What You Need to Do to Get a Minnesota Driver's License

To get your first driver's license in Minnesota, you will pass through three stages: getting a learner's permit, holding it for a set time, then passing a road test to earn your license. The entire process takes a minimum of 30 days if you are 18 or older, or 6 months if you are under 18. You will need to visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office twice — once to explore for the permit and once to test for the license — and you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test.

Minnesota does not allow you to skip the learner's permit stage. Even if you have driven in another state or country, you must start with the permit, hold it for the required waiting period, and then test. The state charges separate fees for the permit and the license, and both documents expire on your birthday.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a learner's permit first, wait 30 days (if 18+) or 6 months (if under 18), then pass a road test to earn your license.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of Minnesota residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to your first DVS visit.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving; you need a score of at least 80 percent to pass.
  • Your road test includes a pre-drive vehicle inspection, basic driving maneuvers, and real-world driving on public roads; you must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured.
  • The learner's permit costs $16.50 and the license costs $16.50; both are valid for four years from your birthday.

Documents You Must Bring to the DVS Office

Minnesota requires specific documents at your first visit to explore for a learner's permit. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, or a Certificate of Naturalization if you were born outside the United States. If you were born in Minnesota, a certified copy from the state vital records office works. Photocopies and hospital birth certificates are not accepted.

You also need proof that you live in Minnesota. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one of these, a letter from a social service agency, school, or employer on official letterhead stating your address is acceptable.

Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation. You will also need to provide your Minnesota address and a phone number where DVS can reach you.

The Learner's Permit: Written Test and Waiting Period

At your DVS office visit, you will take the written knowledge test on a computer. The test has 40 questions covering Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts.

You will also have your vision screened at the office. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you do not meet the vision standard, you will not receive your permit that day.

Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you will receive your learner's permit when ready. The permit is valid for one year. If you are 18 or older, you must wait at least 30 days before you can take your road test. If you are under 18, you must wait at least 6 months. During this waiting period, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting beside you in the front seat.

Scheduling and Taking Your Road Test

You can schedule your road test online through the Minnesota DVS website, by phone at 651-296-6911, or in person at any DVS office. Road tests are available Monday through Friday. You must schedule your test after your waiting period has ended but before your learner's permit expires. If your permit expires before you test, you will need to reapply for a new one and wait the full period again.

On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle's registration. The vehicle must be in safe working condition: all lights must work, brakes must be functional, tires must have tread, and the windshield must be clear. The examiner will inspect the vehicle before the test begins. If the vehicle does not pass inspection, you will not be able to test that day.

The road test itself takes about 30 minutes. You will drive on public roads while the examiner watches and scores your performance. The test includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping, as well as real-world driving. You must follow traffic laws, use turn signals, maintain safe speed, and demonstrate awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians. You need a score of at least 70 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment and pay the test fee again.

Fees and Timeline for Getting Your License

The learner's permit costs $16.50 and is valid for one year. The driver's license costs $16.50 and is valid for four years from your birthday. Minnesota does not charge a separate road test fee; the test is included in the license fee. If you need to retake the written test or road test, there is no additional charge.

The minimum timeline depends on your age. If you are 18 or older, you can complete the process in 30 days: explore for the permit, wait 30 days, then take your road test. If you are under 18, the process takes at least 6 months because of the longer waiting period. Many people take longer because they need time to practice driving or because road test appointments are booked weeks in advance.

Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pass your road test. You can use your road test receipt as proof of licensure until the physical card arrives. Your license is valid until your birthday four years after it is issued.

Common Mistakes That Delay or Prevent Approval

The most common mistake is bringing documents that do not meet Minnesota's requirements. Hospital-issued birth certificates, expired IDs, and utility bills older than 60 days will not be accepted. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call your local DVS office before your visit.

Another frequent error is scheduling your road test before your waiting period ends. If you are 18 or older and your permit was issued on January 1, you cannot test before January 31. The DVS system will not let you book an appointment before that date, but if you try to schedule in person, make sure you understand the rule.

Some people fail the road test because they do not practice enough or because they bring a vehicle that does not pass inspection. Spend time driving with your permit holder before your test date. Make sure the vehicle you plan to use has working lights, good brakes, and clear windows. If you are borrowing a vehicle, confirm with the owner that it is insured and registered.

What Happens After You Pass Your Road Test

Once you pass your road test, you are a licensed driver in Minnesota. Your physical license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your road test receipt serves as proof of licensure and can be used to drive legally.

Your license is valid for four years from your birthday. You do not need to renew it before it expires unless you want to change your address, name, or other information. When your license does expire, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person at a DVS office, depending on your age and whether you have any restrictions or endorsements.

If you move out of Minnesota or your circumstances change, contact DVS to update your information. If you are convicted of certain traffic violations or lose your license for any reason, you will need to follow a separate process to reinstate it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a different vehicle than the one I practiced in?

Yes, you can use any vehicle as long as it is registered, insured, and passes the pre-test inspection. The examiner will check the lights, brakes, tires, and windshield before you begin. Make sure you are comfortable with the vehicle's size and controls before your test day.

What if I fail my road test?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. Schedule another appointment through the DVS website or by phone. There is no additional fee for retakes. Your learner's permit must still be valid when you test again, so do not wait too long.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

Minnesota does not require a driver education course to get your license, but if you are under 18, taking an approved course may lower your car insurance rates. Check with your insurance company about discounts. Some DVS offices offer information about approved courses.

What if my learner's permit expires before I can test?

You will need to reapply for a new permit and wait the full waiting period again. To avoid this, schedule your road test well before your permit expires. Your permit is valid for one year, so you have time to arrange a test date.

Can I get a Minnesota license if I was born outside the United States?

Yes. Bring your passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or other proof of identity and residency. You will follow the same process as anyone else: learner's permit, waiting period, road test. Your Social Security number or ITIN is required.