Minnesota Driver's License
Minnesota DVS Knowledge Test β 40 questions, 32 (80%) to pass
Languages the official test is offered in: English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian
π What to Bring
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Proof of identity & residency
Documents that meet MN DVS requirements (e.g. passport, birth certificate, proof of MN address); REAL ID needs specific documents
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Application & fee
Complete the application and pay the knowledge-test / permit fee at an exam station
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Parent/guardian (if under 18)
Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign and proof of driver's-education enrollment/completion
π How to Schedule
- 1
Study the manual and practice
Read the Minnesota Driver's Manual and take practice tests covering signs, traffic laws, and safe driving.
- 2
Visit a DVS exam station
You can take the knowledge test for an instruction permit at age 15. Bring your documents and fee; the test is offered in several languages.
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Pass the vision and knowledge tests
Pass a vision screening, then the 40-question knowledge test (32 to pass). When you pass, you receive your instruction permit and enter Minnesota's graduated driver licensing.
π‘ Test Day Tips
- β’The Minnesota knowledge test has 40 questions; you must answer 32 correctly (80%) to pass.
- β’Drivers under 21 must have a blood-alcohol concentration of zero β Minnesota's Not-a-Drop law prohibits any detectable alcohol.
- β’The legal BAC limit is 0.08 (0.04 for commercial drivers). Minnesota has an implied-consent law for chemical testing.
- β’Minnesota's Move Over law requires you to move over or slow down for stopped emergency, maintenance, and other vehicles with flashing lights.
- β’Use the three-second rule for following distance, and increase it in rain, snow, ice, or fog β common Minnesota winter conditions.
π Driver Handbook
All practice questions are based on the chapters below. Click any chapter to read it on the official DMV website.
π― Practice by Topic
Your license to drive
Getting a Minnesota driver's license: instruction permit and provisional/graduated licensing for teens, REAL ID and Enhanced licenses, required documents, the tests, and license renewal.
Your vehicle
Vehicle registration and insurance, required equipment, lights, tires, windows, and keeping your vehicle roadworthy in Minnesota.
Traffic laws and vehicle operation
Minnesota speed limits, right-of-way, signaling, turns, passing, following distance, seat belts and child restraints, and parking rules.
Sharing the road
Sharing Minnesota roads with pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, large trucks, buses and school buses, emergency vehicles, trains, and work zones β including the move-over law.
Signs, signals and pavement markings
The shapes and colors of Minnesota road signs, regulatory/warning/guide signs, traffic signals and arrows, and pavement markings every driver must recognize.
Driving conditions
Driving at night and in rain, snow, ice and fog, Minnesota winter driving, skids and hydroplaning, freeway driving, and handling emergencies and crashes.
Your driving privileges
Minnesota's driver violation system and the suspension, revocation and cancellation of driving privileges, plus how to reinstate your license.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Minnesota's DWI law: BAC limits, implied consent, DWI penalty tiers, ignition interlock, and how alcohol and drugs impair driving.