GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
What is the age requirement to obtain a Minnesota driver’s license?
You must be at least 18 years of age in order to apply for a driver’s license.
If you are at least 15 years old you can apply for an instruction permit.
Who needs a Minnesota driver’s license?
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle on the public streets or highways in Minnesota.
Which documents do I have to provide in order to apply for a Minnesota driver’s license or instruction permit?
- Identification documents;
- Social Security Number.
You can find the list of the accepted identification documents at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspx.
Do I have to take a physical test?
No, but you may provide a certificate from a physician indicating if you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely.
I am under 18 years of age. Can I sign my application?
No. One of your parents/a court appointed guardian/a foster parent/ the director of the transitional living program must approve your application.
INSTRUCTION PERMIT AND PROVISIONAL LICENSE
What do I have to do in order to obtain a Minnesota instruction permit?
Comply with identification requirements, pass the vision and knowledge tests, complete the license application and pay the fee.
If you are under 18 years of age you must also:
- Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction;
- Be enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction;
Alternatively:
Be enrolled in a driver education course and have completed the first 15 classroom hours of the curriculum.
Which tests am I required to pass in order to obtain an instruction permit?
You must pass a vision test and a knowledge test.
How long is my permit valid?
2 years.
Can I practice driving while I hold my instruction permit?
Yes, you must practice in order to pass your road test. You are allowed to drive only if accompanied by a licensed supervisor sitting beside you.
I obtained my instruction permit. Can I take the road test?
You have to hold your permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test. If you are at least 16 years of age you will obtain your Provisional License after submitting a Supervised Driving Log and passing the road test.
Do I have any restriction while driving with my Minnesota Provisional License?
Yes, you are subject to nighttime and passenger limitations.
For the first 6 months: driving is prohibited from midnight to 5 am and only one passenger under 20 years of age is allowed in the car with you.
During the second 6 months: no more than three passengers under 20 years of age can ride in the car with you.
Family members are permitted during both time periods.
You cannot regain your license until you turn 18 and the reinstatement requirements you will have to pay will be extremely expensive.
I am 18 years old and I have a Minnesota Provisional License. Can I apply for a Minnesota Class D license?
Yes, if you have held your Provisional License for at least 12 consecutive months without being involved in any violation.
MINNESOTA KNOWLEDGE TEST
Where can I take my Minnesota knowledge test?
At the driver examination stations in Minnesota. Find the nearest office at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspx.
Which documents do I need to provide in order to take the written test?
If you are younger than 18 years old you need to provide a certificate stating your enrollment in behind-the-wheel training and the completion of classroom instruction.
How many questions are on the Minnesota DVS permit test?
40 multiple choice and true-false questions.
What is the score required to pass the test?
You must score at least 80% to pass the test.
How can I prepare for the Minnesota knowledge test?
Study the Minnesota driver’s manual and take our
DMV written test.
How do I know when I am ready to take the permit test?
Practice until you can correctly answer questions about Minnesota traffic laws and road signs.
I failed my knowledge test. What do I have to do?
You can retake the test whenever you feel ready to. After two attempts you will be required to pay a fee to take a third and any subsequent test.
ROAD TEST
What does the road test consist of?
A demonstration of your vehicle’s safety equipment, your vehicle control skills and a driving performance test.
Which documents are required for the road test?
- Valid instruction permit;
- Proof of insurance;
- Supervised driving log and certificate of course completion (if you are under 18).
Do I have to provide a car for my road test?
Yes.
Can I use a rental car for my road test?
Yes. Be sure that your name is listed as a driver on the rental contract.
What do I have to bear in mind for my road test?
- Your awareness of risks and your reaction to them will be tested;
- You will not be asked to do anything illegal;
- You will be asked to perform a safety equipment check of your vehicle before you begin the road test;
- Smoking is not allowed during the test;
- You are not allowed to use any electronic device;
- No person other than the examiner can ride in the car with you;
- You cannot use parking assist during parallel parking.
What will be evaluated during my road test?
- Control of the vehicle;
- Ability to parallel park;
- Ability to park on a hill;
- Response to traffic and road conditions, traffic signs and signals;
- Ability to signal and perform right and left turns;
- Ability to use both marked and unmarked lanes;
- Consideration for pedestrians and other drivers;
- Ability to perform the 90-degree backing skill maneuver.
I failed the road test. What can I do?
You must practice during a practice time that will be assigned to you. After the second attempt you will be required to pay a fee for any subsequent test. After the fourth attempt you will have to complete a 6 hours behind-the-wheel instruction.
I passed the road test. Can I apply for my Minnesota driver’s license?
Yes. If you are under 18 you must have the consent of a parent/legal guardian.
I HAVE A DRIVER LICENSE, BUT...
I have an out-of state driver’s license and I moved to Minnesota. Do I need a Minnesota driver’s license?
Yes. You have up to 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident to obtain your regular Minnesota license. You will be required to pass a vision and a knowledge tests.
I have an out-of-country driver’s license (other than Canadian) and I moved to Minnesota. What do I have to do in order to obtain a Minnesota driver’s license?
You have to pass vision, knowledge and road tests. You have to resign all your other driver’s licenses and identification cards to the Department of Public Safety.