What You Need to Do to Get a Minnesota Driver's License

To get a Minnesota driver's license, you will visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes at least two visits — one to take the written exam and one to take the road test — and you cannot schedule both on the same day. Most people complete the entire process within two to four weeks, though wait times at DVS offices vary by location and season.

You do not need to be a Minnesota resident to get a Minnesota license, but you do need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under 18, you will follow a different path called the graduated driver's license (GDL) system, which adds restrictions and takes longer. This guide covers the standard adult process; the GDL section below explains what changes for younger drivers.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office twice — once to pass the written test and once to pass the road test — and cannot do both on the same day.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency (or an affidavit if you have no residency documents) to your first visit.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using the free Minnesota Driver's Manual online.
  • After you pass the written test, you receive a permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult; you must wait at least one day before scheduling your road test.
  • The road test lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public streets; you must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Gather Your Documents Before Your First Visit

Bring three categories of documents to your first DVS appointment: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency. For identity, bring a passport, a certified birth certificate, a tribal ID, or a document issued by a U.S. government agency that includes your name and date of birth. A school ID or expired license does not count.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from your employer or a bank statement showing your Social Security number. For Minnesota residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a property tax statement dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your name and a Minnesota address.

If you have no residency documents, you can bring an affidavit of residency — a signed statement from someone who lives with you or from your landlord confirming you live in Minnesota. The person signing must bring their own ID. This option exists because some people, including those experiencing homelessness, may not have bills or leases in their name.

Pass the Written Test at a DVS Office

Schedule an appointment at your nearest DVS office through the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by calling 651-296-6911. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. Bring all your documents and arrive 15 minutes early.

The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in 15 other languages. You can study using the free Minnesota Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the Secretary of State website or in print at any DVS office. The manual covers everything the test asks.

After you pass, you will pay a fee (currently $24.50 for an adult license valid for eight years) and receive a permit — a temporary document that lets you drive while supervised by a licensed adult. You cannot take your road test until at least one day has passed. Most people schedule their road test appointment before leaving the DVS office.

Practice Driving and Schedule Your Road Test

With your permit, you can drive on any public road as long as a licensed driver age 18 or older sits in the front passenger seat. There are no other restrictions for adults — you can drive at night, on highways, and in any weather. Use this time to practice the skills the road test measures: smooth acceleration and braking, proper lane changes, parking, and following traffic signs.

Schedule your road test at least one day after you pass the written test. You can book through the Secretary of State website or by phone. Road test appointments fill quickly in spring and summer, so book as soon as you are ready. The test itself lasts about 20 minutes and takes place on public streets near the DVS office.

Take Your Road Test

Bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will drive during the test. The vehicle must be registered in Minnesota, have valid insurance, and be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering before you start. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be able to test that day.

The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, pulling into traffic, making turns, changing lanes, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), and stopping smoothly. You will also demonstrate that you understand road signs and right-of-way rules by responding to the examiner's instructions. Common reasons people fail include failing to signal, rolling through stop signs, hitting the curb while parking, or not checking mirrors and blind spots.

If you pass, you will receive your license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can schedule another road test; there is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though you will pay the test fee each time.

The Graduated Driver's License (GDL) System for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, Minnesota requires you to complete a graduated driver's license system with two stages: a learner's permit stage and a provisional license stage. The process takes longer and has more restrictions than the adult path.

For the learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old, pass the written test, and hold the permit for at least six months before taking your road test. During this time, you can only drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving (except in an emergency).

After six months with the permit and passing your road test, you receive a provisional license valid until age 18. With a provisional license, you can drive alone, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. until age 17, and you cannot have more than one passenger under age 20 in the car (unless they are a family member) until age 18. These restrictions exist to reduce crash risk for young drivers.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

An adult Minnesota license is valid for eight years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before it expires. You can renew online through the Secretary of State website if your address has not changed and your license was not suspended or revoked. Online renewal costs $24.50 and takes a few minutes.

If you need to renew in person — because your address changed, your name changed, or you want a new photo — visit a DVS office with proof of your new address or name. If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DVS office and request a replacement; you will pay a replacement fee and receive a new license with a new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and road test on the same day?

No. Minnesota requires at least one day to pass between passing the written test and taking the road test. This rule applies to all drivers, including adults. You must schedule your road test for a different day than your written test appointment.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment and retake it as many times as needed. There is no limit on attempts. You will pay the test fee each time you retake it. Your permit remains valid while you practice and schedule your next test.

Do I need a Minnesota address to get a Minnesota license?

You must prove Minnesota residency using a recent utility bill, lease, bank statement, or similar document. If you do not have documents in your name, you can use an affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives with you or your landlord. You do not need to own property or have a permanent address.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to get a Minnesota license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a driver's license. Contact your local Social Security office or visit ssa.gov for information about how the process works.

What vehicle can I use for the road test?

You can use any vehicle registered in Minnesota with valid insurance and working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name — it can belong to a family member or friend — but it must have current insurance. The examiner will inspect these safety features before the test begins.