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 whole process usually takes several visits spread over weeks or months, because you cannot take the driving test on the same day you take the written test. Minnesota requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can test for a full license.
The order matters: you get your learner's permit first, practice driving, then return to take the written and driving tests. If you already have a valid driver's license from another state or country, the process is shorter — you may skip the written test and go straight to the driving test, depending on your situation.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DVS office in person with proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to get your free guide.
- Your first visit results in a learner's permit, which you must hold for at least 30 days before you can test for a full license.
- The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the official Minnesota Driver's Manual available free online.
- The driving test is conducted by a DVS examiner and tests your ability to handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws in real conditions.
- Fees vary depending on your age and license type, and you will pay at the time of your visit.
Documents and information you need to bring to DVS
Bring three categories of documents to your first DVS visit: proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, DVS accepts a U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified birth certificate, a tribal ID, or a military ID. A school ID or work ID alone is not enough.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your Minnesota address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the document, plus proof that you live there together (like a lease with both names).
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, DVS has a process for that — call your local DVS office to ask what to bring instead.
Getting your learner's permit on your first visit
At your first DVS visit, you will take a written test to get your learner's permit. The test has 40 questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, and you can request a reader or other accommodations if you need them.
Before the test, you can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which DVS publishes free online. The manual covers everything the test covers. Many people study it for a few days or a week before taking the test. If you fail, you can take the test again the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts.
Once you pass, you pay the permit fee and receive your learner's permit. You must then wait at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you.
Practicing with your learner's permit
Your learner's permit lets you drive on public roads as long as a licensed driver 21 or older is in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone. Minnesota does not have a formal requirement for how many hours you must practice, but most people practice for several weeks before they feel ready for the driving test.
During practice, focus on the skills the driving test will check: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, following traffic signs and signals, and staying in your lane. If you take a professional driving course, the instructor can give you feedback on what to work on. Some driving schools also offer practice tests that mimic the real test.
Taking the driving test
After you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule your driving test at a DVS office. The test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the office. A DVS examiner sits in the car with you and watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians.
The examiner will ask you to do specific things — parallel park, make a three-point turn, back up, or drive on a highway, depending on the route. You pass if you demonstrate safe driving and do not make any serious mistakes. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, not stopping fully at a stop sign, or hitting another vehicle.
If you fail, you can take the test again, but you must wait at least one day. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Fees and how long it takes
The learner's permit fee and the driver's license fee depend on your age and how long you want the license to last. Fees change periodically, so check the DVS website or call your local office for current amounts. You pay each fee at the time of your visit — when you get your permit, and again when you pass the driving test and get your license.
The whole process usually takes 6 to 12 weeks from your first visit to getting your license, because of the 30-day waiting period between the permit and the driving test. If you pass the driving test on your first try, you could be done in about 5 or 6 weeks. If you need to retake the written test or the driving test, it will take longer.
If you already have a driver's license from another state or country
If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you can exchange it for a Minnesota license without taking either test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of identity to a DVS office. You will pay the license fee and receive your Minnesota license.
If you have a valid license from a country outside the U.S., the rules depend on which country issued it. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Minnesota, which means you may not need to take the written test. Call your local DVS office or check the DVS website to find out whether your country is on the list. If your country is not on the list, you will need to get a learner's permit and pass both tests like anyone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
No. Minnesota law requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. You must pass the written test first to get the permit, then wait the 30 days, then schedule the driving test.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can take it again after waiting at least one day. You will pay the test fee again each time you retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must keep your learner's permit valid while you practice and prepare to try again.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
No, it is not required. However, some people take a course to learn the rules and practice driving with an instructor before the test. A course can help you feel more confident, but you can also study the manual on your own and practice with a friend or family member.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Call your local DVS office before you visit. They can tell you what documents to bring instead. You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of identity that DVS accepts.
How long is a Minnesota driver's license valid?
Minnesota driver's licenses are valid for 4 or 8 years, depending on which option you choose when you get your license. You choose the length and pay accordingly. You can renew your license before it expires by visiting a DVS office or renewing online if you are may be able to access.