How to Get a Minnesota Driver’s License: Requirements and Application

There are several steps toward getting your Minnesota driver’s license. Like many states, Minnesota sends young drivers through their version of the Graduated Drivers License program in order to slowly introduce them to safely operating a motor vehicle.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about how to get your driver’s license in Minnesota, whether you’re a teen or an adult.

Instruction Permit

The instruction permit is the first part of the graduated drivers license program. In Minnesota, drivers are eligible to obtain their permit as young as 15, however, you’ll be eligible for driver’s education at age 14.

The Steps to Get Your Permit

1. Complete Driver Education – Many public high schools offer driver’s education programs, or you can take a course at one of the many approved schools across the state. You will be required to receive at least 15 out of 30 of these hours before applying.

2. Visit Driver Exam Station

3. Bring Required Documents

• Proof of identification
• Proof of social security
• Proof of Minnesota address (2)

4. Pass Vision Test – You’ll need to exhibit vision of 20/40 or better.

5. Pass Knowledge Test

6. Pay Fee & Recieve Permit

Permit Restrictions

• You must always drive with a licensed adult who is 21 years of age or older.
• All vehicle occupants must use seatbelts at all times.
• Cell phone use, including hands free devices, is strictly prohibited.

Provisional Driver’s License

The Minnesota provisional license is the second step of the graduated license program for teens. You are eligible to apply if you’re at least 16 years old, have fully completed a drivers education program, held your permit for at least six months, and logged 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice (including 15 hours at night).

The steps to gaining one are simple – you must:

1. Schedule Road Test. You must schedule a road test with the Minnesota DMV in order to be able to take one. Walk-ins are not allowed. You must bring a parent or legal guardian with you in order to verify and sign off on your application documents.
2. Bring Necessary Documents. At your appointment, you will be asked to present your instruction permit, proof of completion of driver education, your supervised driving log, as well as your vehicle registration and insurance.
3. Pass Road Test. The Minnesota road test will examine your ability to safely perform driving maneuvers such as parking, left/right hand turns, changing lanes, and more. You will be graded on vehicle control, driving performance, and your knowledge of vehicle safety equipment.
4. Pay Fee. $16.25 will be charged at the time of your application. An enhanced driver’s license will cost $15 extra.

Provisional License Restrictions

While a provisional driver’s license has fewer restrictions than a permit, you will still need to abide by the following:

• You must drive with a seat belt at all times
• No electronics are permitted to be used while operating
• For the first six months, only one passenger under 20 is permitted as a passenger
• In the second six months and beyond, 3 passengers under 20 are permitted to accompany as a passenger

After holding your provisional license for 12 months without any alcohol or controlled substance violations, you will be allowed to upgrade to a full Minnesota driver’s license. Also; you may not have more than one moving violation that is not related to a crash.

Minnesota Driver’s License

If you’ve completed the GDL, you’ll be able to get your full adult drivers license after 12 months.

If not, you’ll first need to first fill out a pre application, indicating whether you’d prefer to receive a standard, enhanced, or REAL ID. You will also need to schedule an appointment to take your road and written exams.

On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring documentation, such as proof of social security and proof of identity. You will then be prompted to take the vision, knowledge, and road exams designed to test your ability and understanding of core driving concepts.

That’s It!

That’s all you need to know about getting your driver’s license in the state of Minnesota! We hope this guide has helped you out and that you now know what to expect during the licensing process. If you need help studying for your upcoming exams, well then Zutobi is the perfect study guide.