39-06-04. Class D instruction permit

39-06-04. Class D instruction permit

1. Any resident of this state who is at least fourteen years of age may apply to the

director for a class D instruction permit.

2. The director may issue a class D instruction permit that entitles the applicant while

having the permit in the permittee's immediate possession to drive a motor vehicle

upon the public highways, if the individual:

a. Has successfully passed a standard written rules of the road knowledge test

prescribed by the director;

b. Has successfully passed a vision examination; and

c. Has the written approval of the individual's parent or legal guardian.

3. The permittee must be accompanied by an individual with a class A, B, C, or D license

in a vehicle allowed to be operated with a class D license, who is at least eighteen

years of age, who has had at least three years of driving experience, and who is

occupying a seat beside the driver. An individual other than the supervising driver and

the permitholder may not be in the front seat unless the vehicle has only a front seat,

in which case, the supervising driver must be seated next to the permitholder.

4. An individual who is not yet eighteen years of age is not eligible for a class D license

until that individual has had an instruction permit issued for at least six months or at

least twelve months if under the age of sixteen. The director may recognize an

instruction permit issued by another jurisdiction in computing the six-month or

twelve-month instructional period.

5. The permittee may not operate an electronic communication device to talk, compose,

read, or send an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle that is in motion

unless the sole purpose of operating the device is to obtain emergency assistance, to

prevent a crime about to be committed, or in the reasonable belief that an individual's

life or safety is in danger.