DMV Minnesota · Fees, age, and practice test
Minnesota Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Start the free Minnesota practice testSourced procedural facts for Minnesota DMV, plus a free 208-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Minnesota permit test cost?
No DVS written-test charge for the first two attempts; $10 for the third and later attempts after two failures.
- Learner permit / application fee: $29.50 for an original two-year Class D instruction permit.
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No DVS written-test charge for the first two attempts; $10 for the third and later attempts after two failures.
- Initial driver license fee: $46 for a Class D license; $32.50 for a provisional license.
Source: Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services · Fee source checked 2026-10-05. Our 208-question Minnesota practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Your 3-stage Minnesota study path
- Stage 1: Study the sheets. Read the Minnesota cheat sheet for signs, numbers, and must-know rules.
- Stage 2: Drill topics. Run the free Minnesota practice test with instant explanations until weak topics turn green.
- Stage 3: Simulate the exam. Take the timed exam simulator under real test conditions.
Minnesota verified practice bank · 208 questions rev 2026-10-12-ca500
Before your Minnesota knowledge test
Cost details
- The permit fee is separate from later license issuance. A provisional license costs $32.50. Official cost source
Before you apply
These notes cover selected application steps. Check the linked official instructions for the full requirements for your situation.
- Schedule a Class D written test and complete the online pre-application within 30 days before the appointment. Official application instructions
- Bring accepted identification and know your Social Security number if eligible; minors need application approval. Official application instructions
Cost and application notes checked .
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
15 years old to obtain an instruction permit; driver education required under 18
Knowledge test fee
No DVS written-test charge for the first two attempts; $10 for the third and later attempts after two failures.
Permit fee
$29.50 for an original two-year Class D instruction permit.
Initial license fee
$46 for a Class D license; $32.50 for a provisional license.
Passing score
80 percent; you may take only one written test per day
Retake fee
$10 for the third and each 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: No DVS written-test charge for the first two attempts; $10 for the third and later attempts after two failures. (official source). Permit fee: $29.50 for an original two-year Class D instruction permit. (official source).
Minnesota DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | No DVS written-test charge for the first two attempts; $10 for the third and later attempts after two failures. | source |
| Permit fee | $29.50 for an original two-year Class D instruction permit. | source |
| Initial license fee | $46 for a Class D license; $32.50 for a provisional license. | source |
| Retake fee | $10 for the third and each subsequent written test after failing the first two. | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Minnesota DMV practice test (208 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Minnesota driver license covers
Initial license fee: $46 for a Class D license; $32.50 for a provisional license. (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
No DVS written-test charge for the first two attempts; $10 for the third and later attempts after two failures. 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 208 questions across 8 topics
Test day: what to bring and where to go: a printable Minnesota checklist of the documents for the permit test, plus the official office finder and appointment links.
Study the handbook, chapter by chapter: 22 free lessons that boil the Minnesota driver manual down to the rules and exact numbers on the test, each quoted with its page.
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