What You Need to Do to Get a Minnesota Driver's License for the First Time

To get your first Minnesota driver's license, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. Minnesota does not issue licenses by mail or online for new drivers. You will need to schedule an appointment at a DVS station, bring specific documents, and complete both tests on the same visit or across multiple visits depending on your readiness.

The process takes longer for first-time drivers than for renewals because you must demonstrate that you know Minnesota traffic laws and can operate a vehicle safely. Most people complete the written test on their first visit and the driving test on a second visit after practice, though some pass both the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office in person with an appointment; Minnesota does not issue first licenses remotely.
  • Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security card or number.
  • You will take a written knowledge test covering Minnesota traffic laws, and later a driving test with a DVS examiner in your own vehicle or a rental.
  • The written test costs $15 and the driving test costs $20; license fees are separate and depend on your age and license type.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the driving test.

Documents You Must Bring to the DVS Office

Minnesota requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number before you can test for a license. An original or certified copy of your birth certificate is the most common form of identity. A passport, tribal ID, or Minnesota ID card also works. If your birth certificate has your current legal name, bring it as-is; if your name has changed, bring a court order or marriage certificate showing the change.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 30 days showing your Minnesota address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A letter from your landlord or a recent property tax bill also counts. Your name must appear on the document.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, or you can provide your number verbally and DVS will verify it with the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot obtain a standard Minnesota driver's license; you may be able to get a limited-term license instead, but this requires different documentation and a separate process.

The Written Knowledge Test: What to Study and How It Works

The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DVS office. You must score at least 32 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Minnesota provides a free study guide called the Minnesota Driver's Manual, available as a PDF on the state DVS website or in print at any DVS office. The manual covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, impaired driving laws, and what different road signs mean. Most people study the manual for a few hours to a few days before testing. You cannot bring the manual or notes into the test room.

The test is offered in English and several other languages. If English is not your first language, you can request an interpreter at the DVS office, though you must arrange this when you book your appointment. Some DVS offices have interpreters on staff; others require advance notice.

The Driving Test: What Happens and What You Need

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. A DVS examiner will ride with you in a vehicle and watch you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, steering, braking, turning, parking, and responding to traffic signals and road signs. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers both city and highway driving. You must follow the examiner's directions and obey all traffic laws during the test.

You can use your own vehicle, a rental car, or a vehicle belonging to a friend or family member. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors work before the test begins. If the vehicle fails this safety check, you cannot test that day.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs $20. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after additional practice.

Age Requirements and the Learner's Permit for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, Minnesota requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test. You obtain the learner's permit by passing the written knowledge test at a DVS office. Once you pass, you receive the permit when ready and can begin practicing with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the vehicle with you at all times.

You must also complete a driver education course approved by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. This course can be taken online or in person and covers classroom instruction on traffic laws and safe driving. After completing the course, you receive a certificate that you bring to the DVS office when you schedule your driving test. Without this certificate, you cannot test if you are under 18.

Drivers under 18 also face restrictions after they receive their license. For the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot have more than one passenger under age 20 in the vehicle unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions lift after six months of holding the license.

Fees and Timeline for Getting Your License

The written test costs $15 and the driving test costs $20. The license itself costs between $30 and $60 depending on your age and how long you want the license to last. A standard license for someone age 18 to 64 costs $30 for an eight-year license. Drivers age 65 and older pay $30 for a four-year license. Drivers under 18 pay $30 for a license that expires on their 21st birthday.

The total cost for a first-time driver is typically $65 to $95, including both tests and the license fee. Payment is made at the DVS office by cash, check, or card. If you fail a test, you pay the test fee again when you retake it, but you do not pay the license fee until you pass both tests.

The timeline depends on how quickly you study and practice. If you are 18 or older, you can pass the written test on your first visit and the driving test on your second visit a few days or weeks later. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 30 days after getting your learner's permit before testing, plus time to complete driver education. Most first-time drivers receive their license within two to four months of their first DVS visit.

How to Schedule Your DVS Appointment

Minnesota requires all first-time driver's license applicants to book an appointment in advance. You cannot walk in to a DVS office without one. You can schedule online at the Minnesota DVS website, by phone at 651-297-2126 (Twin Cities area) or 1-888-665-4787 (toll-free), or in person at any DVS office.

When you book, you will choose whether you want to test for a Class D license (standard passenger vehicle), a motorcycle endorsement, or another class. For a first license, Class D is the most common. You will also select a DVS office location and a date and time that work for you. Appointments typically fill up two to four weeks in advance during busy seasons, so book early.

Bring your appointment confirmation (printed or on your phone) to the DVS office on the day of your test. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so online or by phone at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid a no-show fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Minnesota driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No, a standard Minnesota driver's license requires a Social Security number. However, you may be able to obtain a limited-term license if you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number. This requires different documents and a separate process process. Contact a DVS office to learn whether you are may be able to access for a limited-term license.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test when ready at the same DVS office visit or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period. Each attempt costs $15. Most people pass on their first or second try after studying the Minnesota Driver's Manual.

Do I have to use my own car for the driving test?

No. You can use a rental car, a friend's car, or a family member's vehicle as long as it is registered, insured, and passes the examiner's safety check. The vehicle's owner does not need to be present during the test.

What if I move to Minnesota from another state and already have a valid driver's license?

You do not need to take the written and driving tests. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Minnesota license by visiting a DVS office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. This process is faster and cheaper than testing for a new license.

How long does a Minnesota driver's license last?

A standard license for drivers age 18 to 64 lasts eight years. Drivers age 65 and older receive a four-year license. Drivers under 18 receive a license that expires on their 21st birthday. You can renew your license before it expires by mail, online, or in person at a DVS office.