How the Minnesota Permit Test Works

Minnesota's permit test is a written exam you take at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office after you've held your instruction permit for at least 30 days. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly—that's 80 percent—to pass.

The test covers only Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. It does not include any driving on the road; that comes later, after you pass this written exam and move on to your road test. You can take the permit test on a computer at any DVS office during their regular hours, and you'll get your results when ready.

If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake the test. There's no waiting period between attempts, though DVS offices may have their own scheduling limits based on how busy they are. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the material more carefully the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
  • You take the test at a DVS office on a computer after holding your instruction permit for at least 30 days.
  • The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules—not hands-on driving skills.
  • You receive your results when ready after finishing, and you can retake the test the same day if you fail.
  • Studying the Minnesota Driver's Manual is the most direct way to prepare, since the test questions come directly from it.

What Topics Are on the Test

The permit test draws all its questions from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which DVS publishes and makes available free online and in print at any DVS office. The manual covers traffic laws specific to Minnesota, so studying it is the most direct way to prepare.

You'll see questions about right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking laws, and what to do at intersections and railroad crossings. The test includes questions on seat belt and child safety seat laws, impaired driving laws, and what different road signs mean. You'll also answer questions about what to do in bad weather, how to handle skids, and when you must yield to pedestrians and cyclists.

A smaller portion of the test covers vehicle maintenance basics—things like checking your tire pressure and understanding your dashboard warning lights. The questions are straightforward; they test whether you know the rule, not whether you can explore it to a complex scenario.

How to Study for the Permit Test

Start by reading through the Minnesota Driver's Manual from beginning to end. It's not long—most people finish it in a few hours. As you read, pay special attention to sections on traffic signs, right-of-way, and speed limits, since these topics appear frequently on the test.

After you've read the manual once, use the practice tests available on the DVS website. These practice tests use real questions from past permit exams, so they show you exactly what to expect. Take the practice test more than once; the second time through, you'll remember which answers were correct and understand the reasoning better.

If you struggle with a particular topic—say, understanding all the different road signs—go back to that section of the manual and read it again before taking another practice test. Most people who fail the permit test on their first try didn't study the manual thoroughly enough, not because the test is tricky.

What to Bring to the DVS Office

Bring your instruction permit and a valid form of identification. Your instruction permit counts as ID, so if that's all you have, that's enough. If you want to bring an additional ID—a school ID, a passport, or a state ID—that's fine, but it's not required.

You do not need to bring the Driver's Manual or any study materials to the test. DVS will not let you use them during the exam anyway. Bring a pen or pencil only if the DVS office asks; most offices provide what you need, since the test is computer-based.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. DVS offices can be busy, and you'll need time to check in and get to a testing station. If you're running late, call ahead to let them know; some offices may hold your spot, though they're not required to.

What Happens If You Fail

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass, and you'll need to retake the test. You can usually schedule another attempt the same day or come back another day—it depends on how busy the DVS office is. There's no penalty for retaking it; you straightforward pay the test fee again.

Before your second attempt, spend time studying the topics you got wrong. DVS will not tell you which specific questions you missed, but you can ask the staff which sections of the manual to focus on. Many people find it helpful to take the practice test again and pay close attention to the explanations for answers they get wrong.

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There's no limit on attempts, though you'll pay the test fee each time. Most people pass within two or three tries if they study between attempts.

After You Pass the Permit Test

Once you pass, you're cleared to take your road test. You don't get a new permit or a new document; your instruction permit remains valid. You can now practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, which is what you'll do between passing the permit test and scheduling your road test.

Minnesota requires you to hold your instruction permit for at least 30 days before taking the permit test, and then at least 6 months total before you can take the road test. So if you pass the permit test right at the 30-day mark, you'll need to wait another 5 months before you're may be able to access for the road test. Use that time to practice driving in different conditions—rain, night driving, highway driving—so you're ready.

You can schedule your road test through the DVS website or by calling your local DVS office. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as soon as you're may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test before I've had my instruction permit for 30 days?

No. Minnesota law requires you to hold your instruction permit for at least 30 days before you can take the permit test. If you try to schedule a test before that time has passed, DVS will not let you. The 30 days starts the day you receive your instruction permit.

What if I pass the permit test but fail the road test later?

Your permit test score doesn't expire. You can take the road test as many times as you need without retaking the permit test. You'll only need to retake the permit test if your instruction permit itself expires, which happens after a certain period of time—check your permit card for the expiration date.

Is the permit test the same as the road test?

No. The permit test is written and computer-based; it tests your knowledge of traffic laws and signs. The road test is a driving test where an examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive. You must pass the permit test first, then practice driving, then take the road test.

Can I use my phone or notes during the permit test?

No. The test is proctored, meaning a DVS staff member watches while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, the Driver's Manual, or any other materials. You can only use the computer provided and answer the questions from memory.

How much does the permit test cost?

The permit test fee varies and can change. Contact your local DVS office or check the DVS website for the current fee. If you retake the test, you'll pay the fee again for each attempt.