ND Permit Test key terms

The legal priority to proceed first at a place where paths of vehicles or pedestrians cross. It is yielded, never taken, and is given by signs, signals, or rules.

An intersection where all approaches have stop signs. Vehicles proceed in the order they arrived; if two arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.

A crossing of roads where traffic is directed by signs, signals, or a police officer. Drivers must obey the control rather than relying on default right-of-way rules.

A crossing with no signs, signals, or officer present. Drivers must slow down, check all directions, and yield to traffic already in the intersection or approaching from the right.

A red-and-white downward triangle telling drivers to slow or stop and let crossing or merging traffic go first. You need not stop if the way is clearly clear.

A red octagon requiring a complete halt at the marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk. You may proceed only when the way is safe and right-of-way is respected.

A sign that states a law or requirement, such as speed limits, turn restrictions, or lane use. White background with black or red markings is typical; violations carry legal penalties.

A yellow diamond sign alerting drivers to a change or hazard ahead, such as curves, intersections, or pedestrian crossings. It tells you to adjust speed and attention.

A yellow rectangular sign placed below a warning sign showing a recommended maximum speed for a hazard such as a sharp curve or ramp. It is a safe-speed suggestion, not a legal limit.

A white rectangular regulatory sign showing the maximum lawful speed in miles per hour under good conditions. Driving faster is a violation even if conditions feel comfortable.

The rule that you must never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the posted limit. Rain, snow, ice, fog, or heavy traffic can make the posted speed too fast.

An electric light device controlling traffic flow with red, yellow, and green indications. Drivers must obey the color and any accompanying arrows or signs.

A signal warning that the green interval is ending and red is next. Stop if you can do so safely; otherwise proceed through with caution rather than speeding up.

A signal requiring a full stop before the crosswalk or stop line. You may not proceed until the light turns green, except where a permitted right turn on red applies.

After stopping completely at a steady red light, a driver may turn right when it is safe and no sign prohibits it. You must yield to pedestrians and cross traffic first.

A signal that functions like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield as required, then proceed when safe. It often appears where signals are off during low-traffic hours.

A signal warning drivers to slow down and proceed with care. It does not require a stop but signals a hazard such as an intersection or a malfunctioning signal.

A marked or unmarked path where pedestrians cross a roadway. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk and must not block it while stopped.

The walk/don't-walk indicator at signalized crossings. A flashing don't-walk means pedestrians should finish crossing; drivers must still yield to anyone in the roadway.

An acceleration lane that lets entering traffic build speed to join a highway. Drivers merging must yield to traffic already on the main road unless signs direct otherwise.

The gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, commonly measured by the seconds it takes to reach the same point. A three-second gap is a standard minimum in good conditions.

Driving too closely behind another vehicle so that you cannot stop in time if it brakes suddenly. It reduces reaction time and is a common cause of rear-end crashes.

Operating a vehicle while your attention is on something else, such as a phone, food, or passengers. It delays hazard recognition and steering response and is a leading crash factor.

A driving approach that anticipates mistakes by others and prepares an escape route. It includes scanning ahead, managing space, and avoiding assumptions about other drivers' actions.

Loss of tire contact with the road when water builds under the tires at speed. Steering and braking become ineffective; ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking until grip returns.

A loss of traction in which tires slide rather than roll, often from braking or turning too sharply on slick pavement. Ease off the accelerator and steer where you want to go.

A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on pavement, common on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. Reduce speed and avoid sudden steering or braking when it is suspected.

A road area where construction or maintenance is underway, often marked by orange signs and cones. Fines for speeding are commonly increased and workers' safety depends on reduced speed.

A rule requiring drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency or service vehicles with flashing lights when possible, or slow down if a lane change is unsafe.

A police, fire, or ambulance vehicle using lights and siren. Drivers must pull to the right edge and stop until it passes, and must not follow closely behind it.

The legal principle that by driving on public roads a person agrees to submit to a chemical test of breath or blood when lawfully arrested for suspected impaired driving. Refusal carries license consequences.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs to a degree that impairs driving. North Dakota sets a per se limit of 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration for adult drivers.

A policy making it illegal for drivers under 21 to operate a vehicle with any measurable alcohol in their system. Penalties can include license suspension even at very low levels.

A record-keeping method that assigns point values to traffic convictions. Accumulating enough points within a set period can lead to license suspension or other restrictions.

A restricted license issued to new or young drivers before full privileges. It commonly limits passengers, night driving, or both, and violations can delay earning a full license.

A staged licensing system moving new drivers from learner permit to intermediate and then full privileges. Each stage adds responsibility as experience and safe driving records grow.

A permit allowing a beginning driver to practice behind the wheel only under required supervision and conditions. It is the first step in the graduated licensing process.

A requirement that occupants use safety belts in moving vehicles, with enforcement and fines varying by state. North Dakota enforces belt use as a primary law for front-seat occupants.

A federally approved car seat or booster used for young children according to age, height, and weight guidelines. Proper use reduces injury risk and is required by state law.