Driver’s License
REQUIREMENTS TO PRACTICE WITH A DRIVER’S PERMIT
The driving privileges from a driver’s permit require you to:
– Have a +21 old licensed driver with you THE WHOLE DURATION OF YOUR PRACTICE
– Use a privately own car (NOT EVIE)
Remember: Your driver license from another country expires after 60 days of you moving to the US.
Every Minnesota resident who operates any motor vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, ATV) must have a driver’s license. The operation of an automobile without a valid operator’s license is illegal and punishable by fine (and sometimes by jail sentence). It is also illegal to permit another person who has no valid license to drive an automobile. Every driver must become familiar with the Minnesota Driver’s License Manual. This covers traffic and safety rules, laws, rules of the road, allowable speed limits, and road signs and symbols.
If you hold another U.S. state license or International Driver License (IDL) or Driving Permits (IDP), which is only a translation of your valid country license, we strongly recommend you get MN driver’s license. You are required to change to a MN driver’s license within 60 days of establishing (temporary) residency in MN.
IMPORTANT
From Aug. 1, 2019, Minnesota law requires hands free usage of mobile devices. Please be aware of this if you are driving in MN. (For further information, please check at Dept of Public Safety.) During the pandemic it can take several months or more for a new (or replacement) Driver’s License or stated ID to be issued.
No Show Fee:
As of Nov, 1, 2021, Minnesotans who fail to show up for their driver’s license road test will face a $20 fee. The law is in response to a growing number of “no shows,” taking away road tests from other people who are waiting for an appointment. Customers can cancel their appointment more than 24 hours before it begins to avoid the fee. The fee is collected when the customer applies for their driver’s license.
The no-show fee applies to any missed skills test appointment scheduled on or after Nov. 1. The system alerts customers about the possibility of a no-show fee when they make an appointment. Customers will also be reminded about the fee in a notice sent three business days before their scheduled appointment. More details are available at this website.
USEFUL LINKS FOR WRITTEN TEST AND DRIVING TESTS:
- Minnesota Driver’s License Manual
- Written Test Practice Exams | Alternative | Alternative 2
- ISP Driver License, IDs and Van Certification Guide-2022 updated
- Short ISP Guide to Passing the Written Test
- Checklist for Road Test
Driver License Application Process
- Schedule written test
- Pass written test to obtain instruction permit
- Practice driving (always with a licensed driver who is over 21)
- Schedule road test
- Pass road test to obtain your license
Fees (cash or check only) – As of May 2024
Class D regular or under 21 – $46 ($41 for renewal)
Class D instruction permit (valid for 2 years) – $29.50 ($24.5 for renewal)
Locations
You can find a list of locations where you can pass the written and road tests at the following link: Driver and Vehicle Services Locations. Make sure to check the box for the test you are applying for– Knowledge (Written) Test or Road Test, Class D–because different locations offer different types of tests.
Knowledge/Written Test
Once you pass the written test, you are given an instruction permit. An instruction permit is valid for two years from the date of application and they are renewable. You must carry your permit whenever you practice driving.
An applicant, who is age 18 or younger and not previously licensed, must hold an instruction permit for six months before taking a skills (road) test. Applicants who are 19 or older must hold an instruction permit for three months before taking a skills (road) test.
A person who fails the driving test four times must complete a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor before taking the skills test again (a valid instruction permit is required).
Please bring the following with you to your written test:
- Passport
- I-20 or DS-2019
- I-94
- Social Security Card or official Macalester transcript
Click here for a more detailed list of proper identification documents for the state of Minnesota.
Road Test
Before you take the road test, make sure you practice driving with someone who has a valid driver’s license or go to a driving school. Take the road test only when you and your instructor feel comfortable with your driving abilities.
For the road test you must bring:
- A vehicle (It can’t be a rental car i.e. Evie, Hour Car, etc.)
- Proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle
- Your learner’s permit or other equivalent authorization
- A licensed driver (preferably over 21)
To schedule an appointment for the driving test, click “Schedule a Skills Test” on the DVS Services website.
