Teen Driver Insurance in North Dakota

Tojocu Editorial Team | Last verified: April 2026

North Dakota uses a graduated license system to advance unlicensed drivers from an instruction permit to a valid driver's license. North Dakota has a graduate driver licensing program (GDL). Applicants must be at least 14 years old to get a permit and 16 years old to get a full license. The minimum driving age in North Dakota is 16. However, a North Dakota resident can obtain a restricted license at the age of 15. A parent or legal guardian must sign for a minor under the age of 18 to be issued a permit or license. All minor drivers must have written consent from a parent or guardian who will be held liable for any damage resulting from the teen's negligence. The state's GDL program includes specific restrictions during the permit and provisional license phases, with complete privileges granted at age 16.

Licensing Timeline

At age 14, North Dakota teens can apply for an instruction permit. If you're at least age 14, you can apply for an instruction permit in North Dakota. You will need to hold your permit for at least 12 months or until you turn 16, whichever comes first. No matter what, you will need to have held the permit for at least six months in order to be eligible for a license. After completing driver's education and holding the instruction permit for 12 months, a 15-year-old teen can apply for a restricted driver's license. New drivers may earn a restricted operator's license starting at the age of 15 by meeting certain qualifications. After turning 16 years old, a restricted driver's license can be transferred for an unrestricted license. Without having held a restricted license, a 16-year-old who has held an instruction permit for at least six months can take the driving test to obtain an unrestricted driver's license.

GDL Restrictions

A licensed driver who is 18 or older and who has held a valid license for at least three years must be in the front seat with you. An instruction permit authorizes the holder to drive only under the direct supervision of a licensed adult age 18 or older who has been licensed for at least three years. For restricted license holders, you are only allowed to drive a vehicle belonging to your parents between 5 AM and 9 PM. The restricted license permits the holder to drive unsupervised but only: in a vehicle owned by a holder's immediate family member and between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.. May not operate a motor vehicle between sunset or 9 p.m. (whichever is later) and 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver is in the front seat or the vehicle is being driven directly to or from work, an official school activity or a religious activity. You may also not use a cell phone or any electronic devices while driving. All teens are also prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. Regardless of the type of license or permit held, all North Dakota drivers under 18 years old must have parental consent and cannot use cellphones while driving.

Permit holding period: 12 months for ages 14-15, or until age 16; minimum 6 months for all applicants. Nighttime restriction: 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (restricted license holders only). Passenger restriction: No specific passenger limits beyond vehicle capacity. Cell phone restriction: Complete prohibition on electronic communication devices while driving. Supervisor requirement: Licensed driver age 18+ with at least 3 years experience in front seat. Nighttime exceptions include: work, school activities, religious activities, accompanied by licensed driver. Passenger exceptions include: no exceptions needed.

Insurance Requirements

North Dakota is a no-fault state. Regardless of who's at fault, each driver's own insurance company first covers their injury-related losses through their personal Injury protection (PIP) policy. PIP coverage pays for initial medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic losses. North Dakota law requires motorists to carry a minimum of $30,000 in PIP coverage per person. North Dakota mandatory liability insurance must include at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. For liability insurance, you must carry a minimum of 25/50/25. North Dakota drivers must carry liability coverage with the following minimum limits: Bodily injury: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. Your North Dakota car insurance policy must also include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. North Dakota's insurance requirements also include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. The state requires UM/UIM insurance limits to match and be at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage. Insurance system: no-fault. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required at $30,000. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required. $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage required.

Insurance Considerations for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers in North Dakota face higher insurance costs due to their inexperience and the state's comprehensive coverage requirements. The combination of liability, PIP, and uninsured motorist coverage creates a robust but potentially expensive insurance package. families typically anticipate significantly higher premiums when adding a teen driver and may benefit from exploring discounts for good grades, driver education completion, and safe driving programs offered by insurers.

Practice Paths to Licensure

Option 1: Traditional permit path for 15-year-old restricted license. 50 supervised hours required; driver education required; road test required.

Option 2: Direct to unrestricted license at 16 with 6-month permit holding period. road test required.

Fees

Permit fee: $15. License fee: $15. Knowledge test $5 per attempt, road test $5.