Obtaining Your Driver's License

If you are under 18, you must complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and be enrolled in 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction in order to be eligible for a Minnesota instruction permit.

Knowledge Test

  • You must be at least 15 years old to take the class D knowledge test and hold a learner's permit.
  • Must have a certificate of completion (Blue Card) proving classroom instruction is completed and you are registered for behind-the-wheel instruction in order to take the knowledge test.
  • Parent, court-appointed guardian, county-appointed foster parent, or the director of the transitional living program you are residing in must sign and approve your application.
  • You must receive a score of 80% or higher to pass the written knowledge test.
  • You may take only one test per day.
  • You must present two forms of I.D. to take the test. Refer to chapter one of the Minnesota Driver's Manual for more information on acceptable forms of ID.
  • After passing the knowledge test, you need to pass a vision screening, have your photograph taken, complete the driver's permit application form and pay all associated fees before being issued a valid Minnesota driver's permit.

Road Test

  • You must be at least 16 years old to take the road test. Refer to Chapter 1 of the Minnesota Driver's Manual for information on exceptions to the minimum age requirement.
  • Must have held a valid Minnesota Instruction permit for at least six months with no convictions for a moving violation or an alcohol or controlled substance violation.
  • If you are under 18 years of age you must present the following four items when taking the road test:
    • Valid MN Learner's Permit
    • White Card
    • Proof of Insurance
    • Printed Minnesota Supervised Driving Log
  • Parent, court-appointed guardian, county-appointed foster parent, or the director of the transitional living program you are residing in must sign and approve your application.
  • After passing the road test, you need to pass a vision screening, have your photograph taken, complete the driver's license application form and pay all associated fees before being issued a valid Minnesota driver's license.

Nighttime Driving Limitations

For the first six months of licensure: Driving is prohibited from midnight - 5 a.m. unless you are:

  • Driving when accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older.
  • Driving between home and place of employment.
  • Driving to or from home and a school event for which the school does not provide transportation.
  • Driving for employment purposes.

Passenger Limitations

For the first six months of licensure: Only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Members of the driver's immediate family are exempt from this limitation.

For the second six months of licensure: No more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Members of the driver's immediate family are exempt from this limitation.

Cell Phone and Texting

It's illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, whether hand-held or hands-free - except to call 911 in an emergency.

It's illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read, or send text messages or access the Internet while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.

Resources

Class - Crossword Days 5-8

Class - Days 1 - 4 Crossword

Class - Final Exam

This is the PDF file of the final exam for remote learning classes. It needs to be attached to the notification email.

Class - Word Search

Class - Workbook

This is the PDF file of the workbook for remote learning that is attached to the email notification.

Minnesota Driver's Manual

Minnesota Supervised Driving Log

You will need to log 50 hours of practice time with a parent or another qualified supervising driver. Fifteen of these hours must be at night.

If you attended a parent class, the total number of supervised driving hours that must be logged are reduced to 40 hours. Fifteen of those hours must be at night.

The hours driven with an instructor do not count as part of the hours on your supervised driving log.

You may use this form or download an app for tracking your hours. If using an app, you must be able to print the log as the examiner requires a printed copy when taking the road test.

The Road Ready app has been used by students who choose to use an app.

Schedule Your Knowledge Test or Road Test

Minnesota class D knowledge and road tests must be scheduled online. As well as scheduling your appointment online, the Department of Public Safety suggests completing the online pre-application packet to help your visit to the testing center be smoother and faster. If you need assistance in scheduling an appointment call (651) 284-1234.