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How do I get a driving work permit in MN?

I recently made a few bad choices that resulted in my first ever DWI, and I lost my license for 90 days. But because my BAC was below 0.16, I’m apparently allowed to get a work permit, which I definitely need to get to and from my office. How do you apply for a Minnesota DWI work permit?

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Michelle Ballestrasse · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Hey, mistakes happen, and luckily the situation didn’t end up as bad as it could have. You should be able to get a driving work permit in Minnesota as long as you can prove that you’re employed full-time or a full-time homemaker with dependents.
Note that you won’t be eligible to apply for a work permit (also known as a limited license or hardship license) right away. There is a mandatory 15-day waiting period. Until then, you’ll have to rely on public transportation or rideshares.
Once that 15-day waiting period is up, you’ll first have to surrender your license. Then, to apply for a new one, you’ll need to pass a written test based on the drunk driving section of the Minnesota Driver’s Manual, which can be found online at dps.mn.gov.
Next, you’ll pay a $680 reinstatement fee. You can then apply for a new license, which will cost an additional $26.75.
After that, you’ll have to take a driver’s test. Once you’ve gotten your scores, bring them to the Department of Public Safety to meet with an evaluator. If it has been at least 22 days since your license was suspended, the evaluator will submit your application for the work permit.
But bear in mind that you are not guaranteed to get one—even if you fulfill all of the requirements. Permits are granted on a first-come-first-served basis, so time is of the essence.
If you get a work permit, or when you get your license reinstated, you’ll want to start shopping around for new
car insurance
, because it’s likely that your rates will have gone up significantly after the DWI. Thankfully,
Jerry
can help.
Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
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