What You Need to Do to Get a Minnesota Learner's Permit

To get a Minnesota learner's permit, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. The permit itself costs $16.50 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You must be at least 15 years old to obtain one.

The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the DVS office on the day you explore, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your permit when ready after passing the test, so you can begin supervised driving the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency to explore.
  • The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the Minnesota Driver's Manual.
  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass the test on your first or a later attempt before you receive your permit.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat.

Documents and Proof You Must Bring

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a tribal ID card. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not accepted — it must be a certified copy with the official seal.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

Finally, bring two documents that prove you live in Minnesota. These can include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a school enrollment letter, or a property tax statement. Both documents must show your name and current address. They do not need to be recent — a utility bill from several months ago is acceptable.

The Knowledge Test and What It Covers

The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly to pass, which is 80 percent. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking rules, and safe driving practices. All questions come from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which DVS provides for free at any DVS office or online at the state website.

You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Vietnamese. Tell the DVS staff which language you need when you arrive. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day or return on another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, and each attempt costs $16.50. Most people pass on the first or second try if they study the manual beforehand.

Finding a DVS Office and What to Expect

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the state website. Some offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while others have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours, as they vary by location.

Arrive early if possible, especially on weekday mornings or early afternoons when wait times are typically shorter. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to hand over. The staff will review your documents, answer any questions, and direct you to the testing area.

If any of your documents are missing or do not meet the requirements, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You will not be able to test that day, but you can return once you have the correct documents.

Restrictions and Rules for Learner's Permit Holders

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult age 21 or older is sitting in the front seat next to you. That adult must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or Canadian province. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other passengers under age 18 in the car unless they are your siblings and a licensed adult is present.

You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. You must obey all traffic laws, speed limits, and road signs. Violations while driving on a learner's permit can result in fines and may delay your ability to take the road test for a full license.

Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not pass your road test before the permit expires, you will need to renew it by visiting a DVS office again and paying another $16.50.

Moving Forward: From Learner's Permit to Road Test

Once you have your learner's permit, you must practice driving for a certain number of hours before you can take the road test for a full license. Minnesota requires at least 10 hours of supervised driving, with at least 3 hours at night. You do not need to log these hours officially — you and your supervising adult straightforward need to keep track of them.

You can schedule your road test through the DVS website or by calling the office where you want to test. The road test costs $35 and includes a vehicle inspection, a driving portion on public roads, and an evaluation of your ability to follow traffic laws and handle the vehicle safely. You must bring your learner's permit and proof of insurance when you arrive for the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Minnesota law requires a Social Security number to obtain a learner's permit. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which some DVS offices accept. Contact your local DVS office to ask whether they accept an ITIN in place of a Social Security number.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake the test when ready at the same DVS office or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each attempt costs $16.50. Most people pass within two attempts if they study the Minnesota Driver's Manual before testing.

Can someone else pick up my learner's permit for me?

No. You must be present in person at the DVS office to test and receive your permit. The staff will not issue a permit to anyone else on your behalf, even a parent or guardian.

How long does a learner's permit last?

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you do not pass your road test before it expires, you must renew it by visiting a DVS office and paying another $16.50. You do not need to retake the knowledge test to renew.

Can I drive on a learner's permit if the supervising adult is in the back seat?

No. The licensed adult must sit in the front seat next to you. An adult in the back seat does not meet the requirement, and driving without a front-seat supervisor is a violation of your permit restrictions.