What the Minnesota drivers test covers and how it works

Minnesota's drivers test has two parts: a written knowledge test and a practical driving test. You take the written test first at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. You must answer at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent.

The practical driving test happens after you pass the written portion. A DVS examiner sits in the vehicle with you and watches how you handle steering, braking, parking, lane changes, and your response to traffic. The test lasts about 30 minutes and covers both city and highway driving. You need to demonstrate safe habits and follow all traffic laws during the test.

You cannot take either test until you have held a valid learners permit for at least 30 days. Minnesota also requires that you have supervised driving experience — at least 50 hours total, with 10 of those hours at night — before you can take the practical test. Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid license.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test has 50 questions and you must score at least 40 correct; you can retake it the same day if you fail.
  • You must wait 30 days after getting your learners permit before you can take the practical driving test.
  • You need 50 hours of supervised driving experience (10 at night) before the practical test, and your supervisor must be 21 or older with a valid license.
  • The practical test takes about 30 minutes and covers city and highway driving, parking, and emergency responses.
  • You can take the written test at any DVS office, but the practical test must be scheduled in advance at a DVS location that offers road tests.

Documents and fees you need for the written test

Bring proof of identity and proof of Minnesota residency to the DVS office. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a tribal ID. If you use a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID with your name on it — a school ID, library card, or insurance card works.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement dated within the last 60 days. A bank or credit card statement also works if it shows your current address. Your name must match on both documents.

The written test fee is $10. You pay this at the DVS office when you take the test. If you fail and retake it the same day, you do not pay again. If you retake it on a different day, you pay the $10 fee each time.

How to prepare for the written test

Minnesota publishes the official Driver's Manual free on the DVS website. This manual contains all the information covered on the test. Read through it at least once, paying special attention to traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and what to do at intersections. The manual is available in English and several other languages.

The DVS website also offers a free practice test that mimics the real test format. Take it multiple times until you consistently score above 80 percent. The practice test shows you which topics you need to study more. Focus on areas where you miss questions.

Common mistakes on the written test include misunderstanding right-of-way rules at four-way stops, confusing speed limit signs with other regulatory signs, and not knowing what to do when you see a yellow light. Study these topics carefully. If English is not your first language, ask the DVS office whether a test in another language is available — Minnesota offers tests in several languages.

What happens during the practical driving test

The examiner will ask you to perform specific driving tasks: starting the car, adjusting mirrors, pulling into traffic, making turns, changing lanes, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), and stopping smoothly. You will also drive on both residential streets and busier roads. The examiner watches how you use your mirrors, signal before turning, maintain safe speed, and respond to other vehicles and pedestrians.

Common reasons people fail the practical test include hitting the curb while parking, failing to signal, not checking mirrors before changing lanes, speeding or driving too slowly, and not coming to a complete stop at stop signs. The examiner is looking for safe, confident driving — not perfect driving. Minor mistakes do not automatically fail you, but unsafe habits do.

If you fail the practical test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must schedule a new test appointment. Each attempt costs $10. You keep your learners permit while you practice and prepare to retake the test.

Scheduling your tests at a DVS office

You can schedule the written test online through the Minnesota DVS website or by calling your local DVS office. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times vary. Scheduling online or by phone guarantees you a time slot and reduces your wait.

The practical driving test must be scheduled in advance — you cannot walk in for a road test. Not all DVS offices offer road tests. Check the DVS website to find which offices near you conduct practical tests, then call to book an appointment. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you are ready.

Bring your learners permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle registration to both tests. The vehicle you use for the practical test must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring your supervising driver if you need one, though the examiner will ask them to wait in the office during the test itself.

What to expect after you pass both tests

Once you pass the practical test, you are issued a provisional license (also called a Class D license). This is a full drivers license with restrictions. As a provisional license holder under 18, you cannot drive alone between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car (unless they are family). These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.

If you are 18 or older when you pass the test, you receive an unrestricted Class D license. You can drive alone at any time and carry any number of passengers. This license is valid for four years from the date it is issued.

The DVS office will give you a temporary paper license on the day you pass. Your permanent plastic license arrives in the mail within two weeks. Use the paper license as proof until the plastic one arrives.

Retaking the test if you do not pass

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, or schedule another appointment for a later date. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the manual and practice test between attempts.

If you fail the practical test, schedule a new road test appointment. Practice the specific skills the examiner noted as weak — parking, lane changes, or mirror checks, for example. Ask your supervising driver to focus on those areas during your practice sessions. You can retake the practical test as many times as needed, but each attempt costs $10.

Your learners permit remains valid while you retake tests. You do not need to renew it unless it expires. A Minnesota learners permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. Minnesota offers the written test in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and several other languages. Call your local DVS office or check the website to confirm which languages are available at your location. You may need to schedule in advance if your language is not offered daily.

What if I fail the practical test — do I lose my learners permit?

No. Your learners permit stays valid. You can keep practicing and retake the practical test whenever you are ready. Each retake costs $10. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must schedule a new appointment.

Do I need to bring my supervising driver to the practical test?

You must have your supervising driver present at the DVS office, but they wait inside while you take the test with the examiner. The examiner needs to confirm that your supervising driver is there and meets the age and license requirements, then they step out of the vehicle for the actual driving test.

What vehicle should I use for the practical test?

Use the vehicle you have been practicing in. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. If anything is not working, the test will be rescheduled.

How long does it take to get my permanent license after I pass?

You receive a temporary paper license the day you pass the practical test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks. The paper license is valid proof of your new license status until the plastic card arrives.