Minimum age for a car driving licence in North Dakota (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A restricted class D licence is available from 15 and a general class D licence from 16, with an instruction permit from 14. Under 18 a night-time restriction applies unless a parent, guardian or someone 18 or older is in the front seat. A nonresident aged 16 or over with a valid home licence is exempt from needing a North Dakota licence.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | 16 years [1] |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 14 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | A restricted class D licence can be issued from 15 for driving a parent's, guardian's or close relative's car without an adult, after driver education and 50 hours of supervised driving. A class D instruction permit is available from 14 and must be held for at least 12 months if the holder is under 16, or 6 months if under 18. Under 18 the licence is restricted at night: between the later of sunset or 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., a parent, guardian or someone 18 or older must be in the front seat (exceptions for work, school and religious activities). [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | A nonresident who is at least 16 and holds a valid operator's licence from the home state or country is exempt from needing a North Dakota licence. [1] |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 14 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | A restricted class D licence (from 15) requires at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including night driving, gravel or dirt roads, rural and urban conditions and winter conditions. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A restricted class D licence holder may not drive between the later of sunset or 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless a parent, guardian or person aged 18 or over is in the front seat, or when driving directly to or from work, an official school activity or a religious activity. [1] |
Notes
- The earliest age is for a licence that allows driving without a supervising adult. It carries graduated-licensing restrictions, described under 'Driving before the minimum age'.
Sources
- North Dakota Legislative Assembly: North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 39-06 Operators' Licenses (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
North Dakota and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 16 (restricted licence at 15) | 14 (instruction permit) | Restricted licence at 15 with driver education | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
| Minnesota | 16 (provisional licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Provisional at 16 after 6 months with a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Montana | 15 (after 6 months on a learner licence) | 14.5 with a traffic education course | Hardship restricted licence from 13 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Dakota | 16 (operator's licence) | 14 (instruction permit) | Restricted minor's permit at 14 (parent's car) | Nonresident 16+ with a valid home licence |
More rules in North Dakota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Infraction under 1/2 oz (fine only) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph; 65 mph if posted
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Limited list of items only · Minimum age to buy: 12
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named if blade under 6 in · Locking or one-handed knives: Switchblade/gravity knives named
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: No (texting only) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.