State Guide
Minnesota DVS Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your Minnesota instruction permit — from eligibility and mandatory driver education to the 40-question knowledge test and Minnesota's Graduated Driver Licensing program. One standout requirement: Minnesota mandates 15 hours of nighttime supervised driving, among the highest in the country. Ready to start practicing? Take a free Minnesota DVS practice test.
Who Can Get an Instruction Permit
In Minnesota, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must co-sign your application. There is no upper age limit for first-time applicants.
Driver education: Minnesota requires all permit holders under 18 to complete an approved driver education program before they can receive a provisional license. The education does not need to be completed before getting the permit, but it must be done during the permit phase.
Residency: You must be a Minnesota resident and provide documents proving your Minnesota address at the DVS exam station.
Driver Education Requirements
Minnesota requires driver education for all applicants under 18. The course must be completed at a state-approved provider. Unlike many states, Minnesota does not accept online driver education — both the classroom and behind-the-wheel portions must be completed in person.
Classroom instruction
At least 30 hours of classroom instruction (must be in person — online not accepted) covering Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and impaired driving awareness.
Behind-the-wheel training
At least 6 hours of in-car instruction with a certified driving instructor. This is separate from the 50 hours of supervised practice you complete with a parent or guardian.
Your driver education provider will issue a certificate of completion when you finish the program. Keep this — you will need it when applying for your provisional license.
Fees and What You Pay For
The Minnesota instruction permit fee is $14.25. This is paid at the DVS exam station when you apply.
Instruction permit fee: $14.25
Retest fee: $4.25 per attempt
Unlike some states, Minnesota charges a $4.25 retest fee each time you retake the knowledge test after a failure. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Driver education costs: Approved driver education programs are a separate expense, typically $300–$600 for the full program including classroom and behind-the-wheel components.
Documents You Need
When you visit a DVS exam station, bring the following:
1. Proof of identity
A certified U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, permanent resident card, or other approved identity document showing your full legal name and date of birth.
2. Social Security number
Your Social Security card or a document displaying your full SSN.
3. Proof of Minnesota residency
A utility bill, bank statement, school enrollment record, lease, or other document showing your Minnesota address.
4. Parent or guardian (if under 18)
A parent or legal guardian must co-sign the application. They should bring their own valid ID.
Minnesota offers Real ID-compliant licenses. If you want a Real ID permit, you may need additional documentation. Ask the DVS representative when you visit.
The Knowledge Test
The Minnesota DVS knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. All questions are drawn from the Minnesota Driver's Manual. The test covers:
Minnesota traffic laws and regulations
Road signs, signals, and pavement markings
Right-of-way rules at intersections and roundabouts
Safe and defensive driving practices
Winter driving — a Minnesota-specific emphasis
Alcohol and drug laws (DWI)
Sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, and large trucks
The test is taken on a computer at a DVS exam station. There is no time limit. The test is available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and additional languages — ask when you arrive if you need a different language.
Minnesota-specific note: Pay particular attention to winter driving conditions, snow emergency parking rules, and Move Over laws — these topics reflect Minnesota's driving environment and appear regularly on the test.
Passing Score and Results
Minnesota DVS Knowledge Test
40 questions
You must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 8 questions.
Results are displayed immediately on the computer screen after you finish. If you pass, the DVS will proceed with issuing your instruction permit. If you fail, you must wait until the next business day and pay the $4.25 retest fee.
With 8 questions of margin, solid preparation using the Minnesota Driver's Manual and practice tests should comfortably put you above the 80% threshold.
If You Don't Pass
If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait until the next business day before retaking it. There is a $4.25 retest fee for each additional attempt. There is no limit on the total number of attempts.
Use the waiting period to go back to the Minnesota Driver's Manual and review the specific sections that gave you trouble. Take additional practice tests and focus on your weak areas until you are consistently scoring above 90%.
Questions are drawn from a large question bank, so you will see different questions on each retake attempt. Studying the manual thoroughly — not just memorizing specific questions — is the most reliable preparation strategy.
At the DVS Exam Station
Minnesota DVS exam stations accept walk-ins for knowledge tests. Here's what to expect during your visit:
1. Submit documents and application
A DVS representative will verify your identity, SSN, and residency documents. If under 18, your parent or guardian co-signs the application.
2. Vision screening
A brief vision test at the counter. Minnesota requires 20/40 vision in at least one eye (with or without corrective lenses). If you wear glasses or contacts, keep them on.
3. Pay the fee
Pay the $14.25 instruction permit fee.
4. Knowledge test
Take the 40-question written test on a computer. No time limit. You need 32 correct to pass.
5. Photo and permit
If you pass, your photo is taken and your instruction permit is issued. The permit is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
After You Pass
Your Minnesota instruction permit is valid for 2 years. You can start supervised driving the same day your permit is issued.
Supervision requirement: While driving with an instruction permit, you must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old seated beside you in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone.
Start accumulating your 50 hours of supervised driving (including the required 15 hours at night) as early as possible. You must also hold the permit for at least 6 months before applying for a provisional license, regardless of how quickly you complete the hours.
Instruction Permit Rules
Supervision required: A licensed driver at least 21 years old must be seated beside you in the front passenger seat at all times.
No solo driving under any circumstances.
No cell phone use while driving. All cell phone use is prohibited for drivers under 18.
Seatbelts required for all occupants at all times.
Carry your permit every time you drive.
Minnesota's GDL Program
Minnesota's Graduated Driver Licensing program has three stages for drivers under 18:
1. Instruction Permit (15+)
Supervised driving with a licensed adult (21+) at all times. Hold for 6 months. Complete driver education. Log 50 hours supervised driving — 15 at night.
2. Provisional License (16+)
Drive independently with restrictions (midnight curfew, passenger limits, cell phone ban). Must pass the road skills test.
3. Full License (18+)
All GDL restrictions removed at 18. Full driving privileges with no curfew, passenger limits, or phone restrictions.
Getting Your Provisional License (16+)
After holding your instruction permit for 6 months, you can apply for a provisional license at age 16 or older.
Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old
Hold instruction permit for 6 months
Complete driver education (30 classroom + 6 BTW hours, in person only)
Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 at night
Pass the road skills (behind-the-wheel) test
Parent/guardian must certify the supervised hours
Provisional License Restrictions
Nighttime curfew
No driving between midnight and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years old, or driving to/from work, school, or a medical emergency.
Passenger restriction (first 6 months)
For the first 6 months of the provisional license, no more than 1 non-family passenger under 20. Immediate family members (parents, siblings, grandparents) may ride without restriction at any time.
Cell phone ban
Complete ban on all cell phone use while driving for drivers under 18 — no calls, texts, or any other use, handheld or hands-free.
Getting Your Full License (18+)
All GDL restrictions end at age 18. At that point you can upgrade to a full Minnesota driver's license with no curfew, no passenger restrictions, and no cell phone ban.
Adults 18+ applying for their first license: No GDL process required. After passing the knowledge test and road skills test, you receive a full license with no holding period or restrictions.
The Minnesota Driver's Manual
The Minnesota Driver's Manual is the official study guide for the DVS knowledge test. All 40 questions on the test come from this manual. It covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, winter driving, and the GDL program.
The manual is available as a free PDF from the DVS website and is published in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Printed copies are available at DVS exam stations.
Study tip: Minnesota's geography and climate make winter driving, Move Over laws, and rural road situations particularly important test topics. Make sure you understand the rules for driving in reduced visibility, on ice, and around snow plows and emergency vehicles.
Practice Tests
Practice tests are one of the most effective ways to prepare. They expose you to the range and style of questions on the real test and help identify topics that need more study.
DMV Question Bank: Take Minnesota DVS practice tests on DMV Question Bank. Aim to score consistently above 90% before your DVS exam station visit.
Recommended approach: read the full Driver's Manual, take a practice test to find weak areas, review those sections, and repeat until you can comfortably pass with a wide margin.
Supervised Driving Requirements
Minnesota has one of the highest nighttime driving requirements in the country. To qualify for a provisional license, teens must complete:
50 hours of supervised driving practice total
At least 15 hours must be at night — the highest nighttime requirement of any state that mandates specific hours
All supervised driving must be with a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat
Keep a driving log documenting each session: date, start and end time, road conditions, and your supervising driver's signature. This log must be certified by your parent or guardian when you apply for your provisional license.
Practice in Minnesota-specific conditions: Get comfortable driving in rain, snow, and low visibility if possible. Minnesota's winters are challenging — experience driving in those conditions before you drive alone.
Practice a variety of road types: city streets, suburban arterials, rural highways, and parking. The road skills test evaluates lane changes, turns, parking, following distance, and situational awareness.
Quick Reference
| Minimum permit age | 15 years old |
| Permit fee | $14.25 |
| Retest fee | $4.25 per attempt |
| Wait after failure | Next business day |
| Permit validity | 2 years |
| Knowledge test questions | 40 |
| Passing score | 32 correct (80%) |
| Separate road signs test | No — signs included in main test |
| Test format | Computer, multiple choice, no time limit |
| Test languages | English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and others |
| Appointment required | No (walk-ins accepted) |
| Max attempts | Unlimited |
| Min. holding period | 6 months |
| Supervised driving hours | 50 total |
| Night driving hours | 15 hours minimum (highest in the country) |
| Supervising driver age | 21+ |
| Driving log required | Yes |
| Driver's ed required | Yes, under 18 |
| Driver's ed classroom | 30 hours (in person only — online not accepted) |
| Driver's ed BTW | 6 hours |
| Min. age for provisional license | 16 years old |
| Nighttime curfew | Midnight–5am (provisional license) |
| Passenger restriction | Max 1 non-family under 20 (first 6 months) |
| Cell phone use (under 18) | Complete ban — no handheld or hands-free |
| GDL ends | At age 18 |