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

Minnesota's permit knowledge test is a written exam you take at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office before you can get your instruction permit. The test has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass — that's 80 percent. You answer the questions on a computer at the DVS office; there is no online version of this test.

The test covers three main areas: road signs and their meanings, Minnesota traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The questions come from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is the official source for everything on the test. You cannot bring notes, phones, or study materials into the testing room.

You have one hour to complete the test. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake it. Most DVS offices let you schedule another test the same day or within a few days, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • The permit test is 40 multiple-choice questions taken on a computer at a DVS office, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • All test content comes from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which you should read before taking the test.
  • You have one hour to finish, and you can retake the test if you do not pass on your first try.
  • Bring a valid ID and proof of your Social Security number or Minnesota ID number when you arrive for your test appointment.

What documents you need to bring to the DVS office

Before you can take the permit test, you must schedule an appointment at a DVS office. When you arrive, bring a valid photo ID — a passport, tribal ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need to prove your Social Security number or Minnesota ID number; bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a birth certificate.

If you are under 18, you may need additional documents depending on your situation. Bring proof of your Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or school enrollment letter. Check with your local DVS office before your appointment, because requirements can differ slightly between locations.

Bring your appointment confirmation if you scheduled one online. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointment slots fill quickly, especially in busy areas. Calling ahead or checking the DVS website for your location is the safest approach.

How to study for the permit test

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is your main study resource. You can read it online at the DVS website or pick up a printed copy at any DVS office for free. The manual is organized by topic — speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, pedestrian safety, and so on — which makes it easier to study section by section.

Focus on the areas that appear most often on the test: traffic signs, stopping and right-of-way rules, and speed limits in different zones. Road signs make up a significant portion of the test, so spend time learning what each sign means and when you will see it on the road.

Many people study by reading the manual once, but spacing out your study over several days or weeks helps the information stick. Read a section, close the book, and try to recall what you learned. If you forget something, read it again. This method is more effective than cramming the night before.

Road signs and traffic laws covered on the test

The test includes questions about all major road signs: stop signs, yield signs, speed limit signs, warning signs (like curves ahead or pedestrian crossing), and regulatory signs (like one-way or do-not-enter). You need to know not just what the sign looks like, but what you must do when you see it.

Traffic law questions cover right-of-way rules at intersections, when you can turn left or right on red, how to handle a four-way stop, and what to do at a traffic light that is broken. The test also asks about speed limits — the default limit on city streets, highways, and school zones — and when you must adjust your speed below the posted limit.

Safe driving practices make up the rest of the test. Expect questions about following distance, how to handle skids or hydroplaning, what to do if your brakes fail, and how to safely pass another vehicle. Questions about distracted driving, impaired driving, and seat belt use also appear regularly.

What happens if you do not pass on your first attempt

If you score below 80 percent, you do not pass and cannot get your instruction permit yet. The DVS office will tell you your score and which topics you missed the most questions on. Use this feedback to study those areas more carefully before your next attempt.

You can usually retake the test within a few days. Some offices let you schedule another test the same day you fail, while others require you to wait 24 hours or schedule for another day. Call your local DVS office to find out their policy and to book your next test time.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, so do not worry if it takes more than one try. Most people pass within two or three attempts once they study the material more thoroughly.

After you pass: getting your instruction permit

Once you pass the knowledge test, you can get your instruction permit the same day at the DVS office. You will pay a fee — the amount varies but is typically under $30 — and the office will take your photo and issue your permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued.

Your instruction permit allows you to drive only when a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. The permit comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive, depending on your age. If you are under 18, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Keep your permit with you every time you drive. You will need it when you take your road test, which is the next step toward getting your full driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online or at home?

No. Minnesota requires you to take the knowledge test in person at a DVS office on a computer provided by the office. You cannot take it online or by mail. You must schedule an appointment or check if your local office accepts walk-ins.

How many times can I retake the test if I fail?

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. You can usually schedule another attempt within a few days. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again.

What if I do not understand a question on the test?

You can raise your hand and ask a DVS staff member for help. They cannot tell you the answer, but they can clarify what the question is asking if the wording is confusing. Take your time reading each question carefully before you answer.

Do I need to pass the knowledge test before I can take driving lessons?

Yes. You must have your instruction permit in hand before you can legally drive with a professional instructor or a licensed adult. The permit proves you passed the knowledge test and understand basic road rules.

Is the test the same if I am over 18?

The knowledge test is the same for all ages — 40 questions covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. However, the restrictions on your instruction permit differ based on your age. Drivers under 18 have more restrictions than drivers 18 and older.