What an adult learner permit is and who needs one
An adult learner permit in Minnesota is a document that lets you practice driving before you take the road test for a regular driver's license. You need one if you are 18 or older and have never held a driver's license in any state, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. The permit proves to law enforcement that you are a licensed student driver, not someone driving without permission.
The permit itself does not let you drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. That person is responsible for supervising your practice, and you are responsible for following all traffic laws — the same rules that explore to any driver on the road.
Minnesota issues the permit through the Department of Public Safety, and you get it in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. There is no online option for the permit itself, though you can take the written test online if you choose.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written knowledge test about Minnesota traffic laws and road signs before you receive the permit.
- The permit costs $16.50 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or proof you do not have one.
- A licensed driver at least 21 years old must sit in the front seat with you every time you drive with the permit.
- You can hold the permit for up to one year before you must pass the road test and take the regular license test.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver and Vehicle Services office
Bring one document that proves your identity. This can be a passport, a birth certificate with a photo ID, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign national ID. If you use a birth certificate, you must also bring a second photo ID such as a school ID or work ID.
Bring one document that proves you live in Minnesota. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. The document must show your name and current address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or credit card statement counts only if it is a paper statement you received in the mail, not a digital copy.
Bring your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring a document that proves it — a letter from the Social Security Administration or a tax return. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents.
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If your Minnesota license expired more than one year ago, bring that too. These documents help the Department of Public Safety check your driving record.
How to schedule an appointment and take the written test
Go to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website and click the appointment scheduler. You can book a time at any Driver and Vehicle Services office in the state. Appointments typically fill up one to three weeks in advance, though availability varies by location and season.
You can take the written test on a computer at the office, or you can take it online before your appointment. If you take it online, you must do so within 30 days before your appointment. The online test is the same 40-question test you would take at the office, and you need a score of at least 32 correct answers to pass.
The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Public Safety website. Many people also use practice tests available online through the state website.
Bring your appointment confirmation to the office. If you took the test online, bring proof that you passed. If you are taking the test at the office, arrive 15 minutes early and bring a pen.
What happens at your appointment
A staff member will check your documents and verify your information. They will ask you to sign the permit process and confirm your address. If you did not take the written test online, you will take it at a computer terminal in the office.
Once you pass the test, you will pay the $16.50 fee. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card. The staff member will take a photo for your permit and print it on the spot. You will receive the physical permit card before you leave.
The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. If the office is busy, it may take longer. You do not need to schedule a separate road test appointment at this time — you can do that later, once you have had time to practice.
Rules you must follow while driving with the permit
A licensed driver at least 21 years old must sit in the front passenger seat every time you drive. This person cannot be texting, using a phone, or distracted. They are there to supervise and help if something goes wrong.
You must obey all traffic laws. Speed limits, stop signs, traffic lights, and parking rules explore to you the same way they explore to any driver. If you are pulled over, show the officer your permit and the supervising driver's license.
You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a supervising driver in the car. This is a hard rule for all learner permits in Minnesota. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency.
Seat belts are required for you and everyone in the car. If you are in an accident or get a ticket, you must report it to the Department of Public Safety within 10 days.
When you are ready to take the road test
You can take the road test any time after you receive your permit, but most people wait at least two to four weeks to get comfortable behind the wheel. There is no minimum number of practice hours required by law, though the Department of Public Safety recommends at least 50 hours of practice, including 10 hours at night.
Schedule your road test through the same appointment system you used for the permit. The test costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes. You will drive a set route with an examiner in the car, and they will score you on things like lane control, stopping, turning, and following traffic laws.
Bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The car must be in safe working condition — working brakes, lights, wipers, and steering. Bring the supervising driver with you, though they will wait in the office while you take the test.
If you pass, you will take a new photo and receive your regular driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the $20 fee each time.
What to do if your permit expires before you take the road test
Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not take and pass the road test within that year, your permit expires and you must start over. You will need to take the written test again, pay the $16.50 fee again, and get a new permit card.
If you are close to the expiration date and not ready for the road test, schedule it as soon as possible. You do not have to pass on your first try — you can take the test multiple times while the permit is still valid. Once the permit expires, you lose that window.
If your permit is about to expire and you need more time, you can request a one-time extension. Contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services office to ask about extension options. Extensions are not automatic, and the office will tell you whether one is available in your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice driving without a supervising driver if I am an adult?
No. Minnesota law requires a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat at all times, regardless of your age. This rule applies to all learner permits, including adult permits. Driving alone with a permit is illegal and can result in a ticket.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the $16.50 fee each time you take the test, so if you fail multiple times, the cost adds up. Most people pass on the first or second try after studying the Minnesota Driver's Manual.
Do I need to take a driver education class to get the permit?
No. Minnesota does not require a driver education class for adults. You only need to pass the written test. However, some people take a class anyway because it helps them study and builds confidence before the road test.
What if I move to a different state while I have a Minnesota permit?
Your Minnesota permit is only valid in Minnesota. If you move, you will need to get a learner permit from your new state. Contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents and tests you need.
Can I use my permit to drive for work or delivery services?
No. A learner permit is only for practice driving with a supervising driver. You cannot use it for any paid driving, commercial purposes, or ride-sharing services. Doing so is illegal and can result in serious penalties.