Free North Dakota DOT Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 2 2026
This Practice Test 2 is modeled on the Department of Transportation (DOT) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need a pass mark the DOT does not publish (our practice tests use 80%). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the DOT tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
What does a flashing red light mean?
What's on the North Dakota Practice Test 2
The DOT does not publish how many questions are on the real North Dakota knowledge test. Practice Test 2 is a 25-question set drawn from 44 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 17
- Traffic laws 11
- Safe driving 5
- Right of way 4
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Alcohol & drugs 2
- Speed limits 1
- Parking 1
- Emergencies 1
44 questions in the pool, 9 of them written specifically for North Dakota. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. On a paved, divided multi-lane highway in North Dakota with no other limit posted, what is the maximum speed?
- A. 55 mph
- B. 65 mph
- C. 80 mph
- D. 70 mph (correct)
Why: North Dakota allows 70 mph on paved, divided highways with more than one lane each way unless a sign says otherwise. The 80 mph limit is only for rural Interstates.
Source: official North Dakota driver handbook, p.20 (PDF p.24), Speed Limits
2. When you drive with a North Dakota instruction permit, who must sit in the seat beside you?
- A. A licensed driver 16+ with 1 year driving
- B. A licensed driver 21+ with 5 years driving
- C. A licensed driver 18+ with 3 years driving (correct)
- D. Any adult 18 or older, licensed or not
Why: The supervising driver must hold a valid license for the vehicle class, be at least 18, and have at least three years of driving experience. No one else may sit in the front unless the vehicle has only a front seat.
Source: official North Dakota driver handbook, p.3 (PDF p.7), Permits
3. What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane (ride on a film of water)?
- A. Brake firmly until the tires grip again
- B. Speed up gently so the tires cut through
- C. Ease off the gas and keep the wheel straight (correct)
- D. Steer quickly toward the dry edge of the road
Why: During hydroplaning, ease off the gas gradually to slow down. Hold the steering wheel firmly and straight. Do not brake suddenly or steer sharply - this can cause a spin.
4. A school bus ahead of you turns on its flashing amber (yellow) lights. What does this tell you?
- A. The bus is about to stop - get ready to stop (correct)
- B. Children are crossing - stop right now
- C. The bus is turning, so pass it with care
- D. The bus is pulling over with a breakdown
Why: Flashing amber lights are a warning that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop; the red lights come on when the bus stops.
5. What does this pentagon-shaped sign indicate?
- A. A hospital zone ahead
- B. A school zone or crossing (correct)
- C. A park or picnic area
- D. A no-passing zone begins ahead
Why: This five-sided (pentagon) yellow-green sign marks a school zone or school crossing. Slow to the posted school-zone speed and watch carefully for children.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) 2A.05, Table 2A-1 Use of Sign Shapes
6. If you begin to skid on ice or a slippery surface, you should:
- A. Brake firmly and hold the wheel straight
- B. Turn the wheel sharply in the opposite direction
- C. Ease off the gas and steer where you want to go (correct)
- D. Shift to neutral and pull the parking brake
Why: In a skid, take your foot off the gas (do not brake hard) and gently steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Smooth inputs are key - sudden movements worsen the skid.
More North Dakota facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the North Dakota permit practice test page.
North Dakota DOT Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the DOT
- Passing score
- Not published
- Correct needed
- a pass mark the DOT does not publish (our practice tests use 80%)
- Minimum age
- 14 years old
- Testing agency
- Department of Transportation
More North Dakota Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this North Dakota Practice Test 2 once - keep taking it until you score 80% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your DOT exam.