What you need to know about getting a Minnesota driver license in Minneapolis

If you live in Minneapolis, you get your driver license from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, not from the city itself. The state runs all driver licensing in Minnesota, and Minneapolis residents use the same process and requirements as everyone else in the state. You will need to pass a written test, a road test, and provide specific documents — the order and timing depend on whether you are a first-time driver, moving from another state, or renewing an expired license.

Minneapolis has one Driver and Vehicle Services office located downtown where you can take your written test and road test, explore for your license, and handle renewals. You cannot do these things online or by mail in Minnesota, so you will need to visit in person at least once. The office is busy, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons, so planning ahead and arriving early helps.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services office in Minneapolis is the only place to take your written test, road test, and explore for your license — you cannot do any of this online.
  • First-time drivers must pass a written test before scheduling a road test, and you must wait at least one day between the two tests.
  • You need a Social Security number, proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid ID to explore.
  • Road tests in Minneapolis often have a wait of several weeks, so schedule as soon as you pass your written test.
  • The Minneapolis office is located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200, and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Documents you need to bring to the Minneapolis office

Before you go to the Driver and Vehicle Services office, gather these documents. You will need your Social Security number (have it memorized or written down), a valid photo ID such as a passport or state ID, and proof that you live in Minnesota. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are explore for your first license, bring your birth certificate or certified copy of your birth record. If you are moving to Minnesota from another state and have a valid out-of-state license, bring that license with you. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change.

The written test and what it covers

The written test in Minnesota covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in different road situations. You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. The manual is the only official source for what will be on the test — do not rely on practice tests from other websites, as they may contain outdated or incorrect information.

You have 40 minutes to answer up to 40 multiple-choice questions. You need to get at least 32 questions correct to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — there is no waiting period between attempts. Once you pass, you must wait at least one day before you can schedule your road test.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass your written test, you can schedule your road test at the same office. Road test appointments in Minneapolis often have a wait of three to six weeks, depending on the season and how busy the office is. Schedule as soon as you pass your written test so you do not have to wait longer than necessary.

For your road test, bring your permit (issued after you pass the written test), your Social Security number, and a vehicle that is safe and legal to drive. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, wipers, and mirrors. You cannot use a vehicle with a check-engine light on. The examiner will watch you perform basic driving tasks such as starting, stopping, turning, parking, and backing up. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers both city streets and highway driving.

License types and restrictions for new drivers

When you pass your road test, you receive a Class D license, which is the standard license for driving a regular passenger car. If you are under 18, your license comes with restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.

These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held your license for one year, whichever comes first. Once the restrictions lift, you have a full Class D license with no time-of-day limits or passenger limits. If you need to drive a different type of vehicle — such as a motorcycle or a commercial truck — you will need a different class of license and additional testing.

What to expect at the Minneapolis Driver and Vehicle Services office

The Minneapolis office is located at 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 200, in downtown Minneapolis. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. There is limited parking nearby, so plan to arrive early or use public transportation. The office does not take appointments for the written test — you show up, check in, and wait your turn. Road test appointments must be scheduled in advance.

Bring all your documents, your Social Security number, and a completed process form (available at the office or online). The office staff can help you fill out the form if you need it. Processing times vary, but you should plan to spend one to two hours at the office for your first visit. Bring a pen and be prepared to answer questions about your address, driving history, and medical conditions.

Fees and what they cover

Minnesota charges a fee for your driver license, and the amount depends on how long you want the license to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. You also pay a separate fee for the written test and another fee for the road test. The exact amounts change from year to year, so check the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website before you go to the office so you know how much cash or which payment methods to bring.

Your license fee covers the card itself and the background check that happens when you explore. The written test fee covers the cost of administering the test. The road test fee covers the examiner's time. If you fail either test, you pay the fee again when you retake it. Some people bring a checkbook or debit card instead of cash, but call ahead to confirm what payment methods the Minneapolis office accepts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my written test and road test on the same day?

No. Minnesota requires you to wait at least one day between passing your written test and taking your road test. This means if you pass your written test on a Monday, the earliest you can take your road test is Tuesday. Plan your schedule with this gap in mind.

What happens if I fail my road test?

You can retake your road test as many times as you need. You pay the road test fee each time. After you fail, you can schedule another test, and there is no waiting period between attempts. Many people pass on their second or third try, so do not get discouraged.

Do I need to bring my own car for the road test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test starts. You cannot use a vehicle with a check-engine light on or any safety defect.

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. All license transactions in Minnesota, including renewals, must happen in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. You cannot renew online or by mail, even if your current license is not expired yet.

What if I move out of Minneapolis but stay in Minnesota?

Your license remains valid no matter where you live in Minnesota. You do not need to update your license just because you moved. However, you should update your address with the Department of Public Safety so your records match your actual residence.