How to Get Your Minnesota Driver's License (2026)
A step-by-step walkthrough of the Minnesota license process — eligibility, knowledge test, learner permit, supervised practice, road test, and full license.
1. Make sure you're eligible
To apply for a Minnesota learner permit you must be at least 15 years old and able to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Minnesota residency. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the application.
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or equivalent)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Two proofs of Minnesota residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
- Parent/guardian signature if under 18
- Vision-screening pass (administered at the office)
2. Pass the Minnesota permit knowledge test
The Minnesota knowledge test has 40 questions; you must answer 32 correctly (80%) to pass. Topics: traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way, safe driving, and Minnesota-specific rules. Retake policy: Your Minnesota permit fee covers the first two knowledge test attempts. Each retake after that costs $10. You must wait at least one business day between attempts and restudy the Minnesota Driver's Manual before testing again.
The best prep path is to read the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) driver manual end-to-end, then take repeated practice tests until you score 90%+ consistently. Use our free MN practice test and the full 40-question exam.
3. Get your learner permit
After passing the knowledge test, you'll be issued a Minnesota learner permit. Bring the documents above to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office and pay the permit application fee (currently $29).
- Your permit lets you drive only with a supervising licensed adult in the front passenger seat.
- Permit validity is typically 1 to 2 years; check yours so you know when it expires.
- The permit must usually be held for a minimum waiting period (often 6 months for minors) before you can take the road test.
- Most states impose GDL curfews and passenger limits during the permit phase.
4. Complete your supervised practice hours
During the permit phase, you log supervised driving hours. Minnesota's specific count varies; most states require 30-50 hours of total practice including 10 hours of night driving. Build the habit early — these hours need to be real, varied, and on different road types.
- Always drive with a licensed adult age 21+ in the front passenger seat.
- Typical night-driving restriction: no driving between midnight and 5 AM (varies by age/phase).
- Typical passenger restriction: no non-family passengers under 21 for the first 6 months.
- Log every hour. Many states require you to bring the log to the road test.
- Practice the maneuvers you'll be tested on: parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes, highway merging.
5. Pass the road test and get your full Minnesota license
Schedule your Minnesota road test through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The examiner will evaluate vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and following traffic laws. Bring your permit, required documents, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration and insurance.
After passing, pay the license fee (currently $32 for an adult). You'll receive a temporary paper license immediately; the plastic card arrives by mail. If you're under 18, your initial license is usually a provisional/intermediate license with night and passenger restrictions; full unrestricted privileges kick in at 18 or after you've held the provisional license for a state-specified period.
The full Minnesota steps in order
As listed by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS):
- Turn 15 and complete at least 30 hours of classroom driver education.
- Download and read the Minnesota Driver's Manual from dps.mn.gov.
- Gather proof of identity, lawful status, SSN, and Minnesota residency.
- Visit a DVS exam station with a parent or guardian to sign your application.
- Pay the $29.50 instruction permit fee.
- Pass the vision check and the 40-question Class D knowledge test.
- Hold the instruction permit at least 6 months with no traffic convictions.
- Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (15 at night).
- Pass the road skills test at a DVS exam station.
- Pay the provisional license fee to receive your Minnesota driver license.
FAQ: Getting Your Minnesota License
How old do I need to be to get a Minnesota learner permit?
You must be at least 15 to apply for a Minnesota learner permit. Some states allow a slightly earlier start through approved driver-education programs; the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) has the current minimum for each permit class.
How many questions are on the Minnesota permit test?
The Minnesota permit knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass.
What documents do I need for my Minnesota permit?
You typically need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of Minnesota residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Check the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) for the complete current list before you go.
What are the GDL (graduated licensing) restrictions in Minnesota?
Most states impose night-driving curfews (commonly 11 PM or midnight to 5 AM), passenger limits for new drivers, and a minimum supervised practice period (often 6-12 months). Exact restrictions vary; the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) driver manual lists Minnesota's current GDL phases.
Can non-citizens get a Minnesota driver license?
Yes — Minnesota issues driver licenses and permits to eligible non-citizens. You will need to provide acceptable identity and lawful-presence documents. Specific requirements depend on your immigration status — contact the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) for the current accepted document list.
Start preparing for the knowledge test
Our free MN practice tests mirror the real Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam — road signs, traffic laws, and Minnesota-specific rules. Take them until you score 90%+, then go pass the real one.