North Dakota Offers Online Testing for Driver Permits

The North Dakota Department of Transportation offers online knowledge tests for new drivers. Passing the written test is the first step in obtaining a learner's permit. New learners may opt to take the exam either online or at one of the DOT physical locations. The online version alleviates the burden of driving to a test center. It is particularly beneficial to rural North Dakotans located long distances from the nearest DOT location. The test fee is $10 for the online version. The same test costs $5 for those taking the test in person.

New learners should visit the DOT website at www.dot.nd.gov for information on preparing for the written test. The site posts a pdf version of the learner's guide that can be downloaded for free—and provides information on what identification is necessary for taking the online or on-location written test. The online version uses a third-party identity verification process and requires a computer, mouse, keyboard, and webcam. A parent or guardian must also be present to proctor the test. In addition, the online test uses cheating detection software. For example, the webcam will detect if the test taker is looking elsewhere, and the software will notice if the test taker clicks on other screens. A warning message flags if cheating is suspected. If the behavior persists, the test is halted.

About 45% of learners pass the written test on the first attempt. Those needing to retake the examination must wait for 24 hours, and learners may take it up to five times a year. After passing the written test, the new driver must physically go to a licensing location with proper documentation to obtain a learner permit. The visit must be scheduled in advance. The North Dakota DOT does not accept walk-ins.