Minnesota: Distracted driving Practice Test
Minnesota’s cell phone law, the stricter rules for drivers under 18, and other distractions behind the wheel.
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Questions are original and based on the official manual "Minnesota Driver’s Manual" (June 2026), Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.
All 17 questions in this practice test
Take the test above first, then use this list to study. Tap “Show answer” to see the correct answer and explanation.
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What is the rule on cell phone use while driving for an instruction permit holder under 18?
- Hands-free devices may be used for calls but not for texting
- Phones may be used only while the supervising driver is in the car
- Cell phone use is allowed with the supervising driver's approval
- No use or talking on a cell phone, even with a hands-free device
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Correct answer: No use or talking on a cell phone, even with a hands-free device
An instruction permit holder under 18 may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free device.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 13
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What is the rule on cell phones for a provisional license holder?
- Hands-free use is allowed, but handheld use is not
- You may use one when the supervising driver approves
- No use or talking on one, even hands-free
- You may use one only on roads with speed limits under 30 mph
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Correct answer: No use or talking on one, even hands-free
Provisional license holders may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, including with a hands-free device.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 14
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While driving, what else may you not do with a wireless communication device besides composing, reading or sending electronic messages?
- Listen to the radio through the vehicle speakers
- Access the internet
- Use it to get emergency assistance
- Use it to report a crash or crime
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Correct answer: Access the internet
You may not use a wireless communication device to compose, read or send electronic messages, and you also may not access the internet.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 40
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For a fully licensed driver 18 or older, which use of a wireless communication device while driving is an exception to the ban on composing, reading or sending electronic messages?
- Reading an email while stopped in heavy traffic
- Using the device in voice-activated or hands-free mode
- Composing a message at a low speed
- Checking social media on a straight road
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Correct answer: Using the device in voice-activated or hands-free mode
Using the device in voice-activated or hands-free mode is an exception, as is getting emergency assistance or reporting a crash or crime.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 40
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If you are convicted of two or more violations of using a wireless communication device to compose, read or send messages while driving, what fine must you pay in addition to the court-specified fine?
- $50
- $100
- $500
- $275
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Correct answer: $275
If you are convicted of two or more such violations, you will be required to pay a $275 fine in addition to the court-specified fine.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 40
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Which type of driver distraction is looking away from the road?
- Mechanical/physical
- Visual
- Cognitive
- Emotional
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Correct answer: Visual
The manual defines visual distraction as looking away from the road.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 78
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Which type of driver distraction is taking your hands off the wheel?
- Visual
- Cognitive
- Emotional
- Mechanical/physical
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Correct answer: Mechanical/physical
The manual defines mechanical or physical distraction as taking hands off the wheel.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 78
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Which type of driver distraction is being “lost in thought”?
- Cognitive
- Visual
- Mechanical/physical
- Auditory
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Correct answer: Cognitive
The manual defines cognitive distraction as being lost in thought.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 78
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Which of these can divert your attention even while you are watching the road?
- Checking your mirrors
- Scanning ahead for hazards
- Looking at a crash scene or daydreaming
- Reading a posted speed limit sign
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Correct answer: Looking at a crash scene or daydreaming
Even when you watch the road, behaviors such as looking at a crash scene or daydreaming can divert attention from driving.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 78
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Which of these is listed as a distraction inside the vehicle?
- Checking your mirrors
- Using a GPS
- Using your turn signal
- Scanning for hazards
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Correct answer: Using a GPS
The manual lists using a cell phone, using a GPS, reaching for items, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers and reading maps as distractions inside the vehicle.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 78
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When is it illegal to use a cell phone or wireless computer device for text messaging, emailing or accessing the internet?
- Only while the vehicle is actually moving on the road
- Only on freeways and other high-speed roads
- Only at night, when visibility is poor
- While driving, including while stopped in traffic
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Correct answer: While driving, including while stopped in traffic
Using such a device for text messaging, emailing or internet access is illegal while driving, including while stopped in traffic.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 79
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What is the cell phone rule for drivers under age 18 with an instruction permit or provisional license?
- Neither handheld nor hands-free use
- Hands-free use is allowed, but handheld use is not
- Calls to parents are allowed, but no other use
- Use is allowed only while the vehicle is stopped
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Correct answer: Neither handheld nor hands-free use
Drivers under 18 with an instruction permit or provisional license may not use a cell phone while driving, whether handheld or hands-free.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 79
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What does the manual say is illegal about wearing headphones or earphones while driving?
- Wearing them in either ear at any time
- Wearing them in one ear while listening to a radio
- Wearing them in both ears at the same time
- Wearing them if you are under age 18 only
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Correct answer: Wearing them in both ears at the same time
It is illegal to wear headphones or earphones in both ears simultaneously to listen to a radio or other sound-producing device.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 79
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How often does the manual suggest stopping on a long drive to stay alert?
- At least once every 100 miles or every two hours
- At least once every 200 miles or every four hours
- At least once every 50 miles or every hour
- At least once every 150 miles or every three hours
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Correct answer: At least once every 100 miles or every two hours
The manual suggests stopping as often as you need to, at least once every 100 miles or every two hours.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 82
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What should you do if you have passengers and begin to feel tired while driving?
- Drive faster to reach your stop sooner
- Ask a passenger to sing to you
- Ask someone else to drive
- Turn up the heater to stay warm
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Correct answer: Ask someone else to drive
If you have passengers, talk to stay alert and ask someone else to drive when you begin to feel tired.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 82
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What does the manual say about “stay awake” drugs?
- Use them only on long trips
- Take them before you start driving
- They have a lasting effect
- Do not rely on them
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Correct answer: Do not rely on them
The manual says not to rely on “stay awake” drugs to stay alert.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 82
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If nothing helps you stay alert and you choose to rest in your car, what should you do?
- Lock all doors and open windows slightly to let in fresh air
- Leave the engine running with the windows closed to stay warm
- Leave the doors unlocked so you can leave quickly if needed
- Park on the shoulder of the road and turn on your high beams
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Correct answer: Lock all doors and open windows slightly to let in fresh air
If you stay in the car to rest, lock all doors and open windows slightly to let in fresh air.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 82