How to Get Your Minnesota Driver's License: Step-by-Step Process

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

To get a Minnesota driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test, then submit the required documents to a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The whole process takes multiple visits: first to explore and take the written test, then to take the road test, then to pick up your license. You cannot do everything in one day. The state charges a fee for each stage, and the total cost varies depending on whether you are under 21 or 21 and older, and how long you want your license to last.

Minnesota issues two types of licenses for first-time drivers: a Class D license (standard passenger vehicle) and a Class E license (motorcycle). Most people need a Class D. If you are under 18, you will go through a graduated licensing system with restrictions that lift over time. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to an unrestricted license.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a DVS office in person to explore, bring original documents proving identity and Minnesota residency, and pay the process fee before you can take the written test.
The written knowledge test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
After passing the written test, you receive a learner's permit and must wait at least one day before scheduling your road test.
The road test is conducted by a DVS examiner and tests your ability to operate the vehicle safely; you must bring a vehicle registered in Minnesota and a licensed adult if you are under 18.
Fees total between $20 and $40 for the written test and between $15 and $25 for the road test, depending on your age and license duration.

Documents You Must Bring to explore

Minnesota requires you to prove your identity and residency before you can take the written test. Bring an original, unexpired document that shows your full legal name, date of birth, and signature — a passport, state ID, or birth certificate work. You also need proof that you live in Minnesota: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days, with your name and current address on it.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued (through marriage, court order, or other means), bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Photocopies are not accepted; originals only. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the DVS office staff when you arrive; Minnesota can issue a license without one, but the process is different.

Bring your Minnesota vehicle registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use on the road test. The vehicle must be registered in Minnesota and in working condition. If you are under 18, bring a licensed adult (parent, guardian, or other adult 21 or older) to supervise the road test.

The Written Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You must score at least 32 out of 40 (80 percent) to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others; ask the DVS office which languages are available at your location.

You can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available online at the state DVS website or in print at any DVS office. The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day; there is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee each time.

After you pass the written test, you receive a learner's permit valid for one year. This permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat next to you. You must wait at least one day after passing the written test before you can schedule your road test.

Scheduling and Taking the Road Test

Once you have your learner's permit, contact the DVS office where you want to take the road test to schedule an appointment. Road test wait times vary by location and season; some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks, especially in spring and summer. You can schedule online through the Minnesota DVS website, by phone, or in person.

On the day of your road test, bring your learner's permit, the vehicle you will drive (registered and insured in Minnesota), and a valid photo ID. The examiner will check the vehicle's lights, wipers, horn, and brakes before you drive. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers like parking, turning, stopping, and driving on different road types. The examiner is looking for safe vehicle control, awareness of traffic and pedestrians, and knowledge of traffic laws.

If you are under 18, a licensed adult must be present during the test but will sit in the back seat. If you fail the road test, you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee again and schedule a new appointment. There is no waiting period, so you can retake it as soon as the next available appointment.

Graduated Licensing Rules for Drivers Under 18

Minnesota's graduated licensing system has two stages after you pass your road test: a Level 2 license (provisional) and a Level 3 license (unrestricted). You start at Level 2 when ready after passing the road test. Level 2 restrictions include a nighttime driving curfew (10 p.m. to 5 a.m., with exceptions for school, work, and medical emergencies), a limit of one passenger under 20 years old in the car (family members are exempt), and a zero-tolerance rule for alcohol and drugs.

You can move to Level 3 (unrestricted) when you turn 18 or after holding a Level 2 license for 12 months without a traffic violation, whichever comes first. If you get a traffic violation while on Level 2, the 12-month clock resets. Once you reach Level 3, all restrictions are lifted.

Fees and License Duration

Minnesota charges separate fees for the written test and the road test. The written test fee is $20 for a four-year license or $40 for an eight-year license (if you are 21 or older). The road test fee is $15 for a four-year license or $25 for an eight-year license. First-time applicants under 21 must get a four-year license; you cannot choose an eight-year term until you renew.

When you pass the road test, you pay the license issuance fee and receive your physical license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need a license sooner, some DVS offices offer a temporary paper license you can use while you wait for the plastic card. Ask at the office when you pass your road test.

Common Mistakes That Delay Your License

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies or expired documents. Minnesota requires originals, and they must be current. If your residency document is more than 30 days old, it will not be accepted. Another frequent error is not bringing proof of insurance or vehicle registration for the road test; without these, you cannot take the test that day.

A third mistake is scheduling the road test too soon after passing the written test. You must wait at least one day, but many people do not realize this and show up the next morning expecting to test. Plan for at least a week between the written test and the road test to give yourself time to practice and to get an appointment.

If you are under 18, forgetting to bring a licensed adult to the road test will cancel your appointment. The adult must be 21 or older and hold a valid driver's license. A parent or guardian is not required, but the adult must be present.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a DVS office. You cannot take it online or at home. You must visit an office, bring your documents, and take the test there on the same day you explore.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it as soon as you schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period. You must pay the road test fee again each time you retake it. Your learner's permit remains valid for one year from the date you passed the written test, so you have time to practice and try again.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Minnesota driver's license?

No. Minnesota can issue a license without a Social Security number. If you do not have one, tell the DVS office staff when you explore. The process is the same, but you may need to bring additional documents to prove identity and residency.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?

Your physical license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some DVS offices issue a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use when ready while you wait for the plastic card.

Can I get an eight-year license if I am under 21?

No. First-time applicants under 21 must get a four-year license. You can choose an eight-year license when you renew after you turn 21.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.