What’s on the Minnesota permit test?

Minnesota’s written permit test is 40 questions, multiple choice, with a 80% passing bar - that’s about 32 right out of 40. Questions are pulled from the Minnesota driver handbook and cover traffic laws, road signs, right of way, signals, and a handful of Minnesota-specific rules. Minnesota’s DVS administers testing through driver license offices statewide - winter-driving and animal-encounter questions are common.

Most items are recall - sign meanings, right of way at common intersections, posted-speed rules. The rest are scenario questions: a situation, three options, you pick the safest one.

The Minnesota handbook isn’t interchangeable with another state’s. Practicing on the right material - Minnesota-specific questions, Minnesota rules - is the difference between passing first try and not.

Sample questions (free, no signup)

Here are 6 practice questions in the Minnesota format. Tap each to reveal the answer and the explanation. Want unlimited? Get the app.

Question 1: Do you need a license to ride an electric-assist bicycle in Minnesota?

• Yes, you need a moped permit
• No, but you must be at least 15 years old
• Yes, you need a Class D license

Correct answer: No, but you must be at least 15 years old

Why: In Minnesota, you do not need a license to ride an electric-assist bicycle, but you must be at least 15 years old to operate one legally.

💡 Memory tip: 15 or older? No license needed for electric-assist bikes.

Question 2: What is the minimum age requirement to obtain a Minnesota driver’s license or instruction permit?

• 16 years old
• 15 years old
• 14 years old

Correct answer: 15 years old

Why: You will not be issued a Minnesota driver’s license or instruction permit if you are under 15 years of age.

💡 Memory tip: 15 years = start driving in Minnesota, not 14 or 16.

Question 3: Which type of license is most common for Minnesota drivers?

• Class A license
• Class C license
• Class D license

Correct answer: Class D license

Why: The Class D driver’s license is the most common license for Minnesota drivers, also known as the standard driver’s license.

💡 Memory tip: Class D = Default for driving in Minnesota, most common license.

Question 4: If you are diagnosed with epilepsy after receiving your Minnesota license, what must you do?

• Immediately surrender your license to the DMV
• Report to a DVS office within 10 days
• Submit a physician’s statement within 30 days of diagnosis

Correct answer: Submit a physician’s statement within 30 days of diagnosis

Why: According to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual, if you are diagnosed with epilepsy or a condition that could cause loss of consciousness, you must submit a physician’s statement within 30 days of the diagnosis indicating whether the condition interferes with your ability to drive safely.

💡 Memory tip: 30 days from diagnosis. Send your doctor’s statement. Clock starts now.

Question 5: What is required for someone who has never had a driver’s license in any state or country to get a Minnesota license?

• Vision test and road test only
• Written test, vision test, instruction permit, and road test
• Written test and vision test only

Correct answer: Written test, vision test, instruction permit, and road test

Why: If you have never had a driver’s license in any state or country, you must pass a written test and a vision test, apply for an instruction permit and pass a road test.

💡 Memory tip: Written, vision, permit, and road test. all four for first-time drivers.

Question 6: What could happen if you provide false information about medical conditions on your Minnesota license application?

• You must retake the written test
• You will only receive a warning
• You could lose your driving privileges

Correct answer: You could lose your driving privileges

Why: The Minnesota Driver’s Manual clearly states that providing false information about medical conditions on the application could result in you losing your driving privileges.

💡 Memory tip: False info = lost driving privileges; honesty is key!

Minnesota-specific rules to know

A short Minnesota cheat sheet - eight rules drawn from the official handbook content. Worth a re-read the night before.

• Driving rule - When practicing driving with a Minnesota instruction permit, a licensed supervising driver must sit in the front passenger seat.
• License rules - drivers under 18 must present a certificate of completion for an approved driver education course before they can be issued a driver’s license.
• Driving rule - The Minnesota Driver’s Manual clearly states that the reintegration license is canceled if you break traffic laws and lose driving privileges, in addition to its standard 15-month expiration period.
• Provisional drivers - The Minnesota Driver’s Manual explains that under the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) system, if you are 18 years old or younger, you must hold an instruction permit for at least six months…
• Driving rule - According to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual, pickup trucks and vans must have front bumpers and either rear bumpers or reflectors.
• Lights - Dirty headlights can reduce light output by up to 75 percent.
• Driving rule - If you fail the road test four times in Minnesota, you must complete at least six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor before taking the test again.
• Teen / provisional drivers - According to the road test checklist for those under 18, you must be at least 16 years old to take the road test in Minnesota.

How to schedule your Minnesota permit test

You can typically schedule your Minnesota permit test online through the official Minnesota DMV / motor-vehicle agency website. Bring proof of identity, residency, and (if under 18) the required parent/guardian documentation. Fees vary by jurisdiction - check your local DMV office for current pricing. Some states require completion of driver’s education before testing.

This page references rules from the Minnesota Driver’s Handbook. We are not affiliated with the Minnesota DMV.

Studying in a neighboring state?

Each state’s exam is different. If you’re studying for a different state, here are nearby ones: Wisconsin permit test practice, Iowa permit test practice, South Dakota permit test practice.

Before test day, read the full Minnesota permit test guide for 2026 - it covers what the knowledge test includes, the Minnesota rules that trip people up, and the license steps after you pass.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Minnesota permit test?

The Minnesota DMV permit test has 40 questions. You need to answer at least 80% correctly to pass.

What is the passing score for the Minnesota permit test?

You need 80% to pass - that’s roughly 32 out of 40 questions correct.

How old do I have to be to take the Minnesota permit test?

The minimum age in Minnesota is 15. Check your local DMV office for any additional requirements like a parent’s signature or driver’s education enrollment.

Can I retake the Minnesota permit test if I fail?

Yes. Most Minnesota DMV offices let you retake the test, often after a short waiting period. Some locations charge a small re-test fee. Check your local DMV office for the exact rules.

Is the DMV Ready app good for Minnesota?

For Minnesota: 40-question practice exams, 80% pass mark, content from the Minnesota driver handbook. Same shape as the real test.

See all 50 states + DC →