What you need to know about Minnesota driver licenses

A Minnesota driver license is issued by the state's Department of Public Safety and lets you legally drive on public roads. The state offers different license types depending on your age and driving history, and the process to get one varies based on whether you are a first-time driver, moving to Minnesota from another state, or renewing an expired license.

Most new drivers in Minnesota start with a learner's permit, then progress to a provisional license, and finally a full driver license. Each step has its own requirements and restrictions. If you already hold a valid license from another state, Minnesota has a different path that may skip some steps.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota issues learner's permits to drivers as young as 14, provisional licenses at 16, and unrestricted licenses at 18.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test before you can get a full driver license.
  • Learner's permit holders must follow restrictions including a midnight curfew and limits on passengers under 20.
  • If you hold a valid license from another state, you can often exchange it for a Minnesota license without retaking the road test.
  • You will need documents proving your identity, Minnesota residency, and Social Security number to complete any license transaction.

The three stages of Minnesota driver licensing

Minnesota's licensing system is built in stages so new drivers gain experience gradually before driving without restrictions. The first stage is the learner's permit, which you can get at age 14. With a permit, you can practice driving but must have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times.

The second stage is the provisional license, available at age 16 after you have held a learner's permit for at least 12 months and passed your road test. A provisional license lets you drive alone, but you cannot carry passengers under 20 (except family members) and you must follow a midnight to 5 a.m. curfew until you turn 17.

The third stage is the full driver license, which you get at age 18 or when your provisional license expires, whichever comes first. A full license has no passenger restrictions or curfew. If you are 18 or older when you first get your permit, you can skip the provisional stage and go straight to a full license once you pass your road test.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Minnesota requires specific documents before you can get a learner's permit or driver license. You must bring proof of your identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of your Social Security number. These do not all have to be separate documents — some documents count toward more than one requirement.

For identity, you can use a birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.

If you are moving to Minnesota from another state and already hold a valid driver license, bring that license along with your residency documents. You will not need to retake the written or road test in most cases.

How to get your learner's permit

To get a learner's permit, visit any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office with your required documents. You will take a written knowledge test that covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.

You will also have your vision screened at the DVS office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction form before you can get your permit.

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you will pay the permit fee and receive your learner's permit on the spot. The permit is valid for one year, and you can renew it if you need more practice time before taking your road test.

Passing your road test and getting a provisional or full license

After you have held your learner's permit for at least 12 months (or 6 months if you completed a driver education course), you can schedule a road test. The road test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws.

You must bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that is registered and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and seat belts. A licensed adult must drive the vehicle to the testing location with you.

If you pass the road test, you will pay the license fee and receive your provisional license (if you are 16 or 17) or full license (if you are 18 or older). If you do not pass, you can schedule another test after waiting a few days.

Exchanging an out-of-state license for a Minnesota license

If you already hold a valid driver license from another state and are moving to Minnesota, you can exchange it for a Minnesota license without retaking the written or road test. Visit a DVS office with your out-of-state license and proof of Minnesota residency.

You will still need to pass a vision screening and pay the license fee. Your new Minnesota license will have the same class and restrictions as your previous license, unless Minnesota law requires different restrictions. For example, if your out-of-state license is a commercial license, Minnesota may require additional testing.

Your out-of-state license will be surrendered when you receive your Minnesota license. If you want to keep it as a souvenir, ask the DVS staff — some offices will return it to you, but this is not may provide.

License types and what they allow you to drive

Minnesota issues different classes of driver licenses based on the type of vehicle you want to drive. A Class D license is the standard license for driving a passenger car, pickup truck, or van. This is what most people get when they complete the learner's permit and road test process.

A Class A license is for driving a combination of vehicles (like a tractor-trailer), and a Class B license is for driving a single large vehicle (like a bus or dump truck). These commercial licenses require additional written tests and a longer road test. A Class M license is for motorcycles and requires a separate written test and road test.

You can also add endorsements to your license, which allow you to drive certain types of vehicles or carry certain cargo. For example, a hazmat endorsement lets you carry hazardous materials, and a school bus endorsement lets you drive a school bus. Each endorsement requires a separate written test.

Fees and how long your license lasts

Minnesota driver license fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to last. A learner's permit costs less than a full driver license. A provisional or full Class D license can be issued for 4 years or 8 years, and the 8-year license costs more upfront but saves money over time.

License fees change periodically, so check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or call your local DVS office for current prices. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.

Your license will expire on your birthday in the year shown on the card. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, either in person at a DVS office or online if you meet certain requirements. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written test and road test to renew it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am older than 14?

Yes. You can get a learner's permit at any age. If you are 18 or older when you get your permit, you can skip the provisional license stage and go straight to a full license once you pass your road test, without waiting 12 months.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another road test after a waiting period. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you must pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third attempt, so do not get discouraged.

Do I need to take a written test again if I renew my license?

No. When you renew a valid Minnesota license, you only need to pass a vision screening and pay the renewal fee. You do not retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Can I drive in other states with a Minnesota driver license?

Yes. A Minnesota driver license is valid in all 50 states and most countries. However, some states have different traffic laws, so make sure you know the rules of the road wherever you are driving.

What should I do if my license is lost or stolen?

Visit a DVS office and report it. You can get a replacement license the same day by paying a replacement fee. Bring your required identity and residency documents. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report.