How the Minnesota driver's license exam works
Minnesota's driver's license exam has three parts: a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision screening, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You must pass all three to get your license. The written test comes first, then vision, then the driving test — but you only move forward if you pass each one.
The written test is 40 questions on Minnesota traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and road signs. You need 32 correct answers to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. You take it at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office on a computer.
The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. The driving test happens in an examiner's vehicle or, in some cases, your own car. The examiner watches you perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, merging — and evaluates your control of the vehicle and your understanding of traffic rules.
Key Takeaways
- The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs and requires 32 correct answers out of 40 to pass.
- You must pass the written test before you can take the vision screening and driving test on the same day.
- The driving test is evaluated by a DVS examiner who watches you perform basic driving maneuvers and assess your safety awareness.
- You can retake any failed test, but you must wait one business day between attempts and pay the test fee again.
- Bring your permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to your exam appointment.
What documents you need to bring
Bring your current learner's permit, a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are under 18, you also need a parent or guardian signature on your process.
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the vision screening and the driving test. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as epilepsy or hearing loss — bring documentation from your doctor. DVS may require you to pass a medical exam or provide a physician's statement before you can take the driving test.
The written test: what to study
The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Topics include speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking rules, what to do at a red light or stop sign, how to handle a skid, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which DVS publishes free online and in print at any DVS office.
The manual is the source material for every question on the test. There is no trick or surprise content — if it is not in the manual, it will not be on the test. Many people study by reading the manual once, but practice tests are more effective. DVS offers a free online practice test that mimics the real exam format and difficulty. Taking it multiple times until you score above 32 out of 40 is a reliable way to prepare.
You have 30 minutes to complete the written test. You can go back and change your answers before you submit. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day, but you must pay the test fee again.
The vision screening and driving test on exam day
If you pass the written test, you move directly to the vision screening in the same DVS office. The screener will check your ability to see clearly at distance and near, and test your peripheral vision. You must meet Minnesota's minimum vision standard: 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you do not meet this standard, you will not be allowed to take the driving test that day.
After you pass vision, you will be assigned a DVS examiner for the driving test. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You will be asked to perform tasks such as starting the vehicle, turning, stopping at a stop sign, merging into traffic, parallel parking, and backing up. The examiner is watching for safe vehicle control, awareness of other traffic, and your understanding of traffic rules. Minor mistakes do not automatically fail you — the examiner is looking for patterns of unsafe behavior.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include hitting the curb during parking, failing to come to a complete stop, not checking mirrors or blind spots, speeding, and not yielding the right of way. If you fail, you can retake the test after one business day and pay the fee again. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening.
Age-based rules and restrictions
Minnesota has different rules depending on your age. If you are 16 or 17, you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months and have 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of them at night) before you can take the driving test. You also need a parent or guardian to sign your process. If you are 18 or older, you can take the exam as soon as you have a valid permit, with no minimum holding period.
After you pass the driving test, drivers under 18 receive a provisional license with restrictions: no passengers under 20 (except family) for the first six months, no cell phone use, and a 10 p.m. curfew until age 18. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after one year, whichever comes first. Drivers 18 and older receive an unrestricted license.
Retaking the exam and fees
If you fail any part of the exam, you can retake it. You must wait one business day between attempts. Each test attempt costs money: the written test costs around $10 to $15, and the driving test costs around $20 to $25. Fees vary slightly by DVS office location. You do not have to retake parts you passed — if you failed only the driving test, you only retake the driving test.
There is no limit to how many times you can retake the exam, but you must schedule each attempt in advance. You can book your next exam online through the Minnesota DVS website or by calling your local DVS office. Wait times for driving test appointments vary by location and season; in busy months, you may wait several weeks.
What happens after you pass
Once you pass all three parts, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready and is accepted as proof of licensure until the plastic card arrives.
Your new license is valid for four years if you are under 65, and eight years if you are 65 or older. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires. If you received a provisional license (under 18), the restrictions will be noted on your card and will lift automatically on your 18th birthday or one year after issuance, whichever comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. Minnesota offers the written test in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Vietnamese. You must request your preferred language when you schedule your exam. Not all DVS offices offer all languages, so call ahead to confirm availability at your location.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the next business day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You must pay the test fee again. Study the Minnesota Driver's Manual and take the free practice test before your next attempt.
Do I have to use a DVS vehicle for the driving test, or can I use my own car?
Most DVS examiners use a state vehicle for the driving test. Some offices allow you to use your own car if it is insured, registered, and in safe working condition. Call your local DVS office to ask about their policy before your exam.
What if I have a disability that affects my driving?
Bring medical documentation from your doctor to your exam appointment. DVS may require a physician's statement or a medical exam. You may also be allowed to take the driving test with adaptive equipment, such as hand controls. Contact your local DVS office before your exam to discuss your situation.
How long does the entire exam process take on the day of my test?
Plan for two to three hours total. The written test takes about 30 minutes, vision screening takes 10 to 15 minutes, and the driving test takes 20 to 30 minutes. Add time for check-in and waiting between tests.