Free Minnesota Permit Practice Tests 2025

You must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit (learner’s permit) in Minnesota. This age requirement applies to all first-time permit applicants regardless of prior driving experience.

To apply for a permit in Minnesota you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Two proofs of Minnesota residency (utility bills, bank statements, etc.)
• Social Security number
• Payment for the application fee
• If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, you’ll need additional documentation. Check the Minnesota DVS website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Sign your permit application
• Accept financial responsibility for you
• Provide their driver’s license information

The application process in Minnesota is as follows:

1. Fill out a Driver’s License application
2. Bring the required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
3. Pay the application fee
4. Take your knowledge test
5. Take a vision test

If you’re under 18 you must also:

• Have a parent or guardian sign to approve the application
• Provide proof of enrollment in a driver education program

Minnesota allows you to start some parts of the application process online, but you must visit a DVS exam station or driver’s license office in person to:

• Complete the application
• Bring your documents
• Take your vision test
• Complete your knowledge test

The Minnesota DVS charges a fee for an instruction permit. This fee covers the cost of processing your application, the knowledge test, and issuing your permit. Check the Minnesota DVS website for current fee information.

To get your permit in Minnesota you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• A knowledge test with multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices

The Minnesota permit knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80%) to pass.

The Minnesota permit test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Penalties for violating traffic laws
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving

The best ways to prepare for your Minnesota permit test:

• Study the Minnesota Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Minnesota Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual permit test
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts
• Consider enrolling in a driver education course

If you fail the Minnesota permit test:

• You must wait one day to retake the test
• You may need to pay a retesting fee for subsequent attempts
• There is no limit to the number of retakes, but each attempt requires payment of the fee

With a Minnesota instruction permit you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat
• Gain experience to prepare for your road test
• Drive on any public road or highway with proper supervision

When driving with a permit in Minnesota you:

• Must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the passenger seat
• Cannot use any electronic devices while driving, even in hands-free mode if you’re under 18
• Must ensure all passengers wear seat belts
• Cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. if you’re under 18, with certain exceptions

In Minnesota the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must hold your instruction permit for at least six months before taking the road test
• You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice (15 of these hours must be at night)
• If your parent/guardian completes a parent class, the required hours decrease to 40 hours (with 15 at night)

If you are 18 or older:

• There is no minimum holding period for your permit
• Practice enough to develop safe driving skills before taking your road test

Minnesota requires different driver education based on your age:

• If you are under 18: Yes, you must be enrolled in a state-approved driver education program before getting a learner’s permit. The program must include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
• If you are 18 or older: No, driver education is not required, although it’s recommended to help you become a safer driver.

In Minnesota, before you get your driver’s license the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• You must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction
• 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor
• 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 15 hours at night) with someone at least 21 years old who has a valid license
• If your parent/guardian completes the parent awareness class, the supervised driving requirement is reduced to 40 hours (including 15 hours at night)

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it is still beneficial

You can find Minnesota-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the Minnesota DVS website for a list of licensed driving schools
• Looking for instructors who are certified by the state of Minnesota

The Minnesota road test checks:

• If you can safely operate the vehicle
• If you follow traffic laws and signals
• Basic maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
• Your awareness of other road users
• Good decision making in various traffic situations

Before you start, the examiner will check your vehicle to ensure it’s safe and properly equipped.

You can schedule your road test in Minnesota by:

• Going to the DVS website to make an appointment online
• Calling your local DVS exam station
• Visiting a DVS exam station in person

On the day of your road test in Minnesota, bring:

• Your valid permit
• A properly registered, insured, and equipped vehicle
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• A licensed driver 21 or older to accompany you to the test
• Payment for the license fee if you pass

Common reasons for failing the Minnesota road test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Lack of steering control
• Poor awareness of surroundings
• Not following the examiner’s instructions

To convert your permit to a license in Minnesota:
If you are under 18:

• Hold your permit for at least 6 months
• Complete driver education (30 hours classroom, 6 hours behind-the-wheel)
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving practice (15 hours at night; or 40 hours if your parent/guardian completes a parent class)
• Be at least 16 years old
• Pass the road test
• Pay the license fees

If you are 18 or older:

• Practice with your permit until you’re ready
• Schedule and pass the road test
• Pay the license fees

Minnesota’s graduated licensing program has these stages:

• Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15 years old, enrolled in driver education, and practice with a licensed adult 21 or older.
• Provisional License: Must be at least 16 years old, have held your permit for at least 6 months, completed driver education, completed the required practice hours, and passed the road test.
• Full License: Provisional restrictions end when you turn 18 or after holding your provisional license for 12 months without any traffic violations.
• Adults 18 and older can go directly from permit to full license after passing the road test.

As a new driver under 18 in Minnesota with a provisional license, you will not be able to:

• Drive with more than one passenger under 20 years old who is not a member of your immediate family for the first 6 months
• Drive with more than 3 passengers under 20 years old who are not members of your immediate family for the second 6 months
• Drive between midnight and 5 a.m. except under specific exceptions (e.g., commuting to work or school with a licensed driver at least 25 years old)

These restrictions apply until you turn 18 or have held your provisional license for 12 months without any traffic violations.

Minnesota does not recognize out-of-state permits for non-residents. If you are moving to Minnesota with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Minnesota permit
• You may need to retake both the knowledge and road tests
• You must provide all required documentation as a new applicant

Minnesota offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Audio versions of the driver manual
• Oral knowledge tests
• Interpreters for various languages, including American Sign Language
• Extended testing time
• Ability to use special equipment in your own vehicle for the driving test
• Contact your local DVS office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, Minnesota issues driver’s licenses and permits to eligible residents regardless of immigration status. Non-U.S. citizens can get a permit or license by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of Minnesota residency
• Other required documents
• Visit the Minnesota DVS website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the Minnesota Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any DVS office.

Yes! We offer free Minnesota-specific practice tests that mimic the actual permit test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Minnesota permit process:

• Visit the Minnesota DVS website at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/
• Call the DVS at 651-297-3298 during business hours
• Visit your local DVS office
• Email: dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us

If you lose your Minnesota permit:

• You can request a replacement online through the DVS website or in person at a DVS office
• You will need to provide proof of your identity
• You will need to pay a replacement fee

A parent or guardian who signed the application can cancel their teen’s permit or license by submitting a written and signed request to any DVS driver’s license office. The minor will be notified and must surrender their permit or license to the DVS.