Under 18 in North Dakota: your license is canceled at 6 points
By Road Ready Safety · Checked against North Dakota law on
Short answer
If you're under 18 and reach 6 points, North Dakota cancels your permit or license. You start over as if you'd never had one: written test, permit, holding period, driver education and road test. No work permit is available. A defensive driving course takes 3 points off before you get there.
- Cancellation
- 6 points, under age 18
- After cancellation
- Start over with a new permit
- Work permit
- Not available under 18
- A course takes off
- 3 points
What happens to a driver under 18 at 6 points?
The license is canceled. NDDOT says: "If you are under the age of 18 and accumulate six or more points on your driving record your permit or license will be cancelled."
What does "canceled" mean?
You start again. NDDOT says you're "required to start all over again as if you have never had a permit or license before." That includes:
- The written test and vision test
- A parent's permission
- A new instruction permit
- Holding the permit at least 12 months if you're under 16, or at least 6 months if you're under 18
- Driver education before the road test
How easy is it to reach 6 points?
One ticket can do it. Careless driving is 6 points. So is passing a stopped school bus. A speeding ticket for 21 to 25 over is 5 where the limit is 65 or less, and any 1-point ticket after that makes 6.
Can a teen get a work permit?
No. NDDOT says youths under 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license.
How does a defensive driving course help?
Two ways, the same as for adults.
Before the points post. For a ticket worth 5 points or fewer, the driver can elect a course at court when posting bond. If NDDOT has the certificate within 30 days, those points are never added.
After the points post. A course takes 3 points off, once in any 12 months.
Does the course help after 6 points?
Not with the cancellation. The law says that if a minor's record has 6 points or more when NDDOT receives the certificate, the reduction is applied after the cancellation period.
What should a parent do after a first ticket?
- Find out how many points the ticket is worth. Points by violation.
- If it's 5 or fewer and bond hasn't been posted, elect the course at court.
- If the points have already posted, have your teen take the course and email the certificate to drs@nd.gov.
- Order a $3 record a few weeks later to confirm the total.
What does our course involve?
Four hours online, on a phone or a computer. It's $24.99 with the certificate included. What to expect.
Quick answers
How many points can a driver under 18 have in North Dakota?
Fewer than 6. At 6 or more points, a driver under 18 has the permit or license canceled.
What happens when a teen license is canceled in North Dakota?
The driver starts over as if never licensed: written and vision tests, parental permission, a new permit and holding period, and driver education before the road test.
Can a driver under 18 get a work permit in North Dakota?
No. NDDOT says drivers under 18 are not eligible for a temporary restricted license.
Sources
- NDDOT: Driver Record Services and Suspensions
- NDDOT: Driver License Points Reduction and Points Schedule
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-13: reduction of point total
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-10.1: driver training course in lieu of points
- North Dakota Century Code 39-06.1-10: point schedule and suspension
We read each source on September 29, 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. NDDOT applies any point reduction, and your court handles an election in lieu of points. See a mistake? Email info@roadreadysafety.com.
More North Dakota guides
- North Dakota driver license points by violation
- In lieu of points: how to elect a course at a North Dakota court
- North Dakota license suspended for points: how long, and how to get it back
- North Dakota defensive driving course for points: how it works