MN Permit Practice Test

How to use this MN practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

MN practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable MN practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the MN bank

Every question below comes from the Minnesota question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. Under Minnesota's basic speed law, how should a driver choose a speed during poor weather?

   1. Use a speed reasonable for the weather, traffic, and road conditions
   2. Drive exactly at the posted limit whenever visibility is reduced
   3. Use the posted limit plus 10 mph on any wet road
   4. Match the speed of the fastest vehicle nearby
   Show answer

   Use a speed reasonable for the weather, traffic, and road conditions. Minnesota's basic speed law connects a safe speed to current conditions, including weather, traffic, and the road itself. Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. How far above the posted speed limit must a Minnesota driver travel before additional fines apply?

   1. 5 mph or more
   2. 10 mph or more
   3. 15 mph or more
   4. 20 mph or more
   Show answer

   20 mph or more. Minnesota adds additional fines when a driver travels 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit. Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. What alcohol rule applies to a Minnesota driver under age 21 who operates a motor vehicle?

   1. Any detectable amount is illegal
   2. Only 0.08 percent or more is illegal
   3. Alcohol is allowed if the driver stays below 0.04 percent
   4. The rule applies only when passengers are present
   Show answer

   Any detectable amount is illegal. Minnesota's underage rule prohibits operating a motor vehicle with any detectable alcohol in the system. That is stricter than the 0. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. What right-of-way consequence follows when a driver approaches a Minnesota intersection at an unlawful speed?

   1. The driver loses the privilege associated with lawful speed
   2. The driver gains priority over vehicles traveling legally
   3. The driver may disregard all yielding rules
   4. The driver keeps every right-of-way privilege unchanged
   Show answer

   The driver loses the privilege associated with lawful speed. A driver who approaches an intersection at an unlawful speed loses the right-of-way privilege that would have been associated with driving l Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. Where may a person with a Minnesota Class D license drive a Neighborhood Electric Vehicle?

   1. On streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less
   2. On any street where the driver can reach 35 mph
   3. Only on private property
   4. Only on roads posted at 55 mph or higher
   Show answer

   On streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. A Class D license permits NEV operation only on streets whose speed limit is 35 mph or less. Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. When must Minnesota drivers use their headlights according to the vehicle-equipment section?

   1. From sunset until sunrise and whenever the road ahead cannot be seen for at least 500 feet
   2. Only between midnight and dawn on rural roads
   3. Only during rain, never during snow or fog
   4. Whenever another driver flashes headlights
   Show answer

   From sunset until sunrise and whenever the road ahead cannot be seen for at least 500 feet. The manual says to turn headlights on at sunset and keep them on until sunrise. Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. After two consecutive failures of the Minnesota written test, what applies to the third and later attempts?

   1. A $10 fee is charged
   2. A six-month testing ban begins
   3. The applicant must take a road test instead
   4. The applicant permanently loses testing eligibility
   Show answer

   A $10 fee is charged. Minnesota charges a $10 fee for the third written-test attempt and every subsequent attempt after two consecutive failures. Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. When turning left, which approaching vehicles must a Minnesota driver yield to?

   1. Vehicles from the opposite direction that are in or close enough to the intersection to pose a crash risk
   2. Only vehicles already stopped in the intersection
   3. Only oncoming vehicles that are signaling left
   4. No vehicles, because the turning driver entered first
   Show answer

   Vehicles from the opposite direction that are in or close enough to the intersection to pose a crash risk. A left-turning driver must yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction when they are in the intersection or close enough to po Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. When is driving below a posted minimum speed limit illegal under normal conditions?

   1. Whenever the driver is traveling below that posted minimum
   2. Only when a police officer is directing traffic
   3. Only on roads with a 55 mph maximum
   4. Never, because minimum limits are advisory
   Show answer

   Whenever the driver is traveling below that posted minimum. The manual says it is illegal to drive slower than a posted minimum speed under normal conditions. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What nighttime restriction applies during the first six months of a Minnesota provisional license?

    1. No driving from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. in every circumstance
    2. No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless an exception applies
    3. No driving from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. only on weekends
    4. No driving after sunset until sunrise
    Show answer

    No driving from midnight to 5 a.m. unless an exception applies. During the first six months, a provisional driver must not drive from midnight to 5 a.m. unless one of the listed exceptions applies. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. On a road with two lanes in your direction, where should you move when a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights is ahead?

    1. To the lane farthest away from the stopped vehicle when safe
    2. To the shoulder beside the stopped vehicle
    3. Into the lane closest to the emergency vehicle to pass quickly
    4. Across the centerline regardless of opposing traffic
    Show answer

    To the lane farthest away from the stopped vehicle when safe. When a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights is on or next to a road with two lanes in the same direction, Minnesota's Move Over La Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. What does this DO NOT ENTER sign mean when it faces your vehicle?

    1. Do not enter that lane or road
    2. Enter slowly because cross traffic must yield
    3. Parking is prohibited only during business hours
    4. The road is open in the opposite direction only after dark
    Show answer

    Do not enter that lane or road. A DO NOT ENTER sign means the driver must not enter the lane or road facing the sign. Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. Which kind of sign is shown, and what must a driver do with it?

    1. A regulatory sign that must be obeyed
    2. A green guide sign that is optional
    3. A brown recreation sign that marks a park
    4. An orange construction sign that applies only to trucks
    Show answer

    A regulatory sign that must be obeyed. The pictured movement restriction is a regulatory instruction. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What does the X-shaped sign identify?

    1. A railroad crossing
    2. A school crossing
    3. A four-way intersection
    4. A no-passing zone
    Show answer

    A railroad crossing. The crossbuck is the railroad-crossing marker. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What hazard is indicated by this yellow signal symbol?

    1. A traffic light at the next intersection
    2. A railroad crossing immediately at the sign
    3. A school crosswalk that requires a full stop now
    4. A lane that is reserved for buses
    Show answer

    A traffic light at the next intersection. The signal-ahead warning tells the driver that a traffic light is located at the next intersection. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What change in roadway operation does the opposing-arrow sign announce?

    1. You are leaving a one-way road and entering a two-way road
    2. A divided highway is beginning immediately
    3. Passing is permitted in both directions
    4. The lane becomes a center turn lane only
    Show answer

    You are leaving a one-way road and entering a two-way road. The opposing arrows warn that traffic will no longer be confined to one direction. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What does the sharp right-angle arrow warn you to do?

    1. Prepare for a sharp change in direction and slow to a safe speed
    2. Continue at the current speed because the road remains straight
    3. Expect a traffic signal to control the next block
    4. Move into the opposing lane before the turn
    Show answer

    Prepare for a sharp change in direction and slow to a safe speed. This warning describes a sharp change in the road's direction, so the driver should slow to a safe speed before entering it. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. How many supervised driving hours must a Minnesota teen log if a parent completes the parent class?

    1. 10 hours
    2. At least 40 hours including 15 nighttime hours; 50 hours without the parent class
    3. 100 hours
    4. 20 hours with no night driving
    Show answer

    At least 40 hours including 15 nighttime hours; 50 hours without the parent class. Parents or guardians have two options: complete a parent class from a Minnesota approved driver education program and submit a log showing a Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What credit does a Minnesota driver receive when upgrading from a provisional license with a clean record?

    1. A $3.50 credit toward the fee
    2. A free license
    3. A $20 credit
    4. No credit
    Show answer

    A $3.50 credit toward the fee. If you upgrade from a provisional license with no violations on your record, you receive a $3.50 credit toward the license fee. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. What should you do when a railroad-crossing-ahead sign warns of tracks ahead?

    1. Slow down, look carefully in both directions, and be ready to stop
    2. Accelerate so you spend less time near the tracks
    3. Look only to the left because trains approach from that side
    4. Stop on the tracks to check whether a train is coming
    Show answer

    Slow down, look carefully in both directions, and be ready to stop. An advance railroad warning calls for a slower approach, a careful look in both directions, and preparation to stop. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. Who is responsible for making sure children riding in your vehicle use an age-appropriate restraint?

    1. The driver
    2. Only the child’s parent, even when not present
    3. The passenger sitting in the front seat
    4. The vehicle manufacturer
    Show answer

    The driver. The Minnesota manual places passenger-safety responsibility on the driver. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. What must a driver do at a flashing red traffic light before proceeding?

    1. Come to a complete stop, yield, and proceed when the intersection is clear
    2. Slow down but continue without stopping if no car is close
    3. Treat it as a green light for the major roadway
    4. Stop only when a pedestrian is already crossing
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop, yield, and proceed when the intersection is clear. A flashing red light has the same stopping behavior as a stop sign. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. When must headlights be turned on for the normal daily cycle?

    1. At sunset and continuously until sunrise
    2. Only at midnight and during the morning commute
    3. Only when driving on an unlit freeway
    4. From sunrise until sunset
    Show answer

    At sunset and continuously until sunrise. Minnesota requires headlights from sunset through sunrise, so the normal cycle begins when daylight ends and continues until it returns. Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. You approach a steady yellow traffic light and can stop safely. What should you do?

    1. Enter the intersection quickly before the signal changes
    2. Stop before entering the intersection
    3. Treat the light as a flashing red signal and stop, then go immediately
    4. Turn on hazard lights and continue without slowing
    Show answer

    Stop before entering the intersection. A steady yellow light warns that the signal is about to turn red. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. What protection does a green arrow provide for a turn in the arrow's direction?

    1. The turn should be protected from oncoming or crossing traffic
    2. The driver must wait for a separate green circular signal
    3. The driver may turn only after yielding to every vehicle behind
    4. The arrow permits movement only for pedestrians
    Show answer

    The turn should be protected from oncoming or crossing traffic. A green arrow authorizes movement in the arrow's direction and normally protects that movement from oncoming or crossing traffic. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. What must a driver do after seeing a stop sign?

    1. Come to a complete stop and remain stopped until priority traffic clears
    2. Slow down only if a vehicle is approaching from the left
    3. Stop beyond the crosswalk so the front wheels enter the intersection
    4. Yield without stopping whenever the driver can see both directions
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop and remain stopped until priority traffic clears. A stop sign requires a complete stop. The vehicle remains stopped until pedestrians and vehicles with the right of way have cleared the inte Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What should a driver maintain between the vehicle and the vehicle ahead?

    1. A safe following distance
    2. A fixed distance of exactly one car length at every speed
    3. No gap when traffic is moving below the speed limit
    4. A position beside the other vehicle's rear wheel
    Show answer

    A safe following distance. Minnesota requires a driver to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. What does Minnesota's fast track license service cost, and how quickly is the card processed?

    1. Free, same day
    2. An additional $20, processed within three business days
    3. $100, within one day
    4. $5, within 30 days
    Show answer

    An additional $20, processed within three business days. You can fast track your driver's license or state ID card for an additional fee of $20. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. What happens to a vehicle when its tires hydroplane?

    1. Water lifts the tires off the road and they lose contact
    2. The tires gain extra traction because water cools them
    3. The vehicle's brakes automatically engage on wet pavement
    4. The tires become more firmly attached to the road surface
    Show answer

    Water lifts the tires off the road and they lose contact. Hydroplaning occurs when water collects under the tires and lifts them off the road surface. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. When making a turn or changing lanes in Minnesota, how far before the maneuver should you activate your signal?

    1. At least 100 feet before turning
    2. Only after entering the intersection
    3. At least 10 feet before turning
    4. Only when another driver is nearby
    Show answer

    At least 100 feet before turning. The manual sets a clear advance warning for turns: activate the signal at least 100 feet before turning, then keep signaling until the turn Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. What must window tint applied to Minnesota side or rear windows after August 1, 1985 show?

    1. The percentage of light transmitted and reflected
    2. The installer's name
    3. The date of application
    4. Nothing, tint is unregulated
    Show answer

    The percentage of light transmitted and reflected. Any window tint applied to the side or rear windows after August 1, 1985 must show the percentage of light transmitted and reflected. Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. What does an X-shaped sign identify at a Minnesota railroad crossing?

    1. The railroad crossing itself
    2. The start of a passing lane
    3. A school crosswalk ahead
    4. A bridge with limited clearance
    Show answer

    The railroad crossing itself. An X-shaped sign, called a crossbuck, identifies a railroad crossing. Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What does a flashing yellow arrow permit a driver to do at an intersection?

    1. Turn with caution after yielding to an immediate hazard
    2. Make the turn without checking oncoming traffic
    3. Stop and wait until a red arrow disappears
    4. Treat the arrow as a protected green turn
    Show answer

    Turn with caution after yielding to an immediate hazard. A flashing yellow arrow signals caution rather than a protected movement. Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. What action is prohibited inside a Minnesota roundabout?

    1. Changing lanes
    2. Yielding to vehicles already circulating
    3. Following the lane selected before entry
    4. Exiting when the driver's route is reached
    Show answer

    Changing lanes. Once inside a Minnesota roundabout, a driver must not stop, pass, or change lanes. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. What does a green arrow at a Minnesota intersection mean?

    1. You may safely turn in the direction of the arrow
    2. You must stop until a circular green light appears
    3. You may turn only after yielding to every vehicle behind you
    4. You may travel in any direction from the lane
    Show answer

    You may safely turn in the direction of the arrow. A green arrow authorizes travel in the direction it points and protects the turn from oncoming or crossing traffic. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. If windshield wipers fail during heavy rain, what should the driver do?

    1. Slow down, turn on hazard warning lights, and pull off to a safe location
    2. Brake hard in the lane and leave the vehicle there
    3. Speed up so the rain passes over the windshield faster
    4. Turn off all lights and continue at the posted speed
    Show answer

    Slow down, turn on hazard warning lights, and pull off to a safe location. Wiper failure during heavy rain removes a major part of the driver’s view, so speed should come down immediately. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. At about what weight does a Minnesota child outgrow a forward facing car seat?

    1. 20 pounds
    2. 100 pounds
    3. Weight does not matter, only age
    4. Typically 40 to 60 pounds, depending on the manufacturer
    Show answer

    Typically 40 to 60 pounds, depending on the manufacturer. Children older than 2 who exceed the rear facing limit must sit in a forward facing car seat until they reach its height or weight limit, ty Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. What penalty applies in Minnesota if a death occurs while a driver is fleeing police?

    1. Up to one year in jail
    2. Up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $20,000, or both
    3. A $5,000 fine only
    4. License revocation only
    Show answer

    Up to 10 years in prison, a fine up to $20,000, or both. If a death occurs while a driver is fleeing police, the driver may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined up to $20,000, or both; g Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What does a steady raised hand or Don't Walk signal mean to a pedestrian?

    1. Do not attempt to cross
    2. Cross normally if traffic appears light
    3. Begin crossing but stop in the center
    4. Wait for a vehicle to enter the crosswalk first
    Show answer

    Do not attempt to cross. A steady raised hand or Don't Walk signal tells pedestrians not to attempt a crossing. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. How should a driver respond when confronted by an aggressive driver?

    1. Stay out of the way, avoid eye contact, and keep the situation from escalating
    2. Challenge the driver so the conflict ends quickly
    3. Brake repeatedly to punish the tailgater
    4. Follow the vehicle closely to report its behavior
    Show answer

    Stay out of the way, avoid eye contact, and keep the situation from escalating. Aggressive driving can involve following too closely, abrupt lane changes, threats, or other angry behavior. Full explanation in Test 8