Minnesota learner's permit fees and what they cover

A Minnesota learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it. This fee covers the written knowledge test and the permit document itself. You pay it once when you pass the test at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office.

The $20 is the only fee charged by the state for the permit. You do not pay extra to renew it during that year if you need to retake the test, though you will need to pay the $20 again if your permit expires and you have not yet moved to a full driver's license.

Some people confuse the learner's permit fee with the cost of a driver's license, which is separate and more expensive. The permit is a stepping stone — it lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it does not let you drive alone.

Key Takeaways

  • The learner's permit in Minnesota costs $20 and covers both the knowledge test and the permit card.
  • Your permit is valid for one year, and you do not pay additional fees to retake the written test during that year if you fail the first time.
  • You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Minnesota.
  • If your permit expires before you pass the road test for a full license, you will pay $20 again to renew it.

What the $20 fee includes

The $20 covers your written knowledge test, which you take at a DVS office. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass.

The fee also covers the physical permit card you receive after passing. This card has your photo, name, date of birth, and permit number. You must carry it whenever you drive with your learner's permit.

The $20 does not cover the cost of a replacement card if you lose your permit. Replacing a lost or damaged permit costs an additional $20.

Where to pay and how to pay

You pay the $20 fee at a Driver and Vehicle Services office when you take your written test. DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota — you can find the one nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website. Payment methods vary by location, but most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

You cannot pay online or by mail for a learner's permit. You must go to a DVS office in person to take the test and pay the fee. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease).

How long the permit lasts and renewal costs

Your learner's permit is valid for exactly one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you can take the road test as many times as you need to pass. There is no extra charge for retaking the road test.

If you do not pass the road test before your permit expires, you will need to renew it. Renewing costs another $20 and requires you to retake the written knowledge test. You cannot straightforward extend an expired permit — you must start the process over.

Some people hold a learner's permit for several months while they practice, then take the road test before the year is up. Others take longer and need to renew. Either way, the written test fee remains $20.

Age requirements and who can get a permit

You must be at least 15 years old to get a Minnesota learner's permit. There is no upper age limit — adults can get a learner's permit if they are new to driving or moving to Minnesota from another state.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process at the DVS office. Bring a signed form or be prepared to have your parent or guardian present when you explore.

Costs after you pass the road test

Once you pass the road test, you move on to a full driver's license, which costs more than the learner's permit. A Minnesota driver's license costs $25 for a four-year license or $50 for an eight-year license. You choose which term you want when you pass your road test.

The road test itself has no separate fee — it is included in the cost of the license you receive after passing. You pay the license fee at the DVS office after your test results are recorded.

What happens if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written knowledge test on your first try, you can retake it at any time during your permit's one-year validity period. You do not pay the $20 fee again — it covers unlimited retakes within that year.

Most people who fail study the handbook more and come back within a few weeks. The handbook is free and available online on the Minnesota Secretary of State website, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DVS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I don't pass the written test?

No. The $20 fee is non-refundable whether you pass or fail. However, you can retake the test as many times as you need during your one-year permit period without paying again.

Do I have to pay extra to take the road test?

No. The road test is free. You only pay when you pass and receive your full driver's license. The license fee ($25 or $50) is separate from the learner's permit fee.

What if I move to Minnesota from another state with a learner's permit?

Minnesota will not recognize an out-of-state learner's permit. You must get a Minnesota learner's permit by paying $20 and passing the written test, even if you already have a permit from another state.

Is there a fee to replace a lost learner's permit?

Yes. A replacement permit costs $20, the same as the original. You will need to go to a DVS office and provide proof of your identity and residency again.

Can I pay the permit fee online?

No. You must pay in person at a DVS office when you take the written test. Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations.