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How to Get Your Minnesota Permit License

The actual step-by-step process, from application to full license — not just what's on the exam. Confirm anything time-sensitive (fees, forms) with Minnesota DVS directly.

Under 18

  1. Complete classroom instruction and apply for an instruction permit at 15

    Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction, enroll in behind-the-wheel training, then apply for a Minnesota instruction permit at age 15.

    • Driver education enrollment documentation
    • Parent/guardian signature and certification

  2. Pass the knowledge test and vision screening

    Pass the 40-question knowledge test (80%, 32 correct) and a vision screening. Your first two attempts are free; each attempt after that costs $10.

    • Proof of identity

  3. Drive only with a qualifying supervisor

    A driving instructor, parent/guardian, or any licensed driver 21 or older must be with you whenever you drive on the instruction permit. No cell phone use of any kind is allowed.

  4. Log 40-50 hours of supervised driving

    Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent or guardian, including 15 at night — or just 40 hours if your parent completes the state's 90-minute parent awareness class.

  5. Stay violation-free for 6 months

    Maintain a clean record — no moving-violation or alcohol/controlled-substance convictions — for at least 6 months as an instruction permit holder.

  6. Apply for your provisional license at 16

    Once you've turned 16 and met the clean-record and supervised-hour requirements, receive a provisional license.

    • Supervised driving log

  7. Follow provisional license restrictions

    First 6 months: only one passenger under 20 unless a parent/guardian is along, and no driving midnight-5 a.m. After 6 months: up to three passengers under 20 without a supervisor, and the curfew lifts entirely.

  8. Move to a full license

    After 12 consecutive clean months as a provisional holder — no alcohol/crash-related violations and no more than one non-crash moving violation — you become eligible for a full license.

18 and Older

  1. Apply for an instruction permit

    Apply for an instruction permit at a driver exam station; the 30-hour classroom requirement is specific to the teen path.

  2. Pass the knowledge test and vision screening

    Pass the same 40-question knowledge test and vision screening. Your first two attempts are free.

    • Proof of identity

  3. Practice and pass the road test

    Practice driving under the terms of your instruction permit, then pass the road test to receive your license.

  4. Receive your full license

    Adult first-time applicants receive a standard, unrestricted license upon passing — Minnesota's provisional restrictions apply specifically to applicants who start the process before turning 18.

Notes

  • Minnesota's zero-tolerance law flags any detectable amount of alcohol at all for a driver under 21.
  • Drivers under 18 can't use a phone at all while driving, even hands-free, except for GPS directions or music.
  • Exact fees and current procedures change over time — confirm the current process on the official Minnesota DVS website before your appointment.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-21