Title: Minnesota Driver's License
Alternate Title: Minnesota Driver's License
Description: Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Subject: Drivers
Drivers' License
Creation Date: 9/15/2008 11:06:59 AM
Modification Date: 4/11/2023 11:46:05 AM
Audience: Application URL:
Renewal URL:
Versa URL:
Requirements:

View the MN Dept. of Public Safety driver's manuals:

Minnesota Driver's Manual

  or El Manual Del Conductor De Minnesota (Spanish Driver's Manual) 

The Driver's license manual is a summary of Minnesota's motor vehicle and licensure requirements. For complete standards, consult the state statutes and rules. 

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Class D knowledge test appointments

Minnesotans can schedule their class D knowledge test appointment online at drive.mn.gov up to six weeks in advance. This eliminates the need to wait in line for a test.

Virtual lobbies at open exam stations
Minnesotans can scan a QR code or text a code for the service they need when visiting a DVS exam station. This checks them into a virtual lobby, so they can wait in their car or somewhere other than a physical line. They will receive a text when it’s their turn.

This allows Minnesotans to maintain social distancing, reduce the number of customers inside an exam station at one time and stay out of the elements in cases of bad weather.

Appointment-only road tests; adjustments to the class D road test

• DPS-DVS is not accepting any walk-ins for road tests. Appointments were required prior to the pandemic, but DPS-DVS accepted walk-ins when possible. Not accepting walk-ins eliminates Minnesotans lining up early in hopes of taking a road test.
• DPS-DVS made changes to the class D road test to prioritize safety of customers and examiners:
  • Applicants complete a wellness check and must wear a facemask. DVS examiners wear facemasks, face shields or safety glasses and gloves. MASKS OPTIONAL FOR CUSTOMERS AT THIS POINT, REQUIRED FOR STAFF
  • DPS-DVS has temporarily waived the equipment inspection portion of the road test. Less than five percent of applicants fail this part of the exam. This time is used to sanitize the vehicle. DPS-DVS provides sanitizing wipes.
  • The test ends immediately if the applicant does something to automatically fail the exam. This would include any action that would result in an accident or moving violation. This will help make DPS-DVS examiners more efficient.
  • After passing the test, applicants will be able to complete their driver’s license application inside the exams station. DEPENDS – may close lobbies early depending on volume

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Summary of Requirements

Testing: Knowledge (Written) Test:  The person must show proper identification when they are ready to take the test. The knowledge test contains multiple choice and true false questions that show how well the person knows and understands Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. Only one test is allowed per day. Some stations offer a computerized test which is available in English or several other languages (Hmong, Vietnamese, Somali, Spanish, and Russian) – no walks ins for class D knowledge test, appointment only, motorcycle and CDL  knowledge tests are first come first serve – also Karen, and American Sign Language 

Skill (Road) Test: The skill test consists of a demonstration of the vehicle's safety equipment, vehicle control skills and a driving performance test. The person is tested on their ability to drive a motor vehicle safely under normal traffic conditions. The person may not have anyone in the car during the test other than the driver examiner. It is recommend that an appointment be scheduled for the skill test at a Driver Exam Station or at Schedule a Skills Test. 

View Office Locations

* The person must show proper identification when they take the test.
* They must provide their own vehicle to take the test.
* The passenger door on the vehicle must open from both the inside and the outside.
* Seatbelts must work properly.
* Turn signals, brake lights, and headlights must work.
* They must provide current proof of insurance (such as an insurance certificate) for the vehicle used for the test.

Vision Check: The person's vision will be screened when they apply for a permit or license. This is not a medical exam, it is a screening to determine if their vision meets minimum standards. To pass, the person's normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40 in either one usable eye or both eyes together. Peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees in either one or both eyes.

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New Resident

* New residents have 60 days after becoming a resident in Minnesota to obtain a Minnesota license or permit if they have a valid driver's license or instruction permit from another state.

* New residents have 30 days to obtain a Minnesota license after moving to Minnesota if they have a valid commercial driver's license from another state.

If the person works for the United States Armed Forces or are a family member of someone in the Armed Forces stationed in Minnesota and hold a valid out-of-state driver's license the person does not need to obtain a Minnesota license.


Test Requirements: 

* If the person has a valid license from another U.S. state, certain territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands), or Canada, they can obtain a Minnesota driver's license by passing the knowledge test and vision screening. They do not need to take a skills (road) test. If the license has been expired for more than a one year, they will also then need to take a skills (road) test.

*If the person has moved to Minnesota from a country other than the U.S. or Canada, they must pass a knowledge test, vision check and skills (road) test. This is true even if they have a valid driver's license from your former home country.

The person must present other driver's licenses. A license from previous state of residence will be invalidated and returned to applicant. Licenses from another country are not invalidated as the person may use them if they have dual citizenship. If the person is unable to present current valid driver's license they will need to supply a certified copy of their driving record.

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There are four classes of driver's licenses and several endorsements available to Minnesota drivers. Information about the license class and any endorsements or restrictions should appear on the back of the driver's license.

Class D License

Most common license for Minnesota drivers.

With a Class D driver's license, driver may operate:

-All single-unit vehicles (cars and pickup trucks), except those with a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and vehicles that carry hazardous materials.

-Any farm truck transporting agricultural products, farm machinery or farm supplies (including hazardous materials) within 150 miles of the farm. The farm truck must be operated by the farmer, his or her immediate family member or an employee of the farmer.

-Operating an authorized emergency vehicle whether or not in excess of 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.

-Recreational equipment (motor homes and camping trailers) as defined in Minn. Stat. § 168.002, subd. 27, operated for the driver's personal use.

-A towed vehicle with the combined gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less.

-Motorized bicycles.

-Motorcycles, with the appropriate license endorsement.

-Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs).

-Autocycles.

Driver must have an endorsement on license in order to drive motorcycles, buses, school buses, double and triple trailers, tank vehicles, and if driver will carry hazardous materials. All endorsements require additional knowledge tests. Bus, school bus, and motorcycle endorsements require specialized road tests.

Commercial Driver's Licenses

Class A, B and C licenses are called commercial driver's licenses (CDL). A CDL allows a driver to drive all Class D vehicles, in addition to certain types of vehicles included in each driver's license class.

Class C License
With a hazardous materials endorsement, a Class C license holder may transport hazardous materials in a Class D vehicle. With a school bus and passenger endorsement, the holder may operate a school bus or bus designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver.

Class B License
A Class B license, with necessary endorsements, allows the holder to operate all class C and D vehicles and all other single-unit vehicles.
The holder of a Class B license may only tow vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

Class A License
With appropriate endorsements, a Class A license is valid for any vehicle or trailer combination. 

Review the Driver and Vehicle Services Driver's License Information

and  

Minnesota Motorcycle, Motorized Bicycle and Electric-Assisted Bicycle Manual 

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) For Persons Under 21 Years of Age:

Minnesota residents under 21 years of age may obtain a CDL. The license will carry specific restrictions.

For more information about CDLs and CDL requirements, review the  

Minnesota Commercial Driver's Manual

Note: If a driver operates any class of vehicle as an employer or employee, they may be subject to commercial motor carrier requirements. These requirements may apply to single unit and combination vehicles of more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (such as construction vehicles), vehicles used to deliver packages and other items, and vehicles designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver. In order to legally operate these vehicles, a driver may need to possess a valid U.S. Department of Transportation medical examiner's certificate. They may also be subject to restrictions on the number of hours they drive and to vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements.

Rules: 7409
7410
7503

Statutes: 171.02
171.13

Forms:
Fees:

DRIVER'S LICENSE FEES ​​​Effective August 1, 2021 Minn. Stat. § 171.13 subd 6 increased motorcycle fees ​and are reflected below. ​ *Available at driver exam stations only **Fee does not include the cost of a new license   The West Metro (Plymouth), North Metro (Arden Hills) and South Metro (Eagan) Exam Stations are unable to accept credit cards as a form of payment.     Driver's Licenses  ​Fee Class A, regular ​$51 Class A, under age 21 ​$31 Class B, regular or under age 21 ​$43 Class C, regular or under age 21 ​$36 **School Bus Processing Fee - original and renewal applications ​$4 Class D, regular or under age 21 ​$32 Provisional Driver’s License ​$19.25 Class D Provisional License upgrade to under age 21 driver’s license-no violations on record ($3.50 credit) ​$28.50 Duplicate Driver’s License - all classes ​$17 **Enhanced Driver's License (in addition to applicable Driver's License card fee)​ ​$15 ​ ​ Identification Cards ​Fee  Under Age 65 ​$21.50 Age 65 and Older ​$20.75 Physical Disability, Developmental Disability or Qualified Mental Illness ​$.50 **​Enhanced Identification Card (in addition to applicable ID card fee) ​$15 ​ ​ Permits/Endorsements  Fee  Class D Instruction Permit (valid for 2 years) ​$15.50 *Class A, B or C Instruction Permit ​$10.50 *Endorsement Examination Fees ​$2.50 *Motorcycle Instruction Permit/Endorsement Fee - note fee change effective August 1, 2021 $29 *Motorcycle Endorsement Renewal (2-wheel only) - note fee change effective August 1, 2021 $17 **Standby or Temporary Custodian Designation $4.25​ ​ ​ ​**Expedited (Fast Track) Services ​Fee  ​Driver's License and Identification Card Certain applications do not qualify for fast track services, these include but are not limited to: EDL/EID and any first time applications. Note: Driver's License or Identification Cards will be processed within three (3) business days. Customer should receive the card via UPS (United Parcel Service) within 10 business days. Refer to DVS Office Locations to see participating offices.   ​$20 ​ ​ Reinstatement   ​Fee **Revoked licenses: Alcohol/Drugs/Criminal Vehicular Operation (7/1/03) ​$680 Other revocation offenses, including revocation for no-fault insurance ​$30 **Suspended license ​$20 No-Fault Insurance (suspended) ​$20 CDL Disqualification ​$20 ​ ​ Motorized Bicycle Operator’s Permit  Fee  *Knowledge test and 30-day instruction permit ​$6.75 Motorized Bicycle Operator’s Permit before age 21 and valid to age 21 ​$17.75 Duplicate Permit ​$13.25 Renewal, age 21 or older $23.75​ ​ ​ Retesting Fee  *Third and Subsequent Knowledge Test after failing first two $10​ *Third and Subsequent Skills Test after failing first two ​$20

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