Minnesota does not offer the motorcycle permit test online

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety requires you to take the motorcycle permit test in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. There is no online version of this test, and you cannot complete it from home or through a third-party website.

The test covers motorcycle-specific rules, hazard recognition, and safe riding practices. Because the state wants to may support accuracy and prevent fraud, all test-takers must show up with valid identification and take the exam under supervision at an official DVS location.

If you are looking for ways to prepare before you go in, there are study materials available online — but the actual test itself must be taken at a DVS office in your county or a nearby one.

Key Takeaways

  • The motorcycle permit test in Minnesota is only offered in person at DVS offices, not online or by mail.
  • You must bring a valid ID and proof of residency to the DVS office on the day you take the test.
  • The test has 20 questions and you must answer at least 16 correctly to pass.
  • You can study for free using the Minnesota motorcycle manual and online practice tests before you visit the DVS office.
  • After you pass the written test, you will also need to pass a riding skills test to get your full motorcycle license.

What you need to bring to the DVS office

Bring your valid driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have one yet, bring a passport or passport card. The DVS office will not test you without a photo ID that matches your name and date of birth.

You also need proof of Minnesota residency. An acceptable document shows your current name and address — a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign a consent form before you can take the test. Check your local DVS office's website to see if they require you to book an appointment or if you can walk in.

How the motorcycle permit test works

The test has 20 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota motorcycle laws, riding techniques, and road safety. You will sit at a computer terminal in the DVS office and answer the questions on screen. The test usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

You need to answer at least 16 questions correctly — a score of 80 percent — to pass. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Minnesota, though you will pay the test fee each time you take it.

The DVS office will give you your score when ready after you finish. If you pass, you will receive a motorcycle permit that day. This permit lets you ride a motorcycle on public roads, but only during daylight hours and only if you are supervised by a licensed motorcycle rider.

Where to find a DVS office near you

Minnesota has DVS offices in every county. You can search for the office closest to you on the state's website at dvs.mn.gov. The site lists each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation.

Some offices are busier than others. If you live in or near a city, you may have multiple offices to choose from. Rural areas typically have one main office per county. Call ahead to ask about wait times, especially if you are planning to visit during lunch hours or on a Friday.

A few DVS offices require appointments for the motorcycle permit test, while others take walk-ins. Check your specific office's website or call them before you go. If your local office requires an appointment and they are booked out, you can usually travel to a nearby county's office instead.

How to study for the motorcycle permit test

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety publishes the official Motorcycle Manual for free on its website. This manual covers everything on the test: traffic laws specific to motorcycles, how to handle different road conditions, protective gear, and what to do in an emergency. Read through it at least once before your test date.

Many websites offer free practice tests that mimic the real exam. These are not official, but they follow the same format and test the same topics. Taking a few practice tests will show you which areas you need to study more and help you get used to answering multiple-choice questions under time pressure.

You can also watch instructional videos about motorcycle safety on YouTube or through motorcycle safety organizations. Some people find videos helpful for understanding riding techniques that are harder to picture from reading alone.

What happens after you pass the permit test

Once you have your motorcycle permit, you can practice riding under the supervision of a licensed motorcycle rider who is at least 18 years old. Your permit is valid for one year, so you have that time to gain experience before you take the riding skills test.

The riding skills test is the second step to getting your full motorcycle license. It is a hands-on test where you demonstrate that you can control the motorcycle, brake safely, turn, and handle obstacles. You will take this test at a DVS office or at an approved testing site.

You do not have to wait a certain amount of time after getting your permit to take the riding skills test — you can take it as soon as you feel ready. However, most people practice for several weeks or months before they attempt it, because the test requires real riding ability, not just knowledge of the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the motorcycle permit test at a different county's DVS office?

Yes. You do not have to test in your home county. If your local office is too busy or does not have appointments available, you can drive to any other DVS office in Minnesota and take the test there. Bring the same documents — your ID and proof of residency — no matter which office you visit.

What if I fail the motorcycle permit test?

You can retake it the same day or come back another day with no waiting period. You will pay the test fee again each time you take it. Most people who fail study the manual more carefully and pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need a motorcycle permit before I can take the riding skills test?

Yes. You must have a valid motorcycle permit before you can schedule the riding skills test. The permit proves you have passed the written test and understand Minnesota motorcycle laws.

How much does the motorcycle permit test cost?

The fee varies slightly by DVS office but is typically around $10 to $15. Call your local office to confirm the exact amount. You will pay again if you retake the test.

What if I move to Minnesota from another state with a motorcycle license?

You may be able to transfer your out-of-state license without taking the Minnesota test. Contact your local DVS office to ask about reciprocity agreements and what documents you will need to bring.