Minnesota's permit test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass

The Minnesota written permit test contains 40 multiple-choice questions. To pass, you must score at least 80 percent, which means getting 32 questions correct. The test covers information from the Minnesota Driver's Manual and focuses on road signs, traffic laws, safe driving practices, and what to do in different driving situations.

The test is administered at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. You take it on a computer, and you receive your score when ready after finishing. If you don't pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • The permit test in Minnesota contains 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
  • All questions are multiple-choice and drawn from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free to read online or pick up at any DVS office.
  • You take the test on a computer at a DVS office and get your score before you leave.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test the next day, and there is no limit to how many times you can try.

What the permit test covers

The 40 questions test your knowledge of Minnesota traffic laws and safe driving. Topics include recognizing road signs and their meanings, understanding right-of-way rules, knowing speed limits and when they change, and understanding what to do in bad weather or emergency situations. Questions also cover seat belt laws, distracted driving rules, and how to handle intersections and turns.

The test does not include a driving component—that comes later when you take the road test for your license. The permit test is purely written and checks whether you know the rules before you get behind the wheel.

How to prepare for the test

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is your main study resource. You can read it free on the Minnesota DVS website, or you can pick up a printed copy at any DVS office. The manual contains all the information covered on the test, organized by topic. Many people read through it once, then focus on the sections where they feel less confident.

Some people also use online practice tests to get used to the format and timing. These are not official, but they can help you understand what kinds of questions to expect. The official DVS website does not offer a practice test, but third-party sites and apps offer them based on the manual's content.

Test day details and timing

When you arrive at a DVS office to take the permit test, bring your identification and proof of residency. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes for most people, though you are allowed more time if you need it. You sit at a computer, read each question, and select your answer from the choices shown.

You cannot use notes, phones, or any outside materials during the test. The DVS staff will give you scratch paper if you want to work through a problem. Once you finish all 40 questions, the computer scores your test when ready and tells you whether you passed or failed.

What happens if you fail

If you score below 32 correct answers, you do not pass and cannot get your permit yet. You must wait at least one day before you can retake the test. There is no maximum number of attempts, so you can keep trying until you pass. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again.

Many people who fail the first time study the areas where they struggled most and do better on the second attempt. If you are having trouble, going back to the Driver's Manual and reading those sections more carefully often helps more than taking another practice test.

After you pass the permit test

Once you pass the written test, you receive your instruction permit. This permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. In Minnesota, you must hold your permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for your full license. During that time, you practice the actual driving skills the road test will check.

The road test itself is separate from the permit test and includes both a written portion and a driving portion where an examiner rides with you and watches how you handle the vehicle and follow traffic laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online from home?

No. The permit test must be taken in person at a Minnesota DVS office on their computer. You cannot take it remotely or at home. You need to schedule an appointment or visit a DVS office during their hours.

What happens if I run out of time before answering all 40 questions?

There is no strict time limit for the test. You are given reasonable time to answer all questions. If you need extra time due to a disability or language barrier, let the DVS staff know when you arrive, and they can provide accommodations.

Are the questions the same every time I take the test?

No. The questions are drawn from a larger pool based on the Driver's Manual, so different people and different test attempts will have different questions. This is why studying the manual itself is more useful than memorizing specific practice test questions.

Do I need to pass the permit test before I can take driver's education?

No. You can take a driver's education course before or after passing the permit test. However, you must have your instruction permit before you can practice driving on public roads, so most people pass the written test first.

What is the cost of taking the permit test in Minnesota?

The fee varies and may change, so check the Minnesota DVS website or call your local DVS office for the current cost. The fee applies each time you take the test, including retakes.