What the Minnesota Permit Test Covers and How It Works

Minnesota's permit test—officially called the knowledge test—is a written exam you take at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office before you can get your instruction permit. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. All questions come from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, and the test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and safe driving practices.

You take the test on a computer at the DVS office. The questions appear one at a time, and you select your answer from multiple choices. The test is not timed in the sense that you cannot run out of time, but DVS staff will move you along if you take an unreasonable amount of time per question. You get your score when ready after you finish, and if you pass, you can walk out with your instruction permit the same day.

The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. If you need a test in a language other than English, call your local DVS office ahead of time to confirm they offer it and to schedule an appointment if required.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's permit test has 40 questions from the Driver's Manual, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DVS office and receive your score when ready; a passing score gets you your instruction permit the same day.
  • The test covers road signs, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices—all material in the free Minnesota Driver's Manual.
  • You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt, and you pay the test fee each time.
  • Tests are available in multiple languages; call ahead if you need a language other than English.

What Documents You Need to Bring to the DVS Office

Before you go to take the test, gather the documents DVS requires. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present and sign the process.

Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for most documents. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. DVS staff will review your documents before you take the test, so arrive early enough to complete that step.

You do not need to bring the Driver's Manual to the test itself. The test is computer-based and does not allow reference materials. However, you should study the manual before you arrive.

How to Study the Minnesota Driver's Manual

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is free and available online at the DVS website. You can read it on your computer, read it as a PDF, or request a printed copy at any DVS office. The manual is organized by topic—traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, seat belts, and more—so you can study one section at a time.

Focus on the sections that appear most often on the test: traffic signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules at intersections and four-way stops, speed limit rules in residential areas and school zones, and what to do at railroad crossings. The manual also covers impaired driving laws, distracted driving, and what to do if you are pulled over.

Many people study by reading the manual once, but research on learning shows that spacing your study over several days and testing yourself repeatedly works better. Read a section, wait a day, then quiz yourself on it. DVS does not publish an official practice test, but several free online practice tests use questions similar to the real test. Take a practice test, review the answers you got wrong, and reread those sections in the manual.

The Test Fee and What Happens If You Fail

The knowledge test fee is $7. You pay this fee each time you take the test, whether you pass or fail. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the $7 fee each time.

If you fail, DVS will tell you which topics you missed most often. Use that feedback to focus your studying. For example, if you missed many questions about right-of-way, spend extra time on that section of the manual before your next attempt.

After you pass the knowledge test, you receive your instruction permit. The permit is valid for four years. With an instruction permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver age 21 or older is in the front seat next to you. You must follow all traffic laws and cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work or school.

Scheduling Your Test and What to Expect on Test Day

You can schedule your test online through the DVS website or by calling your local DVS office. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but wait times vary. If you schedule ahead, you know when to arrive and can avoid a long wait. Bring all required documents, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, and have your documents ready for the staff to review.

On test day, DVS staff will verify your identity and residency, take your photo for your permit, and then direct you to a computer station. You will sit at a private computer and answer the 40 questions. The test usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. After you finish, the computer scores your test when ready and displays your result on the screen. If you pass, you sign your permit and receive it before you leave. If you fail, you can schedule your next attempt right then.

Bring a pen or pencil if you want to take notes while you study at the office, but you cannot use notes during the test itself. You also cannot use your phone, calculator, or any other device during the test. DVS staff monitor the testing area to may support all test-takers follow the rules.

Common Mistakes People Make on the Permit Test

The most common mistake is not reading the Driver's Manual carefully before the test. People often assume they know the rules from driving with a parent or from common sense, but the test asks about specific Minnesota laws that may differ from what they think. For example, Minnesota's right-of-way rules at four-way stops are specific, and the test asks about them in detail.

Another mistake is rushing through practice tests without reviewing the answers. If you take a practice test and get a question wrong, look up the correct answer in the manual and understand why it is correct. straightforward taking the test again without that review does not improve your score.

A third mistake is studying only the night before. Your brain retains information better when you study over several days. Cramming the night before may help you pass, but you will forget much of what you learned once you get your permit. Since you will need to know these rules to pass the road test later, spacing your study is worth the effort.

After You Pass: What Comes Next

Once you have your instruction permit, you can begin supervised driving practice. Minnesota requires you to hold your permit for at least 30 days and to complete at least 40 hours of supervised driving—10 of those hours at night—before you can take the road test. You must log your hours; DVS provides a form for this, though it is not submitted until you schedule your road test.

During this practice period, you are required to follow all traffic laws and the restrictions on your permit. Violating traffic laws while on your permit can result in a ticket and may delay your road test. After you complete your 40 hours and have held your permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule your road test at a DVS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test if I am not a Minnesota resident?

No. You must prove Minnesota residency with a document dated within the last 30 days, such as a utility bill or lease. If you are moving to Minnesota, you can take the test once you have established residency and have the required documents.

What if I fail the test? Can I retake it the same day?

No. You must wait at least one day before you retake the test. You can schedule your next attempt online or by phone, or you can walk in to a DVS office the next day. You pay the $7 fee each time you take the test.

Is the permit test offered in languages other than English?

Yes. Minnesota offers the test in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and several other languages. Call your local DVS office ahead of time to confirm they offer your language and to learn about you need to schedule an appointment.

What happens if I lose my instruction permit before I take the road test?

You can request a replacement permit at any DVS office. Bring your required documents and pay a replacement fee. Your replacement permit will have the same expiration date as your original permit.

Do I need to study the entire Driver's Manual, or just certain sections?

The test draws questions from all sections of the manual, so you should study the whole manual. However, focus extra time on traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and parking laws, as these topics appear most often on the test.