What you need to get a Minnesota learner's permit
Minnesota issues a learner's permit through the Department of Public Safety, and you must be at least 15 years old. You will go to a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person with proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number or proof you don't have one. Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID. For proof of residence, bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months.
You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the DVS office. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the DVS website and covers everything the test covers. After you pass the written test and pay the permit fee (currently $20.25), you receive your learner's permit on the spot.
Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. During this time, you must practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and bring proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number to a DVS office to get a learner's permit.
- The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs, with 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
- You can study for the written test using the free Minnesota Driver's Manual on the DVS website, which contains all the material tested.
- Once you pass the written test and pay the fee, you receive your learner's permit when ready and can begin supervised driving.
- Your learner's permit is valid for one year, during which you must drive only with a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat.
The written test: what to expect and how to study
The written test at the DVS office is computer-based and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You answer questions about right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, stopping distances, and what road signs mean. The test includes questions about Minnesota-specific laws, such as the state's hands-free cell phone rule and requirements for child safety seats. You see one question at a time on the screen and cannot go back to change an earlier answer.
The Minnesota Driver's Manual is the official source for all test content. You can read it online at the DVS website or request a printed copy at any DVS office. Many people study by reading the manual once, then taking practice tests online. The DVS website offers a free practice test that mimics the real test format. You can take the practice test as many times as you want, and it shows you which topics you missed so you can focus your study.
Most people need two to four weeks of regular study to pass. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though you pay the permit fee each time.
Supervised driving requirements and restrictions
With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front passenger seat. That adult must have a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other passengers under 20 years old in the car unless they are your siblings and a licensed adult is present.
You must follow all regular traffic laws, and Minnesota adds extra rules for permit holders. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except to call 911. You must wear a seat belt, and all passengers must wear seat belts. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must have your learner's permit and proof of insurance in the car at all times.
These restrictions stay in place for the entire year your permit is valid. You do not need to log your driving hours or submit proof of practice to the state, but many driving schools and insurance companies recommend keeping a record of when and where you drive. Some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete a defensive driving course while you have your learner's permit.
When you are ready to take the road test
You can take the road test once you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days. The road test is administered by a DVS examiner at a DVS office and takes about 30 minutes. You drive a route chosen by the examiner, and they watch how you handle starting, stopping, turning, parking, and responding to traffic. The examiner scores you on vehicle control, observation, and judgment.
To schedule a road test, you call the DVS office where you want to test or book online through the DVS website. Wait times vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks. You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
You must bring a licensed adult at least 21 years old to the road test, but that person sits in the back seat or waits in the office — they do not ride along during the test. If you pass, you receive a provisional driver's license on the spot. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a few days; there is no limit to how many times you can retake it.
What happens after you pass the road test
Passing the road test means you receive a provisional driver's license, which is different from a full license. A provisional license lets you drive without a supervising adult, but it comes with its own restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless they are your siblings.
These provisional restrictions last until you turn 18 or have held the provisional license for 12 months, whichever comes first. After that period, you can exchange your provisional license for a standard driver's license at any DVS office. You do not need to take another test; you straightforward pay a fee and receive the new license.
DVS office locations and how to prepare
Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DVS website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times can be long during lunch hours and late afternoon. Many offices allow you to check in online before you arrive, which can reduce your wait time. Call ahead if you are unsure whether you have all the documents you need.
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residence. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The permit fee is $20.25, and the road test fee is $10. Both are paid at the DVS office. DVS offices accept cash, check, and card. If you fail the written test, you pay the fee again to retake it. If you fail the road test, there is no additional fee to retake it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or by mail?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a DVS office. You cannot take it online or at a school. You must go to the office, show your documents, and take the test on their computer.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You pay the permit fee each time you retake the test. Most people pass on the second try if they study the areas where they missed questions.
Do I have to use my own car for the road test?
Yes. The vehicle must be registered in Minnesota, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. You cannot use a rental car or a car borrowed from a friend unless it meets these requirements.
What if I move to another state while I have a Minnesota learner's permit?
Your Minnesota permit is no longer valid once you move. You must get a learner's permit in your new state. Some states recognize out-of-state permits for a short time, but Minnesota does not have reciprocal agreements with other states, so you should not count on it.
Can I get my learner's permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you must wait until the suspension or revocation period ends before you can get a learner's permit. You can contact the DVS office to find out when you become may be able to access again.