What the Minnesota Pre-Permit Test Covers

Minnesota's pre-permit test, officially called the written knowledge test, is the first exam you take before you can get a learner's permit. It tests your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and Minnesota-specific regulations. You must pass this test before you can move forward to behind-the-wheel instruction or the road test.

The test contains 40 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly—that is a score of 80 percent—to pass. The test is administered at your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, and you take it on a computer terminal in the office itself.

The questions cover Minnesota traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking regulations, what different road signs mean, and how to handle hazardous driving situations. Some questions ask about seat belt laws, distracted driving, and impaired driving. The test is designed to confirm you understand the rules before you sit behind the wheel with a learner's permit.

Key Takeaways

  • The pre-permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • You take the test on a computer at your local DVS office, and results are available when ready after you finish.
  • The Minnesota Driver's Manual is the official study material, and it covers everything the test asks about.
  • You can retake the test if you fail, but you must wait one day before your next attempt.
  • There is a fee to take the test, which varies slightly by DVS location but is typically under $10.

How to Prepare for the Test

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is your primary study resource. It is available free online through the Minnesota DVS website and covers all the material on the test. You can read it on screen, read it as a PDF, or request a printed copy at your DVS office. The manual is organized by topic—road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices—so you can study one section at a time.

Many people study the manual for one to two weeks before taking the test. Start with the sections on road signs and traffic laws, since those make up a large portion of the questions. Then move through safe driving practices, parking rules, and Minnesota-specific regulations. As you study, write down rules or signs you find confusing and review them again the next day.

Some DVS offices offer practice tests on their computers before you take the real test. Ask your local office whether they have this option. Taking a practice test under the same conditions as the real test—on a computer, timed, with the same format—can reduce anxiety and help you identify weak areas to study more.

When and Where to Take the Test

You take the pre-permit test at your local DVS office. Minnesota has DVS locations in most counties, and you can take the test at any office, not just the one nearest your home. Check the Minnesota DVS website to find office locations, hours, and whether they require an appointment or accept walk-ins. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead can tell you how long the wait typically is.

DVS offices are usually open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday hours. A few offices are open on Saturdays. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some require one, so confirm before you go. The test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete once you sit down at the computer.

Bring your current ID and proof of your Social Security number when you go. If you do not have these documents, the DVS office can tell you what alternatives they accept. Arrive early enough that you are not rushed, and bring the fee—usually between $5 and $10, depending on your location.

What Happens If You Fail

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and cannot get your learner's permit yet. You will receive a score report showing how many questions you answered correctly and which topics gave you the most trouble. Use this report to guide your next study session—focus on the areas where you lost the most points.

You can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. Some people retake it the very next day; others study for another week or two before trying again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you pay the fee each time. Most people pass on their second attempt after reviewing the material they missed.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring a valid photo ID—a passport, state ID card, or another government-issued ID with your photograph. You also need proof of your Social Security number. An original Social Security card is the easiest proof, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or other official document that shows your full Social Security number.

If you are under 18, you may need to bring a parent or guardian, depending on Minnesota law and your DVS office's specific rules. Call your local office to confirm what documents minors need. Bring the test fee as well—cash or card, depending on what your office accepts.

After You Pass: Next Steps

Once you pass the pre-permit test, you can explore for your learner's permit. You will return to the DVS office with additional documents: proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Minnesota residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your birth certificate or passport. You will also pay the learner's permit fee, which is separate from the test fee.

After you receive your learner's permit, you can begin supervised driving with a licensed adult. Minnesota requires at least 30 hours of supervised driving—at least 10 of them at night—before you can take the road test for your regular driver's license. Your learner's permit is valid for one year, so you have that time to complete your supervised driving hours and prepare for the road test.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not skip studying the Minnesota Driver's Manual. The test questions come directly from the manual, and people who study it thoroughly almost always pass. Skimming the manual or relying only on online practice tests is not enough—read the full manual at least once.

Do not assume you know the answers without studying. Even experienced drivers sometimes fail because Minnesota has specific rules they were not aware of, such as particular right-of-way situations or speed limit exceptions. Take the test seriously and study the material.

Do not rush to the test. If you feel unprepared after studying for a few days, wait another week. There is no benefit to taking the test before you are ready, and you will just have to pay the fee again if you fail. Give yourself enough study time to feel confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the pre-permit test online from home?

No. Minnesota requires you to take the test in person at a DVS office on a computer terminal there. This ensures the test is administered fairly and your identity is verified. You cannot take it remotely or on your own computer.

How long is the pre-permit test valid if I pass?

Your passing score is valid for one year. You have that time to explore for your learner's permit and complete the rest of the licensing process. If you do not explore for your permit within one year, you will need to retake the test.

What if I fail the test twice?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, but you pay the test fee each time. Most people pass within two or three attempts after studying the material they missed on their first try.

Is the pre-permit test the same as the road test?

No. The pre-permit test is a written knowledge test about traffic laws and signs. The road test, which you take later with your learner's permit, is a behind-the-wheel driving test where an examiner watches you drive and evaluates your actual driving skills.

Do I need to study Minnesota-specific laws, or is general driving knowledge enough?

You need to study Minnesota-specific laws. The test includes questions about Minnesota traffic laws, speed limits, and regulations that may differ from other states. The Minnesota Driver's Manual covers all of these, so study it thoroughly.