What the Minnesota Permit Test Covers and How It Works

The Minnesota permit test is a written exam you take at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office to show you understand road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices. You need a passing score before you can get your instruction permit and start driving with a licensed adult. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass — that's 80 percent.

The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, speed limits, and how to handle different road conditions. It also includes questions about what road signs mean, when to use your headlights, and what to do at intersections. You take the test on a computer at the DVS office, and you get your score when ready after you finish.

You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Vietnamese. If you need extra time or other accommodations because of a disability, you can request them when you schedule your test appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota permit test has 40 questions and you need to answer 32 correctly to pass, which means an 80 percent score.
  • The test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices specific to Minnesota roads.
  • You take the test on a computer at a Driver and Vehicle Services office and receive your score the same day.
  • You can request the test in a language other than English or ask for accommodations if you have a disability.
  • You must pass the permit test before you can receive your instruction permit and begin supervised driving.

What to Study Before You Test

Minnesota provides a free study guide called the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which covers everything on the test. You can read it online at the DVS website or pick up a printed copy at any DVS office. The manual is organized by topic — traffic signs, speed limits, parking rules, and so on — so you can focus on areas where you feel less confident.

The manual includes sample test questions at the end of each section. Working through these samples is one of the most useful ways to prepare, because they show you the style of questions you'll see on the actual test. Many people find that reading the manual once and then practicing with sample questions twice is enough to pass on the first attempt.

Some people also use online practice tests created by third-party websites. These are not official Minnesota materials, but they can help you get used to answering questions on a computer and build your confidence. Just make sure any practice test you use covers Minnesota rules, not another state's rules.

How to Schedule Your Test Appointment

You schedule your permit test through the DVS website or by calling your local DVS office. You'll need to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. You can choose which DVS location you want to test at and what time works best for you. Some offices have appointments available within a few days, while others may have a longer wait depending on how busy they are.

When you arrive for your appointment, bring a valid form of identification — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card all work. You'll also need to bring proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card or a tax return. If you don't have these documents yet, contact your local DVS office before your appointment to find out what alternatives they accept.

You should arrive at least 15 minutes early. The DVS staff will check your documents, take your photo for the permit, and then direct you to a computer to take the test. The whole process usually takes about an hour from start to finish.

What Happens If You Don't Pass

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and you cannot get your permit yet. However, you can retake the test. Most DVS offices let you schedule another appointment right away, sometimes the same day or the next day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test in Minnesota.

Before you retake it, spend more time studying the areas where you struggled. If you got several questions wrong about road signs, for example, go back to that section of the manual and read it again. If you got questions wrong about right-of-way, focus on those rules. This targeted approach usually helps people pass on their second or third attempt.

Each time you retake the test, you pay the same fee as the first test. The fee varies slightly by DVS office location, but it is typically between $10 and $15. Some offices may waive the fee if you retake the test on the same day you failed, so ask when you schedule your next appointment.

Age Requirements and Permit Restrictions

In Minnesota, you must be at least 15 years old to get an instruction permit. Once you pass the permit test and get your permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car.

Your instruction permit is valid for one year. During that year, you must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. After you complete those hours and turn 16, you can take the road test to get your regular driver's license. If you don't pass the road test within one year of getting your permit, you'll need to renew your permit and start the supervised driving hours over.

Documents You Need to Bring to the DVS Office

Before you go to your appointment, gather the documents the DVS office requires. You need a valid form of identification — a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, or a tribal ID card. You also need proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return with your Social Security number on it.

If you were born outside the United States, you may need additional documents such as a visa or proof of legal residency. The DVS website has a complete list of acceptable documents for different situations. If you're not sure whether you have the right documents, call your local DVS office before your appointment — they can tell you exactly what you need to bring.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The DVS staff will look at them to verify your identity and information before you take the test. If your documents don't match the information you provided when you scheduled your appointment, the office may not let you test that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test if I'm homeschooled?

Yes. Minnesota does not require you to be enrolled in a public or private school to take the permit test. You only need to meet the age requirement (at least 15 years old) and have the required documents. Homeschooled students follow the same process as any other student.

What if I fail the test multiple times?

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test in Minnesota. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again. If you keep failing, ask the DVS staff or a trusted adult to help you identify which topics are giving you trouble, then focus your studying on those areas before your next attempt.

Do I need to take a driver education course before the permit test?

No. Minnesota does not require a driver education course before you take the permit test. However, some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete an approved course, and some parents find that a course helps their teenager learn the material more thoroughly. Taking a course is optional.

Can I use my phone or notes during the test?

No. The permit test is proctored, which means a DVS staff member watches while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials. You can only use the computer provided and your own knowledge. If you try to cheat, you will be asked to leave and may not be allowed to retake the test for a set period.

How long does the permit test take?

The test itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how quickly you answer the questions. However, you should plan to spend about an hour at the DVS office total, because you need time to check in, provide your documents, have your photo taken, and complete any paperwork before and after the test.