Getting your Minnesota learner permit

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check whether you are eligible for a Minnesota instruction permit.
• You can list the documents and approvals to bring to the written test.
• You can explain the vision standard you must meet.
• You can name who is allowed to supervise you and the rules while you practice.

What you need to know and understand

• You must be at least 15 years old.
• Under 18, you need 30 hours of classroom driver education and enrollment in behind-the-wheel training, or the first 15 classroom hours of a concurrent course.
• Proof of driver education comes as a certificate of enrollment, known as the Blue Card or Pink Card.
• A parent, court-appointed guardian, county-appointed foster parent or transitional living program director must approve the application of anyone under 18.
• Vision must be at least 20/40 with or without glasses, with at least 105 degrees of side vision.
• The instruction permit fee set in state law is $11.25, plus a $2.25 surcharge and a filing fee.
• The permit is valid for two years.

Getting ready for permit day

1. Enroll in an approved driver education course and complete the classroom hours needed for your Blue Card or Pink Card (not needed if you are 18 or older).
2. Book a Class D written test appointment and complete the online pre-application no more than 30 days before your visit.
3. Gather identity documents that show your full name and date of birth, plus proof of any name change. Photocopies and laminated or altered documents are not accepted.
4. Know your Social Security number if you have one.
5. Bring the parent or guardian who will sign your application, and money for the fees.
6. Pass the vision screening and the written test, then pay for your permit.

Rules while you hold the permit

Keep the permit with you whenever you drive. Under 18, your supervisor must be a certified driver education instructor, your parent or guardian, or another licensed driver aged 21 or older, sitting beside you. If you are 18 or older, any licensed adult 18 or older can supervise from the front passenger seat.

Everyone in the vehicle must wear a seat belt or use a child restraint. If you are under 18 you may not use a cell phone at all while driving, even hands-free, except to call for emergency help.

If your vision or paperwork falls short

If you do not pass the vision screening, or your side vision is under 105 degrees, DVS will ask you to see an eye doctor and send in a report. Documents in another language need a qualified English translation. Since October 1, 2023, Minnesota's Driver's License for All law lets residents get a standard permit or license without proving immigration status.

Our Minnesota permit knowledge test guide has more detail on the test itself.

Common mistakes

• Arriving without the Blue Card or Pink Card. Teens cannot take the test without proof of driver education enrollment.
• Bringing photocopies of documents. DVS needs original or certified documents.
• Leaving the parent or guardian at home. Their approval is required for under-18 applicants.
• Using a phone with Bluetooth while practicing. Permit holders under 18 may not use a phone at all, even hands-free.

Test yourself: Getting your Minnesota learner permit

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in Minnesota
• Minnesota Permit Test
• Minnesota Permit Practice Test