What You Need to Do to Get a Minnesota Learner's Permit

To get a Minnesota learner's permit, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pay the permit fee. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must appear at an office with your documents. The permit lets you drive under supervision (with a licensed adult in the front seat) while you practice before taking your road test.

Minnesota issues learner's permits to people as young as 14 years old, but the rules differ slightly depending on your age. If you are 14 or 15, you are in the Instruction Permit stage. If you are 16 or older, you can get a Learner's Permit. Both allow supervised driving, but the instruction permit has stricter restrictions on when and where you can drive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DVS office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to explore for a learner's permit.
  • You will take a written knowledge test at the DVS office covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The permit fee is $20.25 for a four-year instruction permit (ages 14–15) or a learner's permit (ages 16+), and you pay at the time of process.
  • Your permit is valid for four years from the date of issue, giving you time to practice and schedule your road test before it expires.
  • If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or return another day; there is no waiting period between attempts.

Documents You Must Bring to the DVS Office

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate all work. A school ID alone does not count. If you do not have a passport or birth certificate, you can use a tribal ID card or a certificate of naturalization.

You also need proof that you live in Minnesota. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax statement in your name. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or bank statement also works if it shows your name and address.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from Social Security. You will also need to know your mother's maiden name and your father's full name, so write these down before you go.

The Knowledge Test: What to Expect

The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DVS office. You have 30 minutes to complete it. You must score at least 32 correct answers (80 percent) to pass.

The test includes questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You will also see questions about distracted driving, impaired driving, and how to handle emergency vehicles. The test is the same whether you are 14 or 16 or older.

If you fail, you can retake the test when ready or come back another day. There is no waiting period. Many people pass on their second or third attempt. The DVS office will give you feedback on which topics you missed so you can study those areas before you try again.

Age-Specific Rules for Instruction Permits and Learner's Permits

If you are 14 or 15 years old, you get an Instruction Permit. With this permit, you can drive only between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and only with a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive on interstate highways. You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These rules stay in place until you turn 16 and pass your road test.

If you are 16 or older, you get a Learner's Permit. The restrictions are less strict: you can drive between 5 a.m. and midnight with a licensed adult in the front seat. You can use interstate highways. You still cannot use a cell phone while driving. Once you pass your road test, you move to a provisional license (if you are under 18) or a full license (if you are 18 or older).

The fee is the same for both: $20.25. Both permits are valid for four years. If you turn 16 while holding an instruction permit, you do not need to reapply — your permit automatically becomes a learner's permit, and your restrictions change.

How to Find a DVS Office and Schedule Your Visit

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website under "Driver and Vehicle Services." The website lists office addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go, because some offices have limited staffing on certain days.

You do not need an appointment for a learner's permit process. Walk-in service is available during office hours. However, wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier in the afternoon and on Fridays. If you want to avoid a long wait, go early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time to check in and fill out any forms. The whole process — checking in, filling out the process, taking the test, and paying the fee — usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

What Happens After You Pass the Test

Once you pass the knowledge test, the DVS office will issue your permit on the spot. You will receive a physical permit card that you must carry whenever you drive. The permit shows your name, date of birth, address, permit type (instruction or learner's), and the expiration date (four years from the date of issue).

Your permit is valid when ready. You can start practicing with a licensed adult that same day. Keep your permit in a safe place — if you lose it, you will need to return to a DVS office and pay another $20.25 to get a replacement.

While you hold your permit, you are building hours of supervised driving practice. Minnesota does not require a minimum number of practice hours before you take your road test, but the more you practice, the more prepared you will be. Most people practice for several months before scheduling their road test. When you feel ready, you can contact a DVS office to book your road test appointment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport — it must be an original or certified copy. A photocopy will not be accepted, and you will have to go home and come back. The same rule applies to your proof of residency: it must be an original document, not a copy.

Do not assume your school ID or work ID counts as proof of identity. The DVS office has a specific list of acceptable documents, and most student or employee IDs are not on it. Check the Minnesota Secretary of State website before you go to make sure your documents may have access to.

Do not study only road signs and ignore traffic laws. The test includes many questions about right-of-way, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do in different driving situations. Road signs are only part of the test. Use the official Minnesota Driver's Manual (available free on the Secretary of State website) to study all topics.

Do not bring someone else's documents by mistake. Your proof of residency must be in your name. If your parents' utility bill is in only their name, it will not work for you. Get a document that shows your name and address, such as a letter from your school or a bank statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooled students can get a learner's permit the same way as students in public or private schools. You do not need to show proof of enrollment in any school. Bring your identity document, proof of residency, and Social Security information to any DVS office.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can retake it when ready at the same office or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the $20.25 fee only once, when you first explore. Retakes are free. Most people pass within two or three attempts.

Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my learner's permit?

No. Minnesota does not require a driver's education course to get a learner's permit. You only need to pass the knowledge test. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved driver's education course, so ask your parents' insurance company about this.

How long can I keep my learner's permit before I have to take my road test?

Your permit is valid for four years. You do not have to take your road test within any specific time frame. However, once you pass your road test, your permit expires and you move to a provisional or full license. If your permit expires before you take your road test, you will need to reapply and retake the knowledge test.

Can I drive alone with a learner's permit?

No. You must have a licensed adult (age 21 or older) in the front seat next to you at all times. If you are caught driving alone, you can be cited and your permit can be suspended. Once you pass your road test, you will get a provisional license (if you are under 18) that allows solo driving with certain restrictions.