How the Minnesota written test works

Minnesota's written knowledge test is a computer-based exam you take at any Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions about road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 32 correct answers — that's 80 percent — to pass.

The test covers Minnesota traffic laws specifically, not general driving knowledge. That means the rules about right-of-way, speed limits, and what different road signs mean are the ones that explore on Minnesota roads. You take the test on a computer terminal at the DVS office, and you get your results when ready after you finish.

You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Vietnamese. If you need the test in a language not offered at your local office, call ahead to arrange it or ask about testing at a different location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota written test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
  • All questions cover Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules that explore on Minnesota roads.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DVS office and receive your score before you leave.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day, though some offices may have limits on same-day retakes.
  • The test is available in multiple languages; call your local DVS office to confirm which languages they offer.

What topics appear on the test

The Minnesota test focuses on four main areas: road signs and their meanings, right-of-way rules, speed limits and traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You will see questions about what a yellow diamond sign means, when you must yield to another vehicle, what to do at a four-way stop, and how to handle bad weather or pedestrians.

Road signs make up a significant portion of the test. You need to know the difference between a stop sign, a yield sign, a speed limit sign, and warning signs like those for curves or school zones. The test also covers parking signs, one-way signs, and signs that tell you about lane use.

Questions about right-of-way and traffic laws test your understanding of who goes first at intersections, how to turn safely, what to do when an emergency vehicle approaches, and the rules for passing other cars. Safe driving practices include questions about seat belts, following distance, distracted driving, and what to do if your brakes fail.

How to prepare for the Minnesota test

The Minnesota DVS publishes a free study guide called the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which covers everything on the test. You can read it from the DVS website or pick up a printed copy at any DVS office. Reading through the manual once is the most direct way to prepare.

Many people also use online practice tests, which let you answer sample questions and see which topics you need to review. These are not official Minnesota tests, but they follow the same format and cover the same material. Practice tests help you get comfortable with the computer-based format and show you where to focus your study time.

If you are taking the test in a language other than English, ask the DVS office whether study materials are available in that language. Some materials are, though availability varies.

When you can take the test

You can take the written test at any time after you receive your instruction permit (also called a learner's permit). You do not have to wait a certain number of days or weeks; you can take it as soon as you have the permit in hand. However, you must be at least 16 years old to get an instruction permit in Minnesota.

DVS offices are open during regular business hours, usually Monday through Friday and some Saturday hours. Hours vary by location, so check the DVS website or call your local office to confirm when they are open. You do not need an appointment for the written test at most offices, but calling ahead is a good idea to avoid a long wait.

What to bring to the test

Bring your instruction permit and a valid form of identification. Your instruction permit counts as ID, so if you have it, that is usually enough. If you do not have your permit yet, bring a state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.

You do not need to bring study materials, notes, or any other documents to the test itself. The DVS office provides everything you need to take the test on the computer. Bring only what you need to prove who you are.

What happens if you fail

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and will need to retake the test. Many DVS offices allow you to retake the test the same day, though some may limit how many times you can test in one visit. If your office does not allow same-day retakes, you can return another day to try again.

There is no waiting period between attempts in Minnesota, so you can study and come back as soon as you are ready. Each time you take the test, you pay the test fee again. Take time to review the areas where you struggled before your next attempt.

After you pass the written test

Once you pass, you are cleared to move forward in Minnesota's licensing process. Your next step is the road test, where a DVS examiner watches you drive and scores your ability to handle the vehicle safely. You must still hold your instruction permit while you practice for the road test, and you must follow all the rules that come with it — such as having a licensed adult in the car with you if you are under 18.

You can schedule your road test at the same DVS office where you took the written test, or at any other DVS office in the state. There is usually a wait of a few weeks to several months for a road test appointment, depending on how busy your local office is, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning a DVS staff member watches while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, study materials, or any outside resources. You can only use the computer terminal provided by the DVS office.

What if I do not pass on my first try?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, and you do not need to reapply for your instruction permit. Each retake costs the same fee as the first test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after reviewing the material they missed.

Is the test the same every time I take it?

No. Each time you take the test, you get a different set of 40 questions from the same pool of topics. The questions are randomized, so studying the same material will help you pass, but you will not see the exact same questions twice.

Can I take the test if I am not a Minnesota resident?

Yes. You do not have to live in Minnesota to take the written test or get a Minnesota driver's license. You will need to provide proof of identity and your Social Security number or a document showing you are authorized to work in the United States.

How long does the test take?

Most people finish the written test in 20 to 30 minutes. You have as much time as you need to complete it — there is no time limit. After you finish, the computer scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed.