How many questions are on the Minnesota permit test?

The Minnesota written knowledge test contains 40 questions selected from a bank of 150 possible questions. The specific questions vary each time you take the test.

What's the passing score for the Minnesota written test?

You must answer at least 32 questions correctly out of 40 to pass, which equals an 80% passing score.

How much does the Minnesota written knowledge test cost?

The learner's permit fee is $29.50 (or $14.25 for the instruction permit), which includes your first two test attempts. Additional attempts after the second cost $10 each.

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

You must be at least 15 years old, or 14 years old if you are enrolled in a driver's education course and are completing the behind-the-wheel component.

Can I take the Minnesota DMV test in Spanish or other languages?

Yes, Minnesota offers the written test in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese, Russian, Karen, and American Sign Language. Spanish is one of the most commonly tested languages in the state.

How many times can I retake the Minnesota written test?

You can retake the test as many times as needed. The first two attempts are included in the permit fee; each subsequent attempt costs $10.

Is the Minnesota permit test online or in person?

The test is taken in person at a DVS exam station, though it can be conducted on paper or computer depending on the location. You must schedule an appointment in advance.

What documents do I need to bring to the Minnesota DMV?

Bring two primary ID documents or one primary plus one secondary ID (such as a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card). If under 18, also bring proof of driver education completion (Blue Card or Pink Card) and parent/guardian signature on your permit application.

Minnesota DMV Practice Test

The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) administers driver licensing and permit testing throughout the state. Minnesota's permit test is a comprehensive exam designed to ensure new drivers understand Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The state requires applicants to be at least 15 years old to obtain a learner's permit (or 14 if enrolled in driver's education). Minnesota has made significant efforts to provide testing in multiple languages, with Spanish being the second most tested language after English. The DVS operates exam stations across the state and also provides online services for various licensing needs. Minnesota's structured approach to driver licensing emphasizes safety and compliance, with clear progression from the learner's permit stage through independent driving.

Available Minnesota practice tests

What's on the Minnesota written test

When you arrive at a Minnesota DVS exam station for the written test, bring two primary ID documents or one primary plus one secondary document (such as a passport, certified birth certificate, or permanent resident card). If you're under 18, also bring proof of completing driver education (Blue Card or Pink Card). The testing environment is professional and organized, with stations available throughout the state. The 40-question multiple-choice test takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. You can take the test on paper or computer, depending on the location. Vision screening is conducted as part of the permit application process. If you pass, you can proceed with your permit application by providing the required documents and paying the applicable fee. The DVS has made efforts to provide testing in Spanish and other languages, so request language assistance when scheduling your appointment.

Car / standard license

The Minnesota written knowledge test consists of 40 questions drawn from a bank of 150 possible questions, covering Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly (80%) to pass the test. The test is available on both paper and computer at DVS exam stations. The learner's permit costs $29.50 (or $14.25 for the instruction permit depending on the type). The first two permit test attempts are included in the permit fee; additional attempts after the second cost $10 each. You can retake the test the next business day if you fail. Minnesota requires you to be at least 15 years old, or 14 if enrolled in driver's education and completing the behind-the-wheel component.

Motorcycle endorsement

To obtain a motorcycle endorsement in Minnesota, you must first have a valid Minnesota driver's license and pass the motorcycle instruction permit knowledge test. The motorcycle knowledge test contains 40 questions, and you must score at least 32 correct (80%) to pass. If you are 18 or older and complete the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center Basic Rider Course, your riding skills test is waived. If you are under 18, you must complete the Basic Rider Course and pass the skills test, and you'll need parental or guardian consent. Applicants 18 and older can also take the state-administered skills test instead of the safety course.

Commercial driver license (CDL)

Minnesota's Commercial Driver License testing is administered by the DVS and requires passing general knowledge tests and endorsement-specific written tests with a minimum 80% score. Endorsements available include Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), School Bus (S), Tank Vehicles (N), and Doubles/Triples (T). Class A CDLs can have all endorsements; Class B can have all except Doubles/Triples; and Class C can only have H, P, and S. You must hold a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) for 14 days before taking the CDL skills test. School bus and hazardous materials endorsements require retesting at renewal. You must be 18 for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate commercial driving.

Study tips for the Minnesota written test

Use the official Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
Focus on Minnesota-specific traffic laws and road sign recognition, as these are heavily tested.
Take advantage of free online Minnesota permit practice tests available through the DVS and third-party providers.
Study Minnesota's unique winter driving requirements and rules, which are important for the state's climate conditions.
If you're taking the test in Spanish or another language, contact your local DVS office to confirm language availability and schedule accordingly.
Review Minnesota's mandatory seat belt laws, distracted driving regulations, and speed limits multiple times.
Practice with sample questions repeatedly until you consistently score above 80% on practice tests.

More Minnesota resources

Official agency: Minnesota Department of Public Safety (Driver and Vehicle Services).

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Minnesota permit test?: The Minnesota written knowledge test contains 40 questions selected from a bank of 150 possible questions. The specific questions vary each time you take the test.
What's the passing score for the Minnesota written test?: You must answer at least 32 questions correctly out of 40 to pass, which equals an 80% passing score.
How much does the Minnesota written knowledge test cost?: The learner's permit fee is $29.50 (or $14.25 for the instruction permit), which includes your first two test attempts. Additional attempts after the second cost $10 each.
How old do I have to be to take the Minnesota permit test?: You must be at least 15 years old, or 14 years old if you are enrolled in a driver's education course and are completing the behind-the-wheel component.
Can I take the Minnesota DMV test in Spanish or other languages?: Yes, Minnesota offers the written test in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese, Russian, Karen, and American Sign Language. Spanish is one of the most commonly tested languages in the state.
How many times can I retake the Minnesota written test?: You can retake the test as many times as needed. The first two attempts are included in the permit fee; each subsequent attempt costs $10.
Is the Minnesota permit test online or in person?: The test is taken in person at a DVS exam station, though it can be conducted on paper or computer depending on the location. You must schedule an appointment in advance.
What documents do I need to bring to the Minnesota DMV?: Bring two primary ID documents or one primary plus one secondary ID (such as a passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card). If under 18, also bring proof of driver education completion (Blue Card or Pink Card) and parent/guardian signature on your permit application.