment when orange signs are present.
A white rectangular sign with black lettering and a red circle/slash is a prohibition; a white sign with black lettering alone is a regulatory instruction.
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
When two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
A driver turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, including bicycles and motorcycles, which are harder to see and judge speed.
When entering a roundabout, yield to vehicles already circulating; do not stop inside the roundabout unless traffic requires it.
You must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk, and you must not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk - the stopped vehicle may be yielding to a pedestrian.
At a four-way stop, a vehicle going straight has the right-of-way over a vehicle turning left; a right-turning vehicle yields to a vehicle going straight.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
The two-second rule is a minimum in ideal conditions; use three seconds or more at higher speeds and when following motorcycles or trucks.
Space cushion: keep at least a 3-second gap ahead and avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot; if you cannot see their mirrors, they cannot see you.
In a skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go and avoid hard braking; if you have anti-lock brakes, brake firmly and steer.
Hydroplaning speed can be as low as 35 mph on wet pavement; reduce speed in rain and avoid sudden steering or braking inputs.
When driving in fog, use low beams; high beams reflect off the fog and reduce visibility.
When a deer is on the road, brake firmly and stay in your lane rather than swerving, which can cause a rollover or head-on crash.
North Dakota Laws, Penalties, and Licensing
North Dakota's implied consent law requires a driver lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to a chemical test; refusing can result in license suspension independent of the criminal case.
North Dakota's legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older; a lower limit applies to commercial drivers and under-21 drivers are subject to a zero-tolerance standard.
North Dakota uses a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for young drivers, with learner's permit and intermediate license stages that restrict passengers and nighttime driving.
North Dakota requires liability insurance (minimum limits set by statute) and proof of insurance; driving uninsured carries fines and possible registration suspension.
Seat belts are required for front-seat occupants, and children must be secured in an appropriate child restraint per North Dakota's child passenger safety law.
A first DUI conviction in North Dakota carries fines, license suspension, and possible jail time; penalties escalate for repeat offenses and for high BAC or test refusal.
North Dakota law prohibits texting while driving and restricts handheld device use, especially for novice drivers; violations carry fines and points.
A driver must report a crash to law enforcement when it involves injury, death, or property damage above the statutory threshold; leaving the scene of an injury crash is a criminal offense.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A flashing red signal is treated as a stop sign: full stop, yield, proceed when clear; a flashing yellow means slow down and proceed with caution, no stop required.
A steady yellow light means the signal is about to turn red; stop if you can do so safely, otherwise clear the intersection with caution.
Solid yellow pavement lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions; broken yellow permits passing when safe; double solid yellow prohibits passing in both directions.
A red X over a lane means that lane is closed to traffic; a green arrow means the lane is open; a white steady left arrow in a lane marks a left-turn-only lane.
Railroad crossbuck (X-shaped) signs mark the crossing; a round yellow sign with an X and RR means advance warning; flashing red lights or gates require a stop.
A pentagon-shaped (five-sided) sign warns of a school zone or school crossing; slow to the posted school speed limit when children are present or the beacon is flashing.
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle that arrived first; if two arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right.
A vehicle turning left must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right; a vehicle turning right on red must stop first, then yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right-of-way; drivers must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared the driver's lane and the adjacent lane.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop until it passes; never stop in an intersection.
A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop; on a divided highway, opposing traffic on the other side of a physical median need not stop.
Four-way stop rule: first to arrive proceeds first; simultaneous arrivals yield to the vehicle on the right; a vehicle going straight has priority over one turning left.
When entering a highway from an on-ramp or driveway, you must yield to traffic already on the roadway; merging traffic does not have the right-of-way.
Passing on the right is permitted only when the vehicle ahead is turning left, or on a multi-lane road where lanes move in the same direction and it is safe.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
Use the three-second following rule in good conditions; increase to four or more seconds in rain, snow, ice, or when following large trucks and motorcycles.
North Dakota's open landscape means long sight distances but sudden hazards: deer/animal crossings at dawn and dusk, farm equipment, and high winds on open stretches.
In a skid, look and steer where you want to go and ease off the accelerator; do not slam the brakes, which can worsen the skid and cause a spin.
Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water; ease off the gas, keep the steering straight, and avoid hard braking until traction returns.
If your vehicle begins to leave the paved surface, slow gradually, keep a firm grip, and steer back onto the pavement only after reducing speed; do not jerk the wheel.
Use low-beam headlights in fog, rain, or snow; high beams reflect off precipitation and reduce visibility.
When a large truck or bus turns right, it may swing wide or track over the curb; never pass on the right in the turn zone - stay back until it completes the turn.
Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment comparably to alcohol; take a break every two hours or 100 miles on long trips.
North Dakota Laws, Penalties, and Licensing
North Dakota's implied consent law requires a driver lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to a chemical test; refusing can result in license suspension independent of the criminal case.
North Dakota's legal blood alcohol concentration limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older; a lower limit applies to commercial drivers and under-21 drivers are subject to a zero-tolerance standard.
North Dakota uses a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for young drivers, with learner's permit and intermediate license stages that restrict passengers and nighttime driving.
North Dakota requires liability insurance (minimum limits set by statute) and proof of insurance; driving uninsured carries fines and possible registration suspension.
Seat belts are required for front-seat occupants, and children must be secured in an appropriate child restraint per North Dakota's child passenger safety law.
A first DUI conviction in North Dakota carries fines, license suspension, and possible jail time; penalties escalate for repeat offenses and for high BAC or test refusal.
North Dakota law prohibits texting while driving and restricts handheld device use, especially for novice drivers; violations carry fines and points.
A driver must report a crash to law enforcement when it involves injury, death, or property damage above the statutory threshold; leaving the scene of an injury crash is a criminal offense.
Traffic Signs and Signals
A red circle with a diagonal slash over a black symbol means that maneuver is prohibited; a red circle without a slash means no entry.
A green light means proceed if the intersection is clear; you must still yield to pedestrians and to vehicles already in the intersection.
A yellow diamond warning sign may include a supplemental plaque (e.g., 'when wet', 'school zone') that modifies the warning.
A white painted stop bar or crosswalk line marks where to stop at a signal or stop sign; stop before the line, not in the crosswalk.
A blue sign with a white 'H' marks a hospital; a blue sign with a white 'P' or services icon marks a rest area or services ahead.
A rectangular white sign with black lettering and a red circle/slash is a regulatory prohibition; a rectangular white sign with black lettering alone is a regulatory instruction.
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
When making a left turn, signal at least 100 feet before the turn in urban areas and 300 feet on rural highways (check your state's exact requirement).
When passing, signal, check mirrors and blind spots, move into the passing lane, and do not return to the right lane until you can see the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
On a two-lane road, you may not pass when approaching a curve, hill, or intersection where your view is obstructed, or when a solid yellow line is on your side.
At a stop sign, come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk; if none, stop before entering the intersection, then yield to cross traffic.
A vehicle must yield to a pedestrian who is legally in a crosswalk, including at an intersection with no marked crosswalk (an unmarked crosswalk).
When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing on an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop until the lights stop flashing.
Safe Driving Practices and Hazard Awareness
Tire blowout: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and steer straight; do not brake hard until the vehicle slows and you have control.
Brake failure: pump the brakes if you have conventional brakes, downshift to a lower gear, and use the parking brake gradually; steer to a safe area.
When driving at night, use high beams on unlit rural roads when no oncoming traffic is within 500 feet; dim to low beams for oncoming vehicles and when following within 200-300 feet.
In winter, clear all snow and ice from windows, roof, hood, and lights before driving; snow left on the roof can blow off and blind other drivers.
If you become stranded in a snowstorm, stay in the vehicle, run the engine intermittently for heat, keep a window cracked for ventilation, and tie a bright cloth to the antenna.
Aggressive driving and road rage: do not engage; avoid eye contact, do not respond to gestures, and allow the aggressive driver to pass.
North Dakota Laws, Penalties, and Licensing
North Dakota's GDL learner's permit stage generally requires a supervising licensed driver in the front seat and restricts driving hours; check current statute for exact hour limits.
Intermediate license holders in North Dakota face passenger and nighttime restrictions; violations can delay eligibility for a full license.
North Dakota requires a vision test and knowledge and driving tests to obtain a permit/license; renewal requirements vary by age.
A DUI conviction in North Dakota can require an ignition interlock device as a condition of reinstatement, especially for repeat or high-BAC offenses.
North Dakota law requires motorists to move over or slow down for stopped emergency, tow, and maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.
Driving without insurance in North Dakota can result in fines, license suspension, and required SR-22 filing to reinstate driving privileges.