What you need to know before you start

Minnesota's learner's permit is your first step toward a driver's license. It lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it comes with real restrictions—you cannot drive alone, and you have to follow rules about who can sit in the front seat and when you can drive. The process takes a few weeks from start to finish, and you will need to pass a written test at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office.

You can get a learner's permit at age 14 in Minnesota, which is younger than most states. If you are under 18, you will also have to complete a driver education course before you can move to a full license. The whole system is designed to give you time to practice under supervision before you drive on your own.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old and pass a written knowledge test at a DVS office to get a learner's permit in Minnesota.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (like a birth certificate or passport), and proof of Minnesota residency (like a utility bill or lease) to your DVS appointment.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, available free online.
  • Once you have your permit, you must drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take your road test for a full license.

Documents you need to bring to DVS

When you go to a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office, bring your Social Security number and two forms of identification. One must be an official document with your name and date of birth—a birth certificate, passport, or school ID issued by a school district all work. The second can be a school ID, report card, or any document with your name on it.

You also need to prove you live in Minnesota. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from a government agency with your name and current address. If your parents or guardians are explore on your behalf, they will need to bring their own ID as well.

Bring cash or a debit card—DVS offices accept both. The fee for a learner's permit is $20.50. Some offices may have a wait, so arrive early or check online to see if your local office takes appointments.

The written knowledge test: what to study

The written test has 40 questions and covers three main areas: road signs and their meanings, Minnesota traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice, and you take it on a computer at the DVS office.

Study using the official Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the state DVS website. The manual is organized by topic, so you can focus on areas where you feel less confident. Many people also use online practice tests, which let you take full-length tests under timed conditions before you go in.

You can retake the test if you do not pass, but you will have to pay the fee again and schedule another appointment. Most people pass on their first try if they study the manual thoroughly.

Restrictions that come with your learner's permit

Your learner's permit is not a license to drive alone. You must have a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you at all times. That person must have a valid driver's license from any state. You cannot drive with only passengers your own age in the car.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. while you hold a learner's permit. This rule exists because new drivers are at higher risk in low-light conditions and when they are tired. If you are pulled over and the officer finds you driving outside these hours, you can be cited.

You must follow all other traffic laws exactly as a licensed driver would. Speeding, running red lights, and texting while driving all carry the same penalties for permit holders as they do for licensed drivers.

How long you can hold a learner's permit

Minnesota does not set an expiration date for how long you can hold a learner's permit—you can keep it as long as you need to practice. However, your permit is tied to your identity documents. If your birth certificate or ID expires, you will need to renew your permit at a DVS office.

Most people hold a learner's permit for 6 to 12 months while they practice and complete their driver education course. Once you finish the course and feel ready, you can schedule a road test. You do not have to wait a certain amount of time, but the more you practice, the better prepared you will be.

Driver education requirements before your road test

If you are under 18, Minnesota law requires you to complete a driver education course before you can take your road test for a full license. This course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. You cannot skip this step, even if you have practiced extensively with a parent or guardian.

Driver education courses are offered by high schools, private driving schools, and online providers. High school courses are often free or low-cost. Private schools charge between $300 and $800 depending on the provider and what is included. Online courses cover the classroom portion, but you still need to complete the behind-the-wheel portion with a certified instructor in person.

Once you finish the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Bring this certificate when you schedule your road test at a DVS office.

Scheduling your road test after you pass the written test

You cannot schedule a road test until you have your learner's permit in hand. Once you pass the written test at DVS, you will receive your permit when ready or within a few days, depending on the office. After that, you can call or go online to schedule your road test.

Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer. If your local DVS office is busy, you may have to wait several weeks. Some people travel to less busy offices in neighboring counties to get an earlier appointment. You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and your vehicle to the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?

Minnesota requires a Social Security number to get a driver's license or permit. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if you are in this situation.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. You will have to pay the $20.50 fee each time and schedule a new appointment at a DVS office. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the manual more thoroughly after their first try.

Can I drive to school with my learner's permit?

Yes, as long as you have a licensed adult at least 21 years old in the front seat with you. You cannot drive alone to school, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even if school starts early.

Do I need car insurance to get a learner's permit?

You do not need insurance to get the permit itself, but you will need it before you drive. Make sure the vehicle you practice in is insured, and check with your insurance company about whether you need to be listed as a driver on the policy.

What if I move out of Minnesota while I have a learner's permit?

Your Minnesota permit is only valid in Minnesota. If you move to another state, you will need to get that state's learner's permit. Contact the new state's driver licensing office to find out what documents and tests you need.