Minnesota

Yes. Minnesota employs a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which allocates restrictions and responsibilities over a period of time, until you earn your full license.

If you're under 18 and driving on your provisional license, you will ONLY be able to drive:

• Between home and:
  • Work.
  • School.
  • A school-sponsored event.
• As long as everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt.

During the first 6 months of your provisional license, additional restrictions apply, including:

• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a:
  • Parent.
  • Guardian.
  • Driving instructor.

OR

• Fully-licensed passenger who's at least 25 years old.
• Only one passenger under age 20, unless:
  • You're accompanied by one of the above approved passengers.
  • The passenger is a member of your immediate family.

In the second six months of holding your provisional license, you may have up to 3 passengers under age 20.

What happens after you pass your MN road test depends on your age:

• If you're 17 or younger: You will be given your provisional license.
• If you're 18 or older: You will receive your Class D driver's license.

While driving with your MN learner's permit, you can ONLY drive with:

• A parent or legal guardian.
• A certified driving instructor.
• A fully-licensed passenger who's at least 25 with written permission from your parent or guardian.

Once you get your MN instruction permit, you will be able to drive with anyone who is at least 25 years old and fully licensed.

As long as you successfully pass the driving exam, sign the proper paperwork, and pay the fee, you'll be issued your license after applying.

You'll have to apply at a participating Driver and Vehicle Services office.

Most offices will process driver's license applications, but not all of them. Make sure to check online for the full list of licensing centers.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.
• Non-immigrant.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Minnesota DVS.

The type of acceptable documents depend on whether you want a regular Class D license or a REAL ID.

Regardless, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identification.
• Minnesota address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your intermediate license when you're under 18 in Minnesota, you'll need:

• Your valid permit.
• The appropriate identifying documents.
• Your Social Security card.
• A driving practice log signed by a parent or guardian.

You must also have a parent or legal guardian present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

To earn your intermediate driver's license in Minnesota, you must:

• Hold your learner's permit for at least 12 months, violation-free.
• Bring the appropriate identifying documents and your Social Security card.
• Provide a Supervised Driving Log signed by a parent or guardian.
• Take and pass the road skills test.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

To get your driver's license in MN if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Show the appropriate identifying documents.
• Have your Social Security card.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

You'll have to practice for a certain period of time on your learner's permit before you can take the road test. Waiting periods depend on your age, including:

• If you're under 18 or younger: 6 months.
• If you're 19 or older: 3 months.

Depending on why your license was suspended, it may be possible to apply for a hardship license in Minnesota, which will allow you to drive legally in certain instances.

No. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be eligible to take the MN road test.

First, you'll meet with an examiner, who will make sure you and your vehicle have all the correct documentation, and will ask you to demonstrate your vehicle's safety features.

You'll also have to drive with the examiner in the car, during which time you'll be tested on:

• The rules of the road.
• Your ability to drive safely under normal traffic conditions.
• Your awareness of risks and your reaction to them.
• Your observational instincts when performing a task.

Specifically, you'll be judged on your ability to:

• Properly control the vehicle.
• Parallel park.
• Park on a hill.
• Respond safely to traffic and road conditions.
• Respond correctly to traffic signs and signals.
• Signal and perform right- and left-hand turns properly.
• Use both marked and unmarked lanes of traffic.
• Observe and consider pedestrians and other drivers.
• Perform a 90-degree backing skill maneuver (simulating backing into a 10-foot wide parking space or driveway).

The examiner may also ask you to perform additional tasks.

You must arrive to your test with a parent, guardian, or fully-licensed family member who's at least 25 years old. If you don't, you will not be able to take the test.

Make sure to fill out a pre-application form online within 30 days before your test.

You must also have/bring the following:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle you're testing in.
• Valid vehicle registration (license plates and stickers).
• The appropriate fee.

If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need to bring:

• Proof of enrollment in/completion of a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• A supervised driving log signed by a parent or guardian.
• The Supplemental Parental Curriculum completion certificate, if applicable.
• A parent or guardian to sign paperwork on your behalf.

You must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or fully-licensed family member who's at least 25 years old.

The vehicle you take your Minnesota, MN road test must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully-functioning:

• Horn.
• Front and back turn signals.
• Rearview mirrors.
• Seat belts.
• Brake lights.
• Windshield wipers.
• Headlights and tail lights.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• License plates.
• Liability insurance.

Take your road test at your closest participating Driver and Vehicle Services division office.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Minnesota include:

• Class D regular license: $32.
• Provisional driver's license: $19.25.
• Provisional license upgrade (under age 21): $28.50.
• Class D instruction permit: $15.50.
• Knowledge test fee (third try or after): $10.
• Road test fee (third try or after): $20.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the MN Driver and Vehicle Services division for the most up-to-date information.

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is available online. You can also ask your local MN DVS office for a copy.

In Minnesota, you must be at least:

• 15 years old to apply for your learner's permit.
• 16 years old to apply for your provisional license.
• 17 years old to apply for your Class D license.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Minnesota include:

• Class D regular license: $32.
• Provisional driver's license: $19.25.
• Provisional license upgrade (under age 21): $28.50.
• Class D instruction permit: $15.50.
• Knowledge test fee (third try or after): $10.
• Road test fee (third try or after): $20.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the MN Driver and Vehicle Services division for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Minnesota driving permit.

No. The Minnesota, MN written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're under 18 years old, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form on your behalf before you can be issued your permit.

To get your learner's permit in Minnesota, MN, you'll need to bring in:

• The appropriate identifying documents.
• Your Social Security card.
• Proof of completion/enrollment in a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to fill out a consent form on your behalf.

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a Minnesota learner's permit.

To get your Minnesota learner's permit, you'll have to pass the state's written driving exam.

Before you can take the test, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.

AND

• Have completed/be currently enrolled a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

Once the above requirements are met, schedule an appointment with the MN Driver and Vehicle Services division, and:

• Bring:
  • The appropriate identifying documents.
  • Your Social Security card.
  • Proof of completion/enrollment in a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• Pass a vision exam.
• Pass the written exam.
• Pay the driver's permit fee.

A parent or guardian will also have to be present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

Once the tests are passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you'll be issued your Minnesota learner's permit.

The Minnesota written driver's exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• Minnesota traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the MN Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes if you're under 18. Before you can take your written knowledge test, you'll need to prove that you've either completed or are currently enrolled in a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

This does not apply if you're 18 or older.

Reading the Minnesota Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your MN learner's permit.

No. A physical exam is not required for a Minnesota learner's permit or regular license.

If you're under 18, you must show up with a parent or legal guardian who can sign a consent form on your behalf.

Otherwise, you must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or fully-licensed family member who's at least 21 years old.

You can contact the Minnesota, MN Driver and Vehicle Services division by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.
• On social media.

Details can be found on the MN Driver and Vehicle Services division's website.

You can apply for a learner's permit in Minnesota when you're 15 years old.

While driving on your MN learner's permit, you will ONLY be able to drive with:

• A parent or guardian.
• Your driving education instructor.
• A fully-licensed person 25 or older.

If you're under 18 and driving on your provisional license, you will ONLY be able to drive:

• Between home and:
  • Work.
  • School.
  • A school-sponsored event.
• As long as everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt.

During the first 6 months of your provisional license, additional restrictions apply, including:

• No driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a:
  • Parent.
  • Guardian.
  • Driving instructor.

OR

• Fully-licensed passenger who's at least 25 years old.
• Only one passenger under age 20, unless:
  • You're accompanied by one of the above approved passengers.
  • The passenger is a member of your immediate family.

In the second six months of holding your provisional license, you may have up to 3 passengers under age 20.

While driving on your learner's permit in Minnesota, you will ONLY be able to drive with:

• A parent or guardian.
• Your driving education instructor.
• A fully-licensed person 25 or older.

ASIDE from the documents you need to bring with you in order to get your permit or license in Minnesota, you will need to fill out an official permit or license application, provided by the DVS.

To get your provisional license, a parent or guardian will also need to fill out a Supervised Driving Log.

To get your Minnesota driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

Before you can apply for your learner's permit, you must complete or be enrolled in a state-approved Driver's Ed course.

Before you can apply for your Minnesota, MN learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Complete or be enrolled in a state-approved Driver's Education course.

To be eligible for a Minnesota instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Bring the appropriate identifying documents.
• Have your Social Security card.
• Show proof of completion or enrollment in a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• Pass:
  • A vision test.
  • The written knowledge exam.
• Have a parent or guardian sign paperwork on your behalf.
• Pay the permit fee.

Yes. A vision screening is required when renewing your MN license.

Yes. If you're not in the Minnesota when it's time to renew your license, you can submit an Out-of-State Driver's License application packet.

However, you will have to visit an MN DVS office within 30 days of returning to Minnesota.

No. Minnesota does not allow residents to renew their license online.

To renew your license in Minnesota, you'll need to provide proof of your:

• Identity.
• Minnesota residency.
• Social Security number.

If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID license, you'll also need proof of your legal presence in the United States.

Finally, to complete the transaction, you'll also need to bring in:

• Your current, valid Minnesota license.
• The appropriate fee.

You can renew your Minnesota driver's license:

• In-person at the Minnesota DVS.
• Through the mail (if eligible).

Minnesota licenses are good for 4 years and expire on your birthday.

You can renew your license any day up to a year before it expires.

MN license renewals currently cost $17.

Fees are subject to change. It's best to check directly with the MN DVS for the most up-to-date information.

No. When you take the test, it will only be you and the examiner in the car.

However, you'll have to arrive to the test with a parent, guardian, or family member who's at least 25 years old (if you're under 18), or at least 21 years old (if you're 18 or older).

You can take the Minnesota written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, after the second attempt, you will have to pay a fee for each retest. Save time and money by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• The appropriate identifying documents.
• Your Social Security card.
• Proof of completion or enrollment in a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• The learner's permit fee.

The Minnesota written driver's exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• Minnesota traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• Identifying traffic signs and signals by:
  • Shape.
  • Color.
  • Symbol.
• Identifying paving markings.

All questions will be sourced directly from the MN Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. You can schedule your appointment online.

Some MN DVS locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services division office or at your home.

If you have special needs, you can arrange alternate formats with the MN DVS. Make sure the Minnesota, MN Driver and Vehicle Services division is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

You can schedule your driving exam online.

After you pass the written knowledge test, you'll be issued your Minnesota learner's permit.

You can take the test in person at any participating DVS office.

If you failed your MN road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your Minnesota driving skills test, you can try again the next day.

If you fail twice, each subsequent test will cost a $20 fee.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you will have to wait at least 1 day before retesting.

If you fail more than twice, you'll have to pay a fee to retest. Save yourself time and money by taking a free practice test to help you pass the first time!

If you don't pass your written test in MN, you won't be issued your learner's permit. You'll have to take and pass the test in order to move on in the licensing process.

You'll have to wait at least 1 day to retest after failing, but practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Minnesota, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to Minnesota permanently, you have 60 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

Yes. Minnesota will accept your out-of-state permit, as long as:

• You're at least 15 years old.
• You're accompanied by a fully-licensed driver who's at least 21 years old.

Yes. Before you can transfer your out-of-state license, you must pass a written exam on Minnesota traffic laws.

If your out-of-state license has been expired for a year or more, you'll also have to take a driving test.

If you're moving to Minnesota, MN, you have 60 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the MN Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

The Minnesota written exam consists of 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 40 total questions on the MN permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

Minnesota drivers have the following minimum insurance requirements:

• Liability bodily injury: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident.
• Liability property damage: $10,000 per accident.
• Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident.
• Personal injury protection (PIP): $40,000.

The MN written knowledge exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 8 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

To apply for a hardship license in Minnesota, you'll have to prove the need to drive to the state, as well as meet certain other requirements.

More specific information can be found through the MN DVS.