What You Need to Know Before You Start

To get a learner's permit in Minneapolis, you must be at least 14 years old, pass a written knowledge test at a Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) exam station, and provide proof of identity and residency. Minnesota does not have a separate "learner's permit" — what you are getting is a Class D instruction permit, which lets you drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat beside you. This permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it.

The process takes one visit to a DPS exam station if you have all required documents. There is no waiting period between passing the test and receiving your permit — you walk out with it the same day. The fee is $20.25 as of 2024, though fees can change; confirm the current amount when you call or visit the station.

Minneapolis has two DPS exam stations: one at 1900 Chicago Avenue South and one at 2617 Nicollet Avenue South. Both handle permit tests during the same hours. You do not need an appointment, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 14 years old and bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and Minnesota residency to pass the written test.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.
  • Your instruction permit is valid for two years and requires a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • You receive your permit the same day you pass the test; no waiting period applies in Minnesota.
  • The fee is $20.25, payable by cash, check, or card at the exam station.

Documents You Must Bring to the Exam Station

Bring original or certified copies of documents — photocopies alone will not work. You need one document proving your identity (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card) and one document proving you live in Minnesota (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, with your name and current address). If your name on your identity document does not match your residency proof, bring a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You must also provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, or bring a valid visa or work permit showing your immigration status. Bring your parent or guardian if you are under 18 — they do not have to stay during the test, but DPS staff will ask to see them to confirm parental consent.

Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace quickly (such as a passport you need for travel soon). DPS will not damage them, but the station keeps copies on file. Bring a photocopy of your Social Security card if you have one, though you can also straightforward state the number.

The Written Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and right-of-way rules. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You must score at least 80 percent (32 correct answers) to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages; ask the exam station staff which languages are available on the day you visit.

The test covers material in the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which DPS provides free at the exam station or online at the Minnesota DPS website. Most people study the manual for a few hours before taking the test. Common topics include identifying road signs (stop, yield, speed limit, school zone), understanding right-of-way at intersections, safe following distance, and what to do at a red light or four-way stop.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. You may take the test up to three times in one calendar day. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait one day before returning to try again.

After You Pass: Your Instruction Permit Rules

Once you pass the test, you receive a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address. The plastic permit arrives within two to three weeks. Do not laminate the temporary permit or the plastic card — lamination makes it invalid.

Your instruction permit has strict rules. You must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive with only passengers your own age. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free, except in a genuine emergency. You must follow all regular traffic laws and speed limits. Violating these rules can result in a ticket and may delay your progress to a full license.

Your permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. After two years, it expires and you must retake the written test to get a new one. You do not need to renew it if you move to a full Class D license before the two years are up.

Moving Forward: From Instruction Permit to Provisional License

After you have held your instruction permit for at least 12 months and are at least 15 years old, you can take the road test to get a Class D Provisional License. This license lets you drive without a supervising adult, but it has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (with limited exceptions for work or school), and you cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a licensed adult 21 or older is present.

The road test costs $20.25 and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your instruction permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and a vehicle that is safe to drive (working brakes, lights, wipers, and steering). You can schedule a road test appointment online through the Minnesota DPS website or by calling the exam station. Wait times for road test appointments vary; some stations have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is bringing photocopies instead of originals or certified copies of identity and residency documents. DPS will turn you away if your documents do not meet the requirements, and you will have wasted a trip. Check the document list on the Minnesota DPS website before you go, or call the exam station to confirm what you are bringing will work.

Another frequent error is not studying the Minnesota Driver's Manual before the test. The test is not difficult, but it covers specific Minnesota rules that differ from other states. Spending two to three hours with the manual the night before significantly improves your chances of passing on the first try. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but passing the first time saves time and frustration.

A third mistake is not understanding the instruction permit rules. Some new permit holders think they can drive with only friends their age, or that they can use a phone for GPS. Both are violations. Read the back of your permit card carefully and ask DPS staff to clarify any rules you do not understand before you leave the station.

Exam Station Locations and Hours in Minneapolis

The two Minneapolis DPS exam stations are located at 1900 Chicago Avenue South (near the intersection with East Lake Street) and 2617 Nicollet Avenue South (near the intersection with East 26th Street). Both stations are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon. They are closed on Sundays and state holidays.

Neither station requires an appointment for the written permit test, though road test appointments must be scheduled in advance. Arrive early if possible — the stations are busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. Bring all required documents and the $20.25 fee. If you are under 18, bring your parent or guardian.

If you cannot reach the station by phone or want to check current wait times, visit the Minnesota DPS website for contact information and hours. The website also has the Driver's Manual in PDF format, which you can read and study before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my instruction permit if I am homeschooled or do not attend school?

Yes. Minnesota does not require proof of school enrollment to get an instruction permit. You only need to be at least 14 years old, pass the written test, and bring the required identity and residency documents. School status does not affect your may be able to access.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day at no extra cost. You have up to three attempts in one calendar day. If you fail all three, you must wait until the next day to try again. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after reviewing the manual more carefully.

Do I need to take a driver education course before getting my permit?

No. Minnesota does not require a driver education course to get an instruction permit. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some high schools offer driver education as an elective. Taking a course is optional but may help you prepare for the test and the road.

Can I drive to school with my instruction permit?

No. Your instruction permit requires a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat at all times. You cannot drive alone to school or anywhere else. You can only drive when a supervising adult is present. Once you get your Provisional License at 15, you can drive to school alone, but with passenger restrictions.

What happens if I get a ticket while driving on my instruction permit?

A ticket while on an instruction permit is treated like any other traffic violation. You may have to pay a fine, and the violation goes on your driving record. Violations can delay your progress to a Provisional License and may increase your insurance costs. Always follow traffic laws and the rules of your permit.