Minnesota DPS Drivers License

If you are applying for a drivers license in Minnesota, you are required to go through certain procedures. These steps were designed to ensure that you are fully prepared to face the challenges driving may pose. If you are younger than 18 years, you will be required to complete a drivers education course before you can be issued a drivers license. You must also prepare the following documents before you visit the DPS office:

• An application for a drivers license (must be signed by one of the parents or legal guardians)
• Proper identification (the list of approved documents can be found in the Minnesota Driver handbook)
• A Social Security number
• Proper forms from driver education and/or driver training courses

When you have the above documents, you may visit the DPS office for the knowledge examination. The knowledge test will cover traffic rules and road signs. You do not need to make an appointment for the test. Please be prepared to do the following when you visit a DPS office:

• Submit the documents listed above
• Pass a vision screening test
• Pass a written examination
• Have your picture taken
• Pay a $10.25 permit fee

Once you successfully complete the test, you will be issued an instruction permit. The instruction permit must be held for at least 6 months before you can apply for the road test. Possession of a permit allows you to drive while being supervised by a licensed driver 21 years old or older. You must also finalize your behind-the-wheel training during this period. You must not have any convictions for moving violations or convictions for alcohol/controlled substance violations. When you satisfy the above requirements, you may schedule an appointment for the driving test. Please bring the following to your test:

• A valid instructional permit
• The person who had approved the license application must also certify that the applicant had driven under the supervision of a licensed driver at least 21 years for not less than 30 hours, at least 10 of which were at night.
• A vehicle that is properly registered and insured (the vehicle must also satisfy the DPS safety requirements)

• Upon the completion of your driving test, you may visit a DVS office, pay the $13.25 fee, and receive a provisional license. Provisional drivers licenses allow unsupervised driving but still pose some limitations and restrictions (more information on the restrictions may be obtained in the Graduated Drivers License section on our website). You must hold the provisional license for at least 12 months before you can upgrade to the regular class D drivers license.

  If you are already over 18 years of age or hold a drivers license issued by another state or country, you may omit some of the steps described above. When you apply for a driving permit, you will be required to present the following documents:

  • A application for a drivers license
  • Proper Identification (the list approved documents can be found in the Minnesota Driver Handbook)
  • A Social Security number

  You will also be required to pass a vision test, pay the permit fee, and take a written examination before you can be issued a permit. However, you are not required to take drivers education or drivers training courses. If you are under 18, you will be required to hold the permit for at least six months before you can schedule your driving test. This time must be dedicated to practicing basic driving skills. You may employ any licensed driver who is at least 18 years old for supervising you while you practice. When you satisfy the above requirements, you may apply for the road test. Please bring the following to the test:

  • A valid instructional permit
  • A vehicle that is properly registered and insured (the vehicle must also satisfy the DPS safety requirements)

  Upon the completion of the test, you may visit the DPS office, pay the required amount of fee, and receive a valid drivers license.

  More Info on MN Drivers License »

  Note: This article was accurate when it was published. Please confirm all details directly with the MN DPS. You can visit the MN DPS website or contact the DPS directly by phone or email.

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