Bismarck North Dakota Online Driver Education and Bismarck North Dakota Licensing Procedures
Congratulations on starting the process of applying for your Bismarck North Dakota learner's permit or first Bismarck North Dakota driver license. Bismarck North Dakota has a graduated driver license program for Bismarck North Dakota drivers ages 15-18, and there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure that applying for your Bismarck North Dakota driving license goes as smoothly as possible. The amount of information isn't overwhelming, but there are a few pitfalls you'll want to avoid. That's where this short guide comes in.
Bismarck North Dakota Instructional Permit or Bismarck North Dakota Learner Permit
You can finally apply for a Bismarck North Dakota instructional permit, otherwise known as a Bismarck North Dakota School Learner’s Permit (LPE)
, when you turn 14. This license will allow you to practice driving provided you are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21. The permit lasts 3 months and can be renewed. The only test you'll need to take is a vision screening.
Once you’ve had your Bismarck North Dakota School Learner’s Permit for just 2 months, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Bismarck North Dakota School Permit (SCP), provided you meet the following Bismarck North Dakota requirements:
- You pass the written exam and driving test given by your driver safety course instructor
- You provide a 50 hour certification form signed by your parent or guardian
- You've held your Bismarck North Dakota LPE in good standing for 2 months
- You've completed a Bismarck North Dakota approved driver safety course (more on this later)
- You provide the necessary personal information
At 15, you can also apply for the Bismarck North Dakota Learner’s Permit (LPD). However, if you already have a Bismarck North Dakota School Learner Permit or Bismarck North Dakota School Permit, you're exempt from taking the required written exams. The Bismarck North Dakota Learner’s Permit is valid for 1 year and may be renewed.
Don't forget: with your Bismarck North Dakota Learner’s Permit, you can practice driving only with your parent, guardian, driving instructor, or a licensed driver who is 21. Be sure to carry your Bismarck North Dakota Learner’s Permit with you at all times, and insist that all passengers wear seatbelts. After 6 months with your Bismarck North Dakota Learner’s Permit in good standing (no more than 3 points on your Bismarck North Dakota driving record), you’ll be ready for the next step in the Bismarck North Dakota Graduated License Program, the Bismarck North Dakota Provisional Operator Permit (POP).
The Bismarck North Dakota Provisional Driver License and Bismarck North Dakota Full License
In order to apply for your Bismarck North Dakota Provisional Operator Permit (POP), you’ll need to make sure you've satisfied a few Bismarck North Dakota State requirements before heading down to your local Bismarck North Dakota Driver Service Center:
- Complete a Bismarck North Dakota approved driver safety course
- Pass the written and driving tests given by your instructor (we hope you've been studying your Bismarck North Dakota driving manual!)
- Hold your Bismarck North Dakota learner’s permit for at least 6 months without incident
- Provide the 50 hour certification form
- 10 of the 50 driving hours must be at night
If you’ve completed these requirements, hurry down to your local Bismarck North Dakota Driver Service Center again, where you’ll pay the required fee and submit your Bismarck North Dakota Provisional License application. The final obstacle, unless you’ve completed a driver safety course, is the dreaded road test! If you pass, then give yourself a pat on the back--you’ve just earned your Bismarck North Dakota Provisional License!
Bismarck North Dakota Teen Driver License Restrictions and Penalties
With driving as with everything else, practice makes perfect. Although you may be eager for full driving freedom, there are still a few restrictions you'll have to live with for a little bit longer:
- Everyone passenger must wear a seatbelt
- During the first 6 months, you may have only one passenger under 19 unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older
- No driving between midnight and 6AM unless for emergencies, your job, or a school-related activity
- You may not use cell phones while driving (this includes personal digital assistants, text messaging, laptop computers and audio/video devices that send/receive messages)
After you turn 18 and have driven with your Bismarck North Dakota Provisional Operator Permit for at least 12 months (without receiving more than 3 points on your Bismarck North Dakota license), you've reached the finish line: you can now apply for the Bismarck North Dakota Operator License. Congrats!
Bismarck North Dakota Auto Insurance Bismarck North Dakota Financial Responsibility Laws
Think you're ready to drive now? Not so fast--receiving your Bismarck North Dakota Learner’s Permit or Bismarck North Dakota Intermediate driver’s license is only the first step. Any vehicle registered in Bismarck North Dakota must be covered by liability insurance. In fact, failure to do so can result in the suspension of your Bismarck North Dakota license should you get caught.
The minimum liability insurance coverage is:
- $25,000 per person for 1 person per accident
- $50,000 bodily injury for 2 or more persons per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Bismarck North Dakota Drunk Driving, Cell Phone, and Text Messaging Laws
As a new Bismarck North Dakota driver, you're expected to know the Bismarck North Dakota drunk driving, cell phone, and text messaging laws. Like most states, Bismarck North Dakota has a Zero Tolerance Law for underage drinking, and if you are convicted of a Bismarck North Dakota DUI or Bismarck North Dakota DWI, you face penalties in addition to those listed below.
Upon your first conviction of a Bismarck North Dakota DUI, you’ll face the following penalties:
- Jail sentence 7 days to 60 days
- License suspension up to 6 months
- Alcohol Assessment/Treatment Possible
- Up to $500 fine
And of course, further Bismarck North Dakota DUI convictions will result in increased jail time, fines, community service and Bismarck North Dakota license suspension or even Bismarck North Dakota license revocation.
Bismarck North Dakota teen drivers are prohibited from using cell phones while driving. Needless to say, cell phones can be a distraction at any age, so even those who are allowed to use cell phones are strongly encourage to keep their use to a minimum!
Bismarck North Dakota Online Driver Education
As we said earlier, Bismarck North Dakota teen drivers must take a Bismarck North Dakota-approved driver education course. You can find more information on approved Bismarck North Dakota online driver education courses on Bismarck North Dakota DMV website.