North Star State Driver: Your Complete Guide to a Minnesota Driver's License

Earning a driver's license in the North Star State is a major milestone, unlocking the freedom to explore everything from the vibrant Twin Cities to the serene beauty of the North Shore. The journey to becoming a licensed driver involves several key stages managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap, breaking down Minnesota's Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) system for teens and outlining the process for adults, ensuring you arrive at the DVS exam station confident and prepared for every step.

For Teen Drivers (Under 18): The Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) System

To ensure young drivers gain experience in a safe, controlled manner, Minnesota has a comprehensive GDL system. This system is designed to gradually introduce teens to more complex driving situations as they gain skills and maturity.

Step 1: Start with Driver's Education and the Learner's Permit

The journey in Minnesota begins with driver education.

• Eligibility: You must be at least 15 years old to apply for an instruction permit and start the GDL process.
• Driver's Education: You must enroll in a state-approved driver education course that includes 30 hours of classroom instruction. You must complete this course and receive a "Blue Card" from your instructor before you can apply for your permit.
• Applying for the Permit:
  • Pre-apply Online: Save time by pre-applying for your permit on the official DVS website: drive.mn.gov.
  • Gather Your Documents: You will need to bring several key original documents to the DVS exam station, including proof of identity (like a birth certificate), Social Security number, and two proofs of Minnesota residency. This is a crucial step for getting a REAL ID.
  • Visit a DVS Exam Station: You must apply in person. It's highly recommended to schedule an appointment online. At your visit, you will:
    • Submit your application and all required documents.
    • Have a parent or legal guardian present to provide a signature.
    • Pay the required permit and testing fees.
    • Pass a vision screening.
  • Pass the Knowledge Test: You must pass a 40-question written test based on the "Minnesota Driver's Manual." You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (an 80% score) to pass.

Rules of the Road with a Learner's Permit:

• You must hold the permit for a minimum of six months, conviction-free, before you can apply for a road test.
• You must always be accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and is seated in the front passenger seat.
• You must log 50 hours of supervised driving (40 hours if a parent attends a supplemental parent class), including at least 15 hours at night. This must be documented and certified by your parent or guardian in a driving log.

Step 2: The Provisional License

After holding your permit for six months, completing the behind-the-wheel portion of driver's ed, and logging your practice hours, you are eligible for a provisional license.

Who is eligible?

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You must have held your learner's permit for at least six months, conviction-free.
• You must have completed both the classroom and the 6-hour behind-the-wheel portions of driver's ed. You will receive a "White Card" upon completion.

How to get your Provisional License:

The final step is to pass the driving skills test (road test). Once you pass, you will be issued your provisional license.

GDL Restrictions on a Provisional License:

• Nighttime Curfew: For the first six months, you cannot drive between 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older.
• Passenger Restrictions: For the first six months, you are not permitted to have more than one passenger under the age of 20, unless they are immediate family members.
• Cell Phone Ban: You are prohibited from using a mobile phone while driving, even in hands-free mode.

Step 3: The Full, Unrestricted License

At age 18, or after holding the provisional license for at least 12 months (6 months for those 18+) without any convictions, the GDL restrictions are lifted, and you can obtain a full Class D license.

For Drivers 18 and Over

If you are 18 or older and applying for your first Minnesota license, the process is more direct.

1. Visit a DVS Exam Station: Make an appointment and bring your original documents for a REAL ID.
2. Pass the Tests: You must pass the vision screening and the written knowledge test. You will then be issued a learner's permit.
3. Practice Driving: You must hold the permit for at least three months (for ages 19+) or six months (for age 18) before taking the road test.
4. Take the Road Test: Once you pass the driving test, you'll be issued your full license.

New to Minnesota? Transferring Your License

If you move to Minnesota and hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you must obtain a Minnesota license within 60 days of establishing residency.

• Make an appointment at a DVS office.
• Surrender your out-of-state license.
• Provide full documentation for a REAL ID.
• Pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test.
• The road test is waived if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired for more than one year.

By understanding these steps and preparing for each one, you can successfully navigate the process and earn the privilege of driving in the North Star State.