What you need to get a Minnesota driver license for the first time

To get your first Minnesota driver license, you will visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process takes multiple visits — you cannot pass 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 take the driving test. This waiting period is a safety requirement, not a processing delay. During those 30 days, you practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office in person with documents proving your identity, where you live, and your Social Security number.
  • You will take a written test first, then a vision test, then wait at least 30 days before you can take the driving test.
  • During the 30-day waiting period, you practice driving with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat.
  • The driving test itself takes place at a DVS office, not with a private examiner, and you must bring the car you will use for the test.
  • Fees vary by age and license type, and you will need to renew your license every four or eight years depending on your age.

Documents you need to bring to the DVS office

Bring one document that proves your identity. A U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID card works. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination: a birth certificate plus a school ID, or a birth certificate plus a utility bill with your name on it.

Bring one document that proves you live in Minnesota. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 30 days.

Bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the clearest proof, but you can also bring a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return that shows your number.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person at the DVS office.

The written test and learner's permit

At your first DVS visit, you will take a written knowledge test on Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the DVS website. Many people also study using online practice tests.

If you pass the written test and the vision test, you will receive a learner's permit the same day. This permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.

You must hold this learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can schedule a driving test. This is a calendar requirement — you cannot test on day 29. Use this time to practice driving in different conditions: residential streets, busier roads, highway driving if possible, and night driving.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After 30 days have passed, you can schedule your driving test online through the DVS website or by calling your local DVS office. Tests fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you are ready.

On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The car must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and be in safe condition. You will drive with a DVS examiner in the vehicle, and the test takes about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parallel parking, turning, stopping, and merging.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee again each time.

Fees and how long the license lasts

The cost of a learner's permit and the written test is one fee, paid at your first visit. The cost of the driving test is a separate fee, paid when you schedule or take the test. Fees vary depending on your age and whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license (which allows you to cross into Canada). Check the DVS website for current fees, as they change periodically.

Once you pass the driving test, you will receive your driver license. If you are under 18, your license will be a provisional license, which has restrictions: you cannot drive with passengers under 20 years old (except family members) for the first six months, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held the provisional license for one year, whichever comes first.

Your license will be valid for four years if you are under 65, or eight years if you are 65 or older. You will need to renew it before it expires.

If you already have a license from another state

If you have a valid driver license from another state and you move to Minnesota, you do not need to take the written test or driving test again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Minnesota license by visiting a DVS office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Minnesota, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take a vision test and pay a fee for the new license.

If your out-of-state license has expired, the rules are stricter. Contact your local DVS office to find out whether you will need to retake the written and driving tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a car with an automatic transmission if I practiced in a manual transmission car?

Yes. You can take the test in any vehicle that is safe and registered. If you want to drive a manual transmission car after you get your license, you should practice in one, but the test itself does not require it.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as soon as you want. There is no waiting period. You will pay the test fee again each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.

Do I need a parent to come with me to the DVS office if I am 17?

Yes. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and sign your process in person. They do not need to stay for the entire visit, but they must be there to sign.

Can I use a passport from another country as proof of identity?

A U.S. passport or passport card works. A foreign passport does not. You will need a combination of documents instead, such as a birth certificate plus a school ID or utility bill.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the driving test?

You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you pass, which is valid when ready. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.