Free North Dakota DOT Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 3 2026
This Practice Test 3 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.
When should you use your high-beam headlights?
What's on the North Dakota Practice Test 3
The DOT does not publish how many questions are on the real North Dakota knowledge test. Practice Test 3 is a 25-question set drawn from 52 questions, scored against a practice target of 80%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 17
- Traffic laws 12
- Safe driving 7
- Alcohol & drugs 4
- Emergencies 4
- Vehicle equipment 3
- Parking 2
- Right of way 2
- Speed limits 1
52 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. During which period may studded snow tires be used in North Dakota?
- A. November 1 to March 31
- B. December 1 to April 1
- C. October 1 to May 1
- D. October 15 to April 15 (correct)
Why: The North Dakota manual allows studded snow tires from October 15 through April 15. Even with snow tires or chains, you should still double your following distance on snowy roads.
Source: official North Dakota driver handbook, p.28 (PDF p.32), Winter Driving
2. In North Dakota, the BAC limit for drivers under 21 is:
- A. 0.02 (correct)
- B. 0.05
- C. 0.08
- D. 0.10
Why: North Dakota sets the BAC limit for drivers under 21 at 0.02, compared with 0.08 for adults.
Source: official North Dakota driver handbook, Driving While Under the Influence, p.36 (PDF p.40)
3. If your right wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, you should:
- A. Brake hard and steer back onto the road
- B. Ease off the gas and steer back gently (correct)
- C. Speed up and steer back on right away
- D. Jerk the wheel left to get back at once
Why: If your wheels drift onto the shoulder, do not brake hard or jerk the wheel. Ease off the accelerator, keep a firm grip, and steer back onto the pavement gently once your speed has decreased - this prevents loss of control.
4. A deer runs across the road ahead of you and disappears into the trees. What should you expect next?
- A. The road is now clear of animals
- B. The deer will turn back toward you
- C. Deer never cross the same road twice
- D. More deer may follow close behind (correct)
Why: Deer usually travel in groups, so one deer crossing often means others are close behind. Slow down and be ready to stop.
5. What does a sign showing a car with curved skid marks indicate?
- A. Winding road
- B. Slippery when wet (correct)
- C. Sharp curve
- D. Loose gravel ahead
Why: A yellow warning sign with a car and curved skid lines means the road is slippery when wet. Slow down and increase following distance in rain or snow.
6. A driver ahead points their left arm down like this. What does it mean?
- A. They will turn left
- B. They will turn right
- C. They will slow down or stop (correct)
- D. They are parking on the left
Why: The left arm extended downward means the driver is slowing down or stopping, so get ready to slow down too.
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 3 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.