Minnesota Driver's Permit Requirements
Everything you need to get your Minnesota learner's permit — age, fees, required documents, supervised-hours rules, and what happens after — summarized from the official DVS pages and linked to the source.
Last verified 2026-07-13 · Source: Minnesota DVS — Driver's Manual ↗
Fees and rules change — always confirm current requirements on the official page above before you go.
How to get your permit in Minnesota
- Complete classroom driver education if under 18 and pass the knowledge and vision tests
- Apply for the instruction permit at 15+ with required documents and parent/guardian approval
- Hold the permit at least 6 months while logging 50 supervised hours, 15 at night
- Complete behind-the-wheel instruction and pass the road test at 16+
- Follow provisional night-driving and passenger restrictions
Minnesota GDL restrictions for new drivers
- Permit supervision: Permit holder must drive with a licensed driver age 21 or older seated beside them
- Provisional first 6 months: For the first 6 months, no driving midnight–5 a.m. except with exceptions such as a licensed driver 25+, work, school event, or employment
- Provisional passenger rule: For the first 6 months, only one passenger under 20 unless a parent/guardian is present; months 7–12 allow no more than three passengers under 20 unless a parent/guardian is present
Documents you'll need
- Proof of identity and date of birth
- Proof of Social Security number, if issued
- Proof of Minnesota residency
- Certificate of classroom driver education completion if under 18
- Parent/guardian approval if under 18
The details
- Permit eligibility: Instruction permit applicant must be at least 15 and have completed classroom instruction if under 18
- Permit validity: 24 months
- Practice hour details: If a parent/guardian completes the supplemental parent class, the total requirement may be reduced to 40 hours with 15 at night
- Knowledge test: 40 questions; 80% to pass; Web search: 40-question test, 32 correct (80%) to pass
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to get a permit in Minnesota?
You can get a learner's permit in Minnesota at 15. Instruction permit applicant must be at least 15 and have completed classroom instruction if under 18.
How long do you have to hold your permit in Minnesota?
You must hold your Minnesota permit for at least 6 months before the driving test.
How many practice driving hours does Minnesota require?
Minnesota requires 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including 15 at night.
Where can I practice for the Minnesota permit test?
Right here — take a free Minnesota practice test in your browser, or get the free DMV Prep app for the full DVS-format experience with a readiness score.
