Turning 15 years old opens the door to getting a Minnesota learner’s permit, but there are other obligations you have to complete before you can start practicing.
public roads, you’ll need to complete 30 hours of classroom instructions, be enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction, pass a vision screening, and receive an 80% or higher on the Class D knowledge test.
You’ll need to be at least 15 years old and have completed 30 hours of driver’s ed to get your Minnesota learner’s permit.
You also need to pass a vision exam and score 80% or higher on your written knowledge test.
Bring your proof of classroom driving instruction, proof of identification, a parent or guardian, and $15 to your testing appointment.
How to get a Minnesota learner’s permit
Getting a learner’s permit is the first step in Minnesota’s graduated driver's license law (GDL), which is a state-sponsored program designed to ease young drivers onto the road.
However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The first step is technically turning 15 years old. But don’t head straight to a DVS office on your birthday. You’ll also need to be a qualified applicant by checking all the boxes below:
Be at least 15 years old
Have completed 30 hours of classroom instruction
Are currently enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction
Have passed a vision screening
Have scored an 80% or higher on the Class D knowledge test, available
Corrective lenses (if needed for vision screening)
A parent or legal guardian (need their signature, can be a notarized signature if they are not available)
A payment method, a class D learner’s permit is $15.50 (valid for two years)
If you want to save yourself a trip, you can take your Class D knowledge test and apply for your learner’s permit at the same time—as long as you pass! You can attempt the test once per day. Your first two tries are free, but each subsequent attempt will cost you $10.
As long as you study hard and get a good night's sleep beforehand, you should have no problem passing and securing your prized learner’s permit!
MORE:How education level affects car insurance
Minnesota learner’s permit regulations
We don’t want to diminish your excitement, but you’re still far from freedom while you have a learner’s permit. Here are some rules and regulations you’ll have to abide by:
The permit holder may only drive under the supervision of a certified driving instructor, parent or guardian, or other licensed driver 21 years of age or older
The permit holder is prohibited from talking on the phone while driving, even with a hands-free device
Every occupant of the vehicle must wear a properly fastened seat belt(which is kind of redundant because Minnesota law requires this anyway)
The next step in Minnesota’s GDL program is obtaining your provisional license. Here’s everything you’ll have to complete with your learner’s permit to level up:
Turn 16 years old and
Hold your learner’s permit for at least six months with no traffic violations or car accidents
Complete the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of driver education
Complete your practice driving log: at least 50 hours (15 at night) under the supervision of a driver 21 years or older, or at least 40 hours (15 at night) under the supervision of a parent/guardian
Pass your skills (road) test)
Complete provisional license application and pay the fee ($18.50)
Get a signature on your application from a parent or guardian
While you no longer need supervision with a provisional license, you’ll still be subject to nighttime and passenger limitations. You’ll need this provisional license until you turn 18 before getting the unmitigated freedom of a
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