DMV Minnesota · Fees, age, and practice test
Minnesota Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Minnesota DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Minnesota permit test cost?
$10 for the third and later written test after failing the first two
- Learner permit / application fee: $29.50 Class D instruction permit, valid for 2 years (renewal $24.50)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: $10 for the third and later written test after failing the first two
- Initial driver license fee: $46 Class D (renewal $41)
Source: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Minnesota practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old to obtain an instruction permit; driver education required under 18
Knowledge test fee
$10 for the third and later written test after failing the first two
Permit fee
$29.50 Class D instruction permit, valid for 2 years (renewal $24.50)
Initial license fee
$46 Class D (renewal $41)
Passing score
80 percent; you may take only one written test per day
Retake fee
$10 for the third and any subsequent written test after failing the first two
Supervised driving before road test
50 supervised hours, including 15 nighttime hours, or 40 supervised hours including 15 nighttime hours if a parent class is completed
What to bring
Two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document, for a Standard license or ID
Find an office / appointment
Find DVS offices, exam stations, and deputy registrar partners via the DPS locations page.
REAL ID status
REAL ID available; federal enforcement began in 2025. See the DVS document checklists for what to bring.
Motorcycle license
Tied to holding a valid MN driver's license; under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course, and the permit requires a knowledge test.
Commercial license (CDL)
Requires a Class D license, Entry-Level Driver Training, and a CLP before CDL road testing.
Official source: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) site.
How much is the Minnesota permit test?
Minnesota knowledge test fee: $10 for the third and later written test after failing the first two (official source). Permit fee: $29.50 Class D instruction permit, valid for 2 years (renewal $24.50) (official source).
Minnesota DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | $10 for the third and later written test after failing the first two | source |
| Permit fee | $29.50 Class D instruction permit, valid for 2 years (renewal $24.50) | source |
| Initial license fee | $46 Class D (renewal $41) | source |
| Retake fee | $10 for the third and any subsequent written test after failing the first two | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Minnesota DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Minnesota driver license covers
Initial license fee: $46 Class D (renewal $41) (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID available; federal enforcement began in 2025. See the DVS document checklists for what to bring. (official source)
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Minnesota DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Minnesota
Getting your first permit
In Minnesota, the minimum permit age is 15 years old to obtain an instruction permit; driver education required under 18. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document, for a Standard license or ID. Find DVS offices, exam stations, and deputy registrar partners via the DPS locations page.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
$10 for the third and later written test after failing the first two. Before the road test, the state requires 50 supervised hours, including 15 nighttime hours, or 40 supervised hours including 15 nighttime hours if a parent class is completed.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID available; federal enforcement began in 2025. See the DVS document checklists for what to bring. For a motorcycle license: tied to holding a valid MN driver's license; under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course, and the permit requires a knowledge test. For a commercial license (CDL): requires a Class D license, Entry-Level Driver Training, and a CLP before CDL road testing.
The Minnesota bank has 180 questions across 8 topics
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