What a Minnesota learner's permit is and what it lets you do

A Minnesota learner's permit is a document that lets you practice driving on public roads with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit — an adult who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid driver's license must be sitting next to you in the front seat at all times. The permit is your first step toward a full driver's license, and it lasts for one year from the date you receive it.

With a learner's permit, you can drive during daylight hours and in most weather conditions, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, and you must follow all other traffic laws that explore to licensed drivers. The permit proves to law enforcement that you are authorized to be behind the wheel under these specific conditions.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get a Minnesota learner's permit.
  • A licensed adult who is 21 or older must sit in the front seat next to you every time you drive with a learner's permit.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use your cell phone while driving.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for one year, and you will need to pass a road test before you can move to a full driver's license.

Age requirements and documents you need to bring

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Minnesota. When you go to the Driver and Vehicle Services office, bring your birth certificate or passport to prove your age. You will also need proof of your Minnesota residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address will work.

If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign a form giving permission for you to get a permit. Bring that signed form with you to the office. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, so bring a document that shows it — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return are all acceptable.

How to pass the written knowledge test

The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Driver and Vehicle Services office. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass, which is 80 percent. The test takes about 30 minutes.

You can study for free using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. The manual covers everything that will be on the test. Many people also use online practice tests to get familiar with the question format. You can retake the test if you do not pass the first time, but you will have to pay the fee again.

The cost and how long the permit lasts

The fee for a learner's permit in Minnesota is $20. You pay this fee when you take the written test at the Driver and Vehicle Services office. If you fail the test and retake it, you pay the fee again for each attempt.

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you must practice driving and then pass a road test to move forward to a full driver's license. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to renew it and pay the fee again.

Where to go and what to expect on the day of your test

Go to your local Driver and Vehicle Services office to take the written test. Minnesota has offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are busier than others, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean a shorter wait.

Bring all your documents with you — your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, your Social Security document, and the signed parental permission form if you are under 18. Bring the $20 fee as well. The staff will check your documents, take your photo for the permit, and then direct you to a computer to take the written test. The whole process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

Your learner's permit comes with specific rules you must follow every time you drive. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the front seat next to you — they cannot be in the back seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. under any circumstances. You cannot use your cell phone while driving, even if it is hands-free or for navigation.

You also cannot drive on limited-access highways like interstate freeways during your first three months with a permit. After three months, you can drive on these highways, but only if your supervising adult is in the car. Breaking these rules can result in a ticket and fines, and it can delay your progress toward getting a full license.

What happens after you pass the written test

Once you pass the written test, you receive your learner's permit on the same day. You can start practicing driving right away with a licensed adult in the car. Most people practice for several months before taking the road test for a full driver's license. There is no minimum practice time required by law, but the more you practice, the more confident and skilled you will become.

When you feel ready, you can schedule a road test at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The road test costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes. During the test, an examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on public roads. They evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and road conditions. If you pass, you can move to a full driver's license. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a certain period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooled students can get a learner's permit at 15 years old just like any other student. You do not need to be enrolled in a public or private school. Bring the same documents — birth certificate, proof of residency, and parental permission if you are under 18.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. You must pay the $20 fee each time you take it. Most people study the Minnesota Driver's Manual more thoroughly after a first failure and pass on the second or third attempt.

Can my supervising driver be anyone with a valid license?

No. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. They cannot have a suspended or revoked license. They must sit in the front seat next to you, not in the back.

What happens if my learner's permit expires?

If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you can renew it at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You will pay the $20 fee again. You do not have to retake the written test — you can renew your permit based on your previous passing score.

Can I drive to school with a learner's permit?

No. You cannot drive alone to school or anywhere else with a learner's permit. You must have a licensed adult in the front seat. Some students drive to school with a parent or guardian, which is allowed.