North Dakota (ND)

How many practice hours do you need in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, a learner driver must log 50 hours of supervised driving practice—including 10 at night—before applying for a license.

50
Total practice hours
10
Night hours
14
Permit age
16
License age

North Dakota learner permit requirements

  • Minimum permit age: 14
  • Supervised practice required: 50 hours total, 10 at night
  • Permit hold period: 12 months (under 16)
  • License eligibility age: 16
  • How hours are certified: 50-hour supervised driving log certified by a parent or guardian.

North Dakota requires 50 hours of supervised driving with at least 10 at night for applicants under 16. The permit must be held 12 months if you're under 16, or 6 months if you're 16 or older.

Requirements change and have exceptions. Always confirm the current rules with the North Dakota DOT before applying.

North Dakota's graduated licensing stages

1
Instruction permit · age 14

Complete driver ed; drive with a licensed adult 18+; log 50 hours (10 at night).

2
Restricted license · age 15

Daylight driving only for drivers under 16 without supervision.

3
Full license · age 16

Issued after the permit hold period and road test.

Driving restrictions for new North Dakota drivers

Night driving

Restricted license holders under 16 can't drive between sunset and sunrise unless accompanied by a licensed adult 18+.

Passengers

Drivers under 16 may not carry more passengers than there are seat belts; a licensed adult must be present outside permitted hours.

Phone use

Drivers under 18 may not use a wireless device while driving.

Log every North Dakota practice hour automatically

DriveMint tracks each supervised drive with GPS, separates day and night hours, and generates a DMV-ready report—so you can prove all 50 hours without a paper logbook.

North Dakota driving practice FAQs

How many driving hours do you need in North Dakota?+

North Dakota requires 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night, before a teen can apply for a license.

How long must a North Dakota teen hold a permit?+

12 months if you're under 16 when you apply for a license; 6 months if you're 16 or older.

What counts as night driving in North Dakota?+

The under-16 restriction runs from sunset to sunrise, so the restricted window shifts with the seasons rather than using fixed clock times.

Requirements in other states

Compare practice hours in all 50 states side by side, or read what actually counts as a night driving hour.