Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19. It's a sobering statistic, yet the majority of people killed in teen-responsible accidents aren't teens themselves. Rather, those dying are innocent pedestrians and other vehicle drivers.

Despite what teenagers may posture and think, they do not know best when it comes to driving. The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) recognizes this by implementing a strict set of steps for teenagers to follow for obtaining licenses.

Top Applying for a Permit

To begin your licensing pursuit, you must first apply for an instruction permit. To do this, you must:

1. Be at least 14 years old.
2. Visit any Driver License site location to take the written exam (no appointment is necessary).
3. Have a parent or legal guardian sign a sponsorship on your application if you are younger than 18. If you are accompanied by a legal guardian he or she must provide guardianship proof.
4. Provide your Social Security number.
5. Bring proper identification (see below).
6. Pass an eye exam.
7. Pay a $5 test fee.

Top Written Exam

The written test consists of multiple choice questions based on driving rules and regulations contained in NDDOT's Rules of the Road manual. There are no trick questions. All the information that you will be tested on springs directly from this manual. So, study it before testing.

Top If You Pass

If you pass, you'll be immediately issued a permit, which is valid for one year. During this time you can drive when accompanied by a licensed driver at least 18 years old who has a minimum of three years of driving experience.