What Minnesota's license exam covers and how it works

Minnesota's driver's license exam has two parts: a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You take the written test first at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. If you pass, you get a learner's permit and can schedule the road test, which a DVS examiner administers in your own vehicle or a rental. Both tests must be passed to get your full license.

The written test is 40 multiple-choice questions covering Minnesota traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, speed limits, and what road signs mean. You need 32 correct answers to pass. The road test lasts about 20 minutes and tests your ability to handle basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws in real conditions.

You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail. The road test can also be retaken, but you'll pay the test fee again each time.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test is 40 questions on Minnesota traffic laws and signs, with 32 correct needed to pass, and you can retake it the next day if you fail.
  • The road test happens in a real vehicle and covers basic driving skills like turning, stopping, and parking in about 20 minutes.
  • You must pass the written test before scheduling the road test, and both must be passed to receive your license.
  • You can study for the written test using the Minnesota Driver's Manual, available free online at the DVS website, or take practice tests to prepare.
  • Bring required documents to your written test appointment, including proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Minnesota residency.

What documents you need for the written test

Before you sit for the written test, DVS requires specific documents to verify your identity and residency. Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number or an ITIN, and proof that you live in Minnesota. Acceptable residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian present to sign consent forms. Bring their ID as well. If your name has changed due to marriage or legal action, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

How to prepare for the written test

The Minnesota Driver's Manual is the official study material and covers everything on the test. You can read it free online at the DVS website or request a printed copy at any DVS office. The manual is organized by topic: traffic signs, right-of-way, speed limits, parking, and vehicle equipment. Most people spend 2 to 4 weeks studying before taking the test.

Practice tests are available online through the DVS website and through third-party sites. Taking practice tests helps you identify weak areas and get used to the multiple-choice format. Focus extra time on road signs and right-of-way rules, which appear frequently on the actual test. Many people find it helpful to study in short sessions over several weeks rather than cramming the night before.

What to expect during the road test

The road test is conducted by a DVS examiner in a vehicle — yours, a family member's, or a rental. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks in real traffic: starting the car, turning left and right, stopping smoothly, backing up, and parking. You'll also be tested on your ability to follow traffic laws, check mirrors and blind spots, and respond to traffic signals and signs.

The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers both city streets and possibly a highway or rural road, depending on where your DVS office is located. The examiner will give you directions as you drive. Common reasons people fail include failing to signal, not checking mirrors, speeding, rolling through stop signs, or hitting the curb while parking. If you fail, you can retake the test after paying the fee again.

How to schedule your tests

You can schedule your written test online through the DVS website, by phone at 651-297-2126, or in person at any DVS office. Online scheduling is fastest and lets you pick a date and time that works for you. Many offices have appointments available within a few days, though busy locations may have longer waits.

After you pass the written test, you'll receive your learner's permit on the spot. You can then schedule your road test through the same methods. You must have held your learner's permit for at least 30 days before taking the road test if you're under 18, or at least one day if you're 18 or older. Some people schedule both tests weeks apart to allow study time; others schedule the road test when ready after passing the written test.

What happens after you pass both tests

Once you pass the road test, you'll receive your driver's license the same day. Your license is valid for four years if you're under 65, or eight years if you're 65 or older. You'll pay a fee for the license itself, separate from the test fees. If you fail the road test, you can retake it as soon as you pay the fee again — there's no waiting period between road test attempts.

If you're under 18, your license will have restrictions: you can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you can't use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift after six months of violation-free driving, or you can request early removal if you complete a driver education course.

Test fees and what they cover

The written test costs $10. The road test costs $15. Your driver's license itself costs $16.50 for a four-year license or $33 for an eight-year license. These fees are current but may change; check the DVS website for the most up-to-date amounts. You pay each fee when you take that test or receive that document — you don't pay everything upfront.

If you need to retake either test, you pay the test fee again. There's no charge to study or to use the practice tests online. If you lose your learner's permit before taking the road test, you can request a replacement for a small fee rather than retaking the written test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. Minnesota offers the written test in several languages including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. When you schedule your test, let DVS know which language you need. Not all offices offer all languages, so you may need to travel to a larger office or wait longer for an appointment.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the next day. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the areas where they struggled. You pay the $10 fee each time you take the test.

Do I have to use my own car for the road test?

No. You can use a family member's car, a rental, or a car from a driving school. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins. If anything is broken, the test won't happen and you'll need to reschedule.

What if I'm nervous about the road test?

Many people take a few lessons with a professional driving instructor before the road test. An instructor can point out habits you need to fix and help you practice the specific skills the test covers. Some driving schools also offer test-day coaching. Practicing with a licensed adult for several weeks before the test also helps build confidence.

How long is my learner's permit valid?

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If you don't pass the road test within that year, you'll need to retake the written test to get a new permit. Most people take the road test within a few weeks or months of getting their permit.