Minnesota requires you to pass a written test, a vision screening, and a driving test before issuing a license

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses through a three-stage process: you first pass a knowledge test about traffic laws, then pass a vision check, and finally pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner. Each stage has specific document requirements, and you must complete them in order. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.

You can begin at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in Minnesota. These are separate from the Secretary of State's office and are located in most counties. You do not need an appointment for the written test, but you will need one for the driving test, and those can book weeks out depending on your location.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to your first DVS visit.
  • The written knowledge test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which is conducted by a DVS examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
  • Minnesota charges a license fee that varies by age and license type; a standard five-year license for an adult costs around $25, but fees change periodically.
  • If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retesting, though you will still need to pass a vision screening.

What documents you need before your first DVS visit

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, the DVS office accepts a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement. You also need a document proving your identity: a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or an existing state ID card all work. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DVS office will not accept it.

You must also prove you live in Minnesota. A current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Minnesota address will do. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and your documents do not yet reflect your new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease showing your current residence.

Bring your Social Security card or number document, identity document, and residency proof together in one visit. The DVS office will not let you take the written test without all three.

How the written knowledge test works

The written test is administered on a computer at any DVS office and covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 40 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80 percent (32 correct answers) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the DVS staff which languages are available at your location.

You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. Most people pass on the first try if they study the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the DVS website or in print at any DVS office. The manual covers everything the test asks about.

After you pass the written test, the DVS office will issue you a temporary permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. This permit is valid for six months. You can then schedule your driving test appointment, though you do not have to take it when ready.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

Once you have passed the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. Appointments are booked through the DVS office or online through the Minnesota DVS website. Availability varies by location; rural areas may have shorter wait times, while urban offices like Minneapolis and St. Paul often book several weeks out. You can travel to a different county's DVS office if a closer appointment is available there.

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. You will drive on local roads with an examiner in your vehicle. You can use your own car, a rental, or a car borrowed from a friend or family member—the vehicle just needs to be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors all work before you start.

You must bring your temporary permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are using, and a valid photo ID to the driving test. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. Most people pass on the second attempt if they practice regularly beforehand.

Transferring a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and are moving to Minnesota, you can transfer it without retaking the written and driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number document to any DVS office. You will still need to pass the vision screening and pay the Minnesota license fee.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it is expired, you will need to retake the full testing process. Some states have reciprocal agreements with Minnesota that streamline the transfer, but the DVS office will tell you whether yours does when you arrive.

Vision screening and medical requirements

All applicants must pass a vision screening at the DVS office. You need to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to your appointment; the screening will test your vision with the correction you actually use while driving. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot proceed with the written or driving test until you see an eye care professional and bring a corrected vision certificate back to the DVS office.

Minnesota does not require a medical exam for a standard driver's license, but certain medical conditions must be reported to the DVS. If you have a condition that affects your ability to drive safely—such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or certain medications—you may need to provide medical documentation or restrictions on your license. The DVS office will ask about these during your visit.

License fees and how long the license lasts

A standard five-year driver's license for an adult costs approximately $25, though the exact fee depends on your age and the type of license. Minnesota also offers a 10-year license for an additional fee. Fees are subject to change; check the DVS website or call your local office for the current amount before you visit.

Payment is made at the DVS office when you pass all tests and are ready to receive your license. The office accepts cash, check, and card. Your license is typically issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few business days, depending on the office's procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or from home?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a DVS office on a computer provided by the office. This prevents cheating and ensures the test is administered fairly. You cannot take it remotely or by mail.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, though each attempt may have a small fee. Most people pass within two or three attempts if they practice regularly with a licensed driver beforehand.

Do I need to take the written test again if I let my license expire?

If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can renew it by mail or online without retesting. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must retake the written and driving tests as if you were a new applicant.

Can I use a rental car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be yours. Make sure the rental company allows you to use the car for a driving test, and bring proof of insurance with you to the appointment.

What if I have a valid license from another country?

An international driver's license or a license from another country is not valid in Minnesota. You must take the full written and driving test process, though you may be able to waive the written test if you hold a valid license from certain countries—ask the DVS office whether your country qualifies.