North Dakota Road Test English Requirement: Skills Test Is English-Only, Written Test Is Not

The North Dakota road test is conducted in English only, even though the written knowledge test is available in 14 languages. This blog explains the English-only requirement for the skills test, what commands are used, and how non-English speaking applicants should prepare for the driving portion.

What Language Rules Apply to the North Dakota Road Test?

The North Dakota road test has strict language limitations. You must understand and instantly react to verbal commands in English.

• No interpreter allowed: Safety regulations prohibit any passengers, including interpreters, during the driving test.
• The examiner gives directions like 'merge left,' 'turn right at the next intersection,' and 'perform a three-point turn.'
• No process exists to request language accommodation for road tests.
• All commands are verbal only - you cannot request written instructions during the driving portion.

Using an interpreter during the driving test is strictly prohibited for safety and regulatory reasons. This policy applies statewide at all North Dakota DOT offices.

Taking the North Dakota road test in Spanish

No. North Dakota road tests are conducted entirely in English, regardless of which language was used for the knowledge test.

Using an interpreter during a North Dakota road test

No. The road test is conducted between the examiner and applicant, and the published English-only rule still applies.

Are North Dakota road tests English-only at every testing location? Yes. The language rule is statewide and does not change by road-test site.

What Languages Are Available for the North Dakota Written Permit Test?

The Class D knowledge test is available in 14 languages. Keep the full language list on the dedicated Test Language Options page; the road-test rule is different.

The multilingual option applies to the knowledge test only. The North Dakota road test is conducted entirely in English.

Taking the knowledge test in Spanish and the road test in English

Yes. The Class D knowledge test has multiple language options, while the road test is still conducted entirely in English.

Can an ADA or LEP accommodation change the language of the road test?

NDDOT offers accessibility and language assistance for other services, but the published road-test rule remains English-only.

How Can Non-English-Speaking Applicants Prepare for the English Road Test?

Road tests require an appointment. Check the current Driver License Site schedule before traveling; keep detailed office-hour and appointment advice on the Appointments & SOS pages.

1. Book the required road-test appointment and confirm the site's current hours.
2. Practice common English driving commands before test day.
3. Use the dedicated Road Test Documents and Vehicle Requirements pages for paperwork and vehicle preparation.

If application paperwork is needed, the current driver license/permit application is SFN 6763. The current standalone minor sponsorship form is SFN 62123.

Vehicle inspection and road-test document requirements are covered separately so this page can stay focused on the English-language rule.

Use the official Driver License Site list for current road-test locations and schedules.

If basic English driving commands are difficult to understand quickly, practice them before scheduling the road test.

Visit North Dakota road test preparation guide for English command practice and North Dakota permit guide for additional test preparation tips. Check North Dakota office-hours guide for specific location cutoff times to avoid scheduling conflicts.