North Dakota Motorcycle Practice Test 2025
The North Dakota Department of Transportation requires all motorcycle endorsement applicants to pass a 25-question knowledge test at a driver license office, earning at least 20 correct answers (80%). This free practice test is built from verified NDCC statutes and MSF curriculum — covering North Dakota helmet and eye protection laws, the lane-splitting ban, the MSF course skills-test waiver, DUI thresholds, countersteering, braking technique, lane positioning, group riding, and wet-road hazards specific to North Dakota's roads.
Test at a Glance
- Total Questions
- 25
- Questions to Pass
- 20
- Passing Score
- 80%
- Helmet Law
- Required — riders under 18
- Lane Splitting
- Not legal
- Based On
- North Dakota Motorcycle Handbook (2025)
Official source: North Dakota Department of Transportation Driver License Division
About the North Dakota Motorcycle Practice Test
North Dakota's motorcycle endorsement process requires passing a 25-question knowledge test at a DOT driver license office with a score of at least 80% (20 out of 25 correct). Applicants who complete the MSF Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or an approved equivalent course receive a waiver for the road skills test — but the knowledge test is still required regardless. Bring your MSF course completion card to the driver license office when applying. The knowledge test covers North Dakota-specific laws, general riding techniques, protective gear, and hazard avoidance. Riders 21 or older who hold an MSF completion card and a valid North Dakota driver license can obtain the motorcycle endorsement without taking the skills test but must still pass the written exam.
North Dakota has two motorcycle-specific equipment laws that are commonly tested. NDCC § 39-21-48 requires all riders and passengers under 18 to wear a DOT-approved helmet (FMVSS 218 standard). The DOT sticker on the back of the helmet confirms compliance — novelty helmets without the DOT sticker do not meet the legal standard. NDCC § 39-21-48.1 requires all riders and passengers to wear approved eye protection unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield that provides adequate protection. Eye protection (goggles, glasses, or a full face shield) prevents wind, insects, and road debris from impairing vision at speed. Lane splitting — riding between lanes of moving or stopped traffic — is illegal in North Dakota. Motorcyclists must use a full lane like any other vehicle, and no more than two motorcycles may ride side by side within a single lane.
Safe motorcycle operation on North Dakota's roads requires mastering several critical techniques. Countersteering is the primary method for initiating turns at speeds above approximately 12 mph: push forward on the left handlebar to turn left, and push forward on the right handlebar to turn right. When entering a curve, slow down before the curve and roll on the throttle smoothly through it — braking mid-curve while leaned over reduces traction. Maximum braking uses both the front and rear brakes together; the front brake provides approximately 70% of stopping force, but locking the front wheel causes immediate loss of control. In wet conditions — which are common on North Dakota's plains roads — brake earlier, slow down, and avoid painted markings, manhole covers, and metal grates. When riding in a group, use a staggered formation with each rider maintaining at least a 2-second following distance from the rider directly ahead.
Key North Dakota Traffic Laws You Must Know
These rules appear frequently on the North Dakota knowledge test.
North Dakota Motorcycle Practice Test — Sample Questions
Select an answer to see instant feedback and explanation.
Who is required by NDCC § 39-21-48 to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle in North Dakota?
What eye protection requirement applies to North Dakota motorcycle riders without a windshield?
Is lane splitting legal for motorcycle riders in North Dakota?
If a rider completes the MSF Basic RiderCourse in North Dakota, which portion of the endorsement test is waived?
What is the correct braking technique to stop a motorcycle in the shortest distance?
What is countersteering on a motorcycle and when is it used?
What is the adult DUI BAC threshold for motorcycle riders in North Dakota?
Where in the lane should a North Dakota motorcycle rider position themselves to maximize visibility to other drivers?
In what formation should a group of motorcycles travel on a North Dakota highway?
What road surfaces should a North Dakota motorcycle rider treat with extra caution during rain?
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These are a sample of questions from our full test bank.
Take the Full North Dakota Motorcycle Practice TestFrequently Asked Questions — North Dakota Motorcycle Practice Test
Who must wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle in North Dakota?
NDCC § 39-21-48 requires all motorcycle operators and passengers under 18 years old to wear a helmet that meets FMVSS 218 standards (DOT-stickered). Riders and passengers 18 and older are not legally required to wear a helmet, though the MSF and safety experts strongly recommend helmet use for all ages.
What eye protection is required for motorcycle riders in North Dakota?
NDCC § 39-21-48.1 requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear approved protective eyewear — goggles, glasses, or a face shield — unless the motorcycle is equipped with a windshield that provides adequate protection. Eye protection prevents wind, insects, and road debris from impairing vision at speed.
Does the MSF Basic RiderCourse waive both tests in North Dakota?
No. In North Dakota, completing the MSF Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or an approved state-equivalent waives the motorcycle road skills test only. Applicants must still pass the written knowledge test (25 questions, 80% passing score) at a DOT driver license office. Bring your MSF course completion card when applying.
Is lane splitting legal in North Dakota?
No. Lane splitting (riding between lanes of traffic) is illegal in North Dakota. Motorcyclists must occupy a full traffic lane. No more than two motorcycles may ride side by side within a single lane. North Dakota does not have a lane filtering law either.
What is the DUI BAC limit for motorcycle riders in North Dakota?
The same DUI thresholds that apply to car drivers apply to motorcycle riders under NDCC § 39-08-01. The adult per se threshold is 0.08% BAC. Riders under 21 face a zero-tolerance limit of 0.02%. CDL holders operating commercial vehicles face 0.04%. A BAC of 0.16% or more triggers aggravated DUI penalties.
What is the North Dakota motorcycle knowledge test format and passing score?
The North Dakota motorcycle knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Applicants must correctly answer at least 20 questions (80%) to pass. The test is administered at North Dakota DOT driver license offices and covers North Dakota-specific laws, MSF riding techniques, protective gear, and hazard avoidance.
What is countersteering and why is it important for North Dakota riders?
Countersteering is the primary technique for initiating turns on a motorcycle at speeds above approximately 12 mph. To turn left, push forward on the left handlebar; to turn right, push forward on the right handlebar. On North Dakota's high-speed highways and curves, countersteering must be an automatic response for safe, controlled cornering.
How should motorcycle riders handle North Dakota's wet roads?
In wet conditions, riders should reduce speed, increase following distance to at least 4 seconds, brake earlier and more gently, and avoid painted road markings, manhole covers, metal grates, and oil-covered surfaces — all of which become extremely slippery when wet. Ride in the tire-track grooves of the lane rather than the center where oil accumulates.
What is the correct braking technique for a motorcycle?
Apply both front and rear brakes simultaneously and progressively for maximum stopping power. The front brake provides approximately 70% of stopping force. Never lock either wheel — a locked front wheel causes immediate loss of directional control. If the rear wheel locks, hold steady pressure and the motorcycle will remain stable.
What equipment is legally required on North Dakota motorcycles?
North Dakota requires motorcycles to have a functioning headlight (on at all times), taillight, brake light, and turn signals. Riders without a windshield must wear approved eye protection. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear a DOT-approved helmet. Lane splitting is prohibited, and motorcycles must use the full width of a traffic lane.
Practice Tests in Nearby States
Moving or testing in a neighboring state? These motorcycle tests follow similar rules — start with your region.
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