Pro tip: Navigating Minnesota's scenic routes and metro areas calls for comprehensive driving know-how. Our detailed tutorials on handling a stick shift and parallel parking will greatly aid your driving experience. Develop your skills for backing into a parking slot and performing three-point turns. Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted for a safe drive. Try our Online Driving Simulator to refine your driving skills, and for international visitors, ensure you understand Minnesota's international driver's license policies.
You must bring appropriate documentation for your knowledge test:
If you want to get a REAL ID, bring the proof of the following:
Use the interactive Pre-Apply for a Driver’s License feature that helps you choose the correct documents for each type of license.
$13.25 paid by check, money order or cash. (Debit and credit cards are not accepted.)
Provisional license is the second step of Minnesota graduated driver's licensing system for young drivers (16-17 years of age). It allows you to drive on your own but with certain restrictions:
You should complete at least 6 hours of behind the wheel training and 30 hours of classroom instruction (if you haven't completed it fully before getting your instruction permit). You should receive a "White Card" on the completion of your education.
You mustn't have any convictions for moving or alcohol/controlled-substance violations.
Your parent/guardian may complete a 90-minute awareness class provided by an approved driver education program. In this case, you will have to log in at least 40 hours of supervised driving, 15 of which are nighttime hours.
If your parent doesn't complete the course, log in at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 15 of which are at night.
Choose the exam station here (tick Road Test- Class D to find suitable locations). Then use the DVS online tool to schedule faster. You can also schedule over the phone. It's better to schedule 3- 4 weeks in advance as some locations test once a week only. During the spring break or summer holidays you may need to schedule 6 weeks in advance.
$16.25 by check, money order or cash (cards are not accepted in many locations).
Read here more about the road test. If you fail the test twice, you will have to pay a $20 fee for each subsequent attempt.
Your validated record of the road test score and your application receipt will work as your temporary driver's license. You will receive your license in the mail. Note that you can check your license status here. Your provisional license will be valid for 2 years.
You can get the full Class D driver's license if you are 18+, or you've held the provisional license for 12 months.
If you've never been licensed or have a foreign driver's license, start with step 1.
If you've got an instruction permit, start with step 7.
If you've held the provisional license for 12 months, do the following:
You have three options: Standard, Enhanced or REAL ID Compliant Driver's License. Check the options here.
If you want to get a Real ID, bring the proof of the following:
Use the interactive Pre-Apply for a Driver’s License feature that help you choose the correct documents for each type of license.
All documents in other languages must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40, and your peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees. If you fail vision screening, you will be asked to see an eye doctor.
$25.25 by check, money order or cash (cards are not accepted in many locations). If you want to get an enhanced driver's license, pay additional $15.00. Starting from October 2018, Minnesotans can get a REAL ID driver's license.
The exam will check your ability to drive safely under normal traffic conditions as well as your knowledge of the rules of the road. It consists of demonstration of your car's safety equipment, vehicle control skills, and a driving performance test.
You can schedule your road test online or over the phone (in the seven-county metro area) call 651-284-1234. To find a station convenient for you, use Find Office Locations (tick Road Test- Class D to find suitable locations). It's advisable to schedule at least 3- 4 weeks in advance as some locations test once a week only. During the spring break or summer holidays you may need to schedule 6 weeks in advance. Popular locations can be scheduled up to 6 months in advance by phone only.
Note that road test appointments during the winter months may be delayed until streets are passable and skill exercise areas are cleared.
Don't be late for the test and bring the following:
You must also provide the following if you are under 18 years of age:
Make sure that your vehicle is free of smoke (smoking is not allowed), no passengers, loose objects that could break, parking assist must be switched off. Back-up cameras are allowed but should not be the only method of observation when backing up.
Before you start driving, your examiner will ask you to show the following features in safe working order:
If you vehicle is found safe you can proceed to the next part of the test.
During the test, the examiner will evaluate your good observation skills, awareness of risks, and your reaction to them. Follow the instructions at all times, you will not be asked to do anything illegal.
You will be evaluated for the following maneuvers:
Critical Driving Mistakes
You will fail the road test on the spot if you do the following:
At the end of the test, your examiner will inform you if you pass or fail, and explain your mistakes. If you fail, you will be given practice time that must be completed before your next road test. If you fail the road test twice, you will have to pay the $20 fee for each subsequent attempt. If you fail the test 4 times, you must complete at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor before taking it again.
If you pass the test, you may apply for your driver's license. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent/ guardian, must sign your application.
You’re considered resident if you move to Minnesota and make it your permanent home for the time being
Good news! You don't have to convert your out-of-state license if
If you are moving from another state, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Virgin Islands and Guam or Canada, you will have to pass the knowledge and vision tests to get your Minnesota driver's license. You have 60 days to convert your out-of-state license after you become a resident here. You can make an application at any Driver's License Office, some of which are Exam station locations.
You have three options: Standard, Enhanced or Real ID Compliant Driver's License. Check the options here.
You must bring the following:
If you apply for a Real ID ( recommended), use the Interactive Pre-Apply for a Driver’s License feature that help you choose the correct documents for each type of license.
All documents in other languages must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Find one of 95 driver exam stations that provide knowledge tests on a walk-in basis. The test evaluates your knowledge and understanding of Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. Check frequently asked questions about the knowledge test and take free practice tests online before you go.
There are 14 exam stations and 127 Driver's License Agent offices that accept applications.
Your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40, and your peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees. If you fail vision screening, you will be asked to see an eye doctor.
$25.25 by check, money order or cash (cards are not accepted in many locations). If you want to get an enhanced driver's license, pay additional $15.00. Starting from October 2018, Minnesotans can get a Real ID driver's license.
Your application receipt will work as your temporary driver’s license. Your Minnesota driver’s license will arrive in mail and will be valid for four years.
If your out-of-state license expired more than one year ago, you will have to pass the road test as well.
If you are moving to Minnesota from a country other than Canada, you must pass a knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test even if you have a valid license from your former country. Your foreign driver's license will not be invalidated. If you are unable to present your current valid driver's license, you will need to supply a certified copy of your driving record. It will allow you to get your Minnesota license sooner.
For the full procedure of getting your Minnesota driver's license, go to How to Apply for Your Full (Adult) Driver's License in Minnesota.
To transfer your Canadian driver's license, go to I've Got a Valid Out-of-State Driver License .
