The Minnesota permit test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices

Minnesota's permit test—officially called the knowledge test—is a written exam you take at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office before you can get a learner's permit. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. All questions come from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, and the test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what to do in emergencies.

You take the test on a computer at the DVS office. You can take it in English or several other languages. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes, though you should plan to spend an hour at the office for check-in and processing. You get your score when ready after you finish.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another time. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you do pay the test fee each time you take it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Minnesota permit test has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
  • All test content comes directly from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which you can read online or pick up free at any DVS office.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DVS office, and you get your score before you leave.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test when ready without waiting, though you pay the fee again.
  • The test is offered in English and multiple other languages, and accommodations for vision or hearing needs are available upon request.

What the test covers and where to study

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is the only source material you need. It covers traffic signs (stop signs, yield signs, warning signs, and regulatory signs), right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, lane changes, turns, following distance, and what to do at railroad crossings and school zones. It also includes sections on impaired driving, distracted driving, and how to handle emergencies like brake failure or a skid.

You can read the manual online at the Minnesota DVS website at no cost, or request a printed copy at any DVS office. The manual is about 60 pages. Most people study it for a few days to a week before taking the test. The test questions are drawn directly from the manual's content, so anything in the manual could appear on the test.

The manual also explains what happens after you pass—what a learner's permit lets you do, what restrictions explore, and what you need to do to move toward a full license. Reading that section helps you understand why the rules matter.

How to register and schedule your test

You do not need to schedule the permit test in advance. You can walk into any DVS office during business hours and take the test the same day. However, some offices have longer wait times than others, especially on weekends and after school hours. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan.

To take the test, bring your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). If your name has changed, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You also need to bring a completed Form DVSR 14 (process for Minnesota Driver's License or Instruction Permit). You can fill this out at home before you go, or at the DVS office. Filling it out ahead of time speeds up the process.

The test fee and what happens if you pass

The permit test fee is $10. You pay this fee each time you take the test, whether you pass or fail. Payment is cash, check, or card, depending on the office.

When you pass the test, you receive your instruction permit (also called a learner's permit) on the spot. This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front seat next to you. The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it.

With an instruction permit, you cannot drive alone. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all traffic laws exactly—speeding or other violations can result in your permit being suspended. The permit is your proof that you have passed the knowledge test and are legal to practice.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is not reading the entire Driver's Manual before the test. Many people focus only on traffic signs and skip the sections on right-of-way, speed limits, and emergency procedures. The test covers all of it equally, so skipping any section costs you points.

Another mistake is misunderstanding right-of-way rules. These questions appear frequently on the test, and the rules are specific. For example, at a four-way stop, the first car to arrive has the right of way; if two cars arrive at the same time, the car on the right has the right of way. The manual explains these rules clearly, but they require careful reading.

A third mistake is not bringing the correct documents. If you show up without proof of your Social Security number or date of birth, the office cannot let you take the test. Bring originals, not copies, and bring more than one form of ID if you have it.

Finally, do not rush through the test. You have plenty of time to answer all 40 questions. Read each question carefully, and if you are unsure, take your best guess rather than leaving it blank—a blank answer counts as wrong.

What to do if you fail the test

If you score below 32 correct answers, you fail and do not receive a permit. You can retake the test when ready—there is no waiting period. You pay the $10 fee again and take the test on the same computer or a different one at the same office, or you can leave and come back another day.

Before you retake the test, review the sections of the Driver's Manual that gave you trouble. If you failed because you did not study, spend a few more days with the manual. If you failed because you were nervous or rushed, take the test again but read more slowly and carefully.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Some people pass on the first try; others take it two or three times. Each attempt costs $10, and each attempt gives you when ready feedback on your score.

Testing accommodations and language options

If you have a vision impairment, hearing impairment, or other disability, you can request accommodations when you arrive at the DVS office. Accommodations may include a larger-print test, a reader, extra time, or a private testing room. Tell the office staff about your needs when you check in, and they will work with you to make the test accessible.

The test is available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Vietnamese. If you need the test in a language not listed, call your local DVS office to ask whether they can arrange it. Some offices have interpreters on staff; others may need advance notice.

You can also request a test in large print or Braille if you have a vision impairment. These requests usually require a few days' notice, so call ahead if you need one of these formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or notes during the 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 during the test. You must answer from memory based on what you studied.

What if I do not pass the test on my first try?

You can retake it when ready without waiting. Pay the $10 fee again and take the test again the same day, or come back another time. Study the sections you struggled with before your next attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it.

Do I need to schedule the test in advance?

No. You can walk into any DVS office during business hours and take the test the same day. However, wait times vary by office and time of day. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times helps you plan.

What documents do I need to bring?

Bring your Social Security number, proof of your date of birth (birth certificate, passport, or state ID), proof of your current address (utility bill or lease), and a completed Form DVSR 14. If your name has changed, bring a document showing the change.

How long is the permit valid after I pass the test?

Your instruction permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you practice driving with a licensed adult. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you must renew it at a DVS office.