What you need to bring to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office

To get a Minnesota learner's permit, you must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person with specific documents. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works). You will also need a parent or guardian's signature if you are under 18.

If you were not born in the United States, bring your passport or travel document. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The DVS office will not accept expired documents, so check that everything is current before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring your Social Security card or number, birth certificate or passport, and proof of address to a DVS office in person.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process at the office.
  • The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Minnesota Driver's Manual online.
  • The learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for one year from the date you receive it.
  • With a learner's permit, you must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front seat with you at all times.

Age requirements and restrictions for learner's permit holders

Minnesota issues learner's permits to people as young as 14 years old. If you are 14 or 15, you must hold the permit for at least six months and be at least 15 years old before you can take the road test for a regular driver's license. If you are 16 or older when you get the permit, you can take the road test after holding it for only 30 days.

While you hold a learner's permit, you cannot drive alone. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must sit in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These rules exist whether you are 14 or 17.

The written test: what to study and how to prepare

The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes and is given at the DVS office on the same day you submit your process.

Study the free Minnesota Driver's Manual, which the state publishes online and updates regularly. The manual covers everything the test covers: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, how to handle weather and road conditions, and what to do if you are pulled over. Many people study the manual for a few days before their test and pass on the first try. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day at no extra cost.

Cost and how long the permit lasts

A Minnesota learner's permit costs $20. You pay this fee when you submit your process at the DVS office. The permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you can renew it for another $20.

If you turn 18 while you hold a learner's permit, the permit remains valid until it expires. You do not need to reapply or pay a new fee just because you had a birthday.

Finding a DVS office near you and what to expect on the day

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. You can find the office closest to you on the state's website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online or by phone.

On the day you go, arrive with all your documents and your parent or guardian if you are under 18. The staff will check your documents, take your photo for the permit, have you sign the process, and give you the written test. If you pass the test, you will receive your permit the same day. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you have your learner's permit, you can begin practicing with a licensed driver in the front seat. Many people practice for several months before taking the road test for a regular driver's license. There is no minimum number of hours you must practice, but the more you drive in different conditions — rain, night, highway — the more confident you will be on the test.

When you are ready to take the road test, you will schedule an appointment at a DVS office. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test. The road test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you will receive your regular driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. If your license was suspended or revoked in Minnesota or any other state, you cannot get a learner's permit until the suspension or revocation ends. Contact the DVS office to find out when you become may be able to access again.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day at no extra cost. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the manual more carefully.

Do I need a learner's permit if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Minnesota license without getting a learner's permit first. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of address to a DVS office.

Can my learner's permit be used as a Real ID?

No. A learner's permit is not a Real ID and cannot be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. You will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or passport for those purposes.

What if I move to a different state while I hold a Minnesota learner's permit?

Your Minnesota permit is no longer valid once you move. You will need to get a learner's permit from your new state. Contact that state's driver licensing office to find out what documents you need.