What you need to know about Minnesota's new driver license
Minnesota issues a Class D driver's license to first-time drivers who are at least 16 years old. To get one, you will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a road test with a state examiner. You cannot skip any of these steps, and you must complete them in order. The whole process typically takes several weeks from your first visit to the Driver and Vehicle Services office until you receive your license in the mail.
Minnesota also offers a learner's permit as your first step. This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take the road test. Most new drivers start here, and it is the safest way to build experience before testing.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written test, vision screening, and road test to get a Class D license in Minnesota.
- A learner's permit is your first step and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking the road test.
- You will need to bring a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency to your first visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
- The road test is scheduled after you pass the written test, and you must bring the vehicle you will be tested in, along with proof of insurance.
- Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks after you pass the road test.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver and Vehicle Services office
Before you go to a Driver and Vehicle Services office, gather these documents. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a valid U.S. passport. You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form all work. Finally, bring proof that you live in Minnesota, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your name and current address.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your process and bring their own ID. If your documents have a different last name than your current one, bring paperwork that explains the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Getting your learner's permit
Your first visit to a Driver and Vehicle Services office is to get your learner's permit. Bring all the documents listed above, plus a completed process for Minnesota Driver's License or Permit (Form HSMV 124). You can fill this out at home or at the office. You will also pay a fee — the amount varies depending on how long you want the permit to last, but it is typically between $20 and $30.
At the office, you will take a written test on Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study for this test using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free online at the state's Driver and Vehicle Services website. After you pass the written test, you will get your learner's permit on the spot.
With your learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must hold your permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test.
Practicing and preparing for the road test
Use the 30 days (or longer) that you hold your learner's permit to practice driving in different conditions — daytime and evening, quiet roads and busier streets, dry weather and rain. The more hours you log, the more confident you will feel during the road test. Many new drivers practice for 50 to 100 hours before they feel ready.
The road test itself lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also watch how you handle traffic, follow signs, and respond to other drivers. You do not need to be perfect, but you do need to show that you can drive safely and follow the rules of the road.
Scheduling and taking your road test
Once you have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days, you can schedule your road test. You can book a test online through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website, or call your local office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you are ready.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be tested in, and the vehicle itself. The car must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be allowed to test that day.
If you pass the road test, the examiner will tell you right away. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you will pay the test fee each time.
Receiving your new driver's license
After you pass the road test, you do not receive your license when ready. Instead, the examiner will give you a temporary paper permit that is valid for 30 days. Your actual plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. It usually arrives within two weeks, but allow up to four weeks to be safe.
The temporary permit works just like a regular license while you wait for the card to arrive. You can drive alone, at any time of day, and you have all the rights of a full Class D license holder. Once your plastic card arrives, keep it with you whenever you drive.
License types and restrictions for new drivers
Minnesota's Class D license is the standard license for drivers 18 and older with no special restrictions. If you are under 18 when you pass your road test, you will receive a Class D Instruction Permit or a Class D Provisional License instead, depending on your age. These have restrictions on when and where you can drive.
A Class D Provisional License (for drivers 16 and 17) does not allow you to drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These rules stay in place until you turn 18, at which point your license automatically becomes a full Class D license with no restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the road test before I have held my learner's permit for 30 days?
No. Minnesota law requires you to hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. This waiting period is designed to give you time to practice and build experience. If you try to schedule a test before 30 days have passed, the office will not let you book it.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can take the road test again as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time. Most people who fail pass on their second or third try. Ask the examiner what you need to work on, then practice those specific skills before you test again.
Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my license?
No, a driver's education course is not required by law in Minnesota. However, taking one can help you pass the written and road tests, and some insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a course. If you are under 18, ask your parents whether they want you to take a course.
What if I move to Minnesota from another state?
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Minnesota license without taking the written or road test again. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to a Driver and Vehicle Services office. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both tests.
How much does a Minnesota driver's license cost?
The cost depends on how long you want your license to last. A four-year license costs around $25, and an eight-year license costs around $40. The written test and road test each have separate fees as well, usually $10 to $15 each. Fees can change, so check the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website for current prices.