How to get a Minnesota Driver's License
Find out how to get a new MN driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Minnesota DMV guide.
The Rules
Under MN DMV guidelines, you must be 16 years old to obtain a Minnesota driver's license.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Minnesota Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
First Time Drivers
If this is your first driver's license, you will need to apply for a Minnesota learners permit which requires a written exam on traffic signs, motor vehicle laws and safe driving techniques.
Once you receive a valid learners permit, you will then need to pass a road skills test in addition to vision and hearing tests to receive an MN drivers license.
Applicants under 18 must have held a learners permit for 6 months and log 30 hours of supervised driving time before taking the road skills test.
New MN Residents
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain a Minnesota driver's within 30 days of establishing a permanent residence in MN. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
There is no road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to an MN driver's license, however you will need to pass the written exam and vision test.
International Drivers
If you are converting a license from a country other than Canada, you must take the full - written and road - test plus the eye test.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Minnesota DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, your Class D Driver's License will be valid for four (4) years and will expire on your birthday. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Minnesota Driver's Manual |
