About the Minnesota DVS written test
The Minnesota knowledge test (often searched as the Minnesota permit test or Minnesota DMV test) checks that new drivers understand road signs, traffic laws and safe driving habits before getting a learner's permit. The questions come from the official Minnesota driver handbook published by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.
Minnesota applicants take a written knowledge test based on the Minnesota Driver's Manual from Driver and Vehicle Services, and you must score 80% to pass. The instruction permit is available from age 15.
Minnesota permit test quick facts
- Minimum permit age
- You can get a Minnesota instruction permit at age 15.
- Passing score
- You need a score of 80% to pass the written knowledge test.
- Vision screening
- At least 20/40 vision (with or without correction) and at least 105 degrees of peripheral vision.
- Permit fee
- Class D instruction permit $29.50 (valid 2 years); Class D license $46. A third written test after two failures costs $10.
- Adult BAC limit
- 0.08 for adult drivers; drivers under 21 may not drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.
- Seat belt law
- Children under 2 ride rear-facing, ages 4 to 9 use a booster if too small for the belt, and children under 13 ride in the back seat if available.
Rules and fees change. Confirm current details with the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services before you test.
What Minnesota drivers should know
- Alleys 10 mph, urban or town roads 30 mph, all other places 55 mph unless signed.
- Give bicyclists at least 3 feet when passing.
- Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with flashing red lights.
- Provisional drivers: no driving midnight to 5 a.m. for the first six months, with exceptions.
- Speeding in a work zone adds a $300 fine.
Topics covered in our Minnesota practice tests
- Road signs and signals: shapes, colors, pavement markings and traffic lights.
- Rules of the road: right-of-way, speed, turns, passing, parking and school zones.
- Safe driving: following distance, night and weather driving, distractions and emergencies.
- Alcohol and drugs: impaired driving, BAC and penalties.
- Sharing the road: pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles and large trucks.
How to pass the Minnesota permit test
- Read the official Minnesota driver handbook, paying close attention to numbers (distances, speeds, BAC limits).
- Take Practice Test 1 in study mode and read every explanation.
- Work through Tests 2 to 5, then the topic tests for your weakest areas.
- Use the Exam Simulator and aim for 80% or higher on several attempts in a row.
- Bring the documents your state requires and book your test with the DVS.