Minnesota: Licensing basics — Part 1 Practice Test
Who needs a Minnesota license, the identification you bring, the written test, vision screening and road test, the Graduated Driver’s Licensing system with its instruction permit and provisional license, license classes and endorsements, renewal and ID cards. — Part 1
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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 35 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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Under Minnesota law, what is it to obstruct the work of a DVS employee?
- A warning-only offense
- A crime
- A parking-type violation
- An office rule, not a law
Show answer
Correct answer: A crime
It is a crime to obstruct the work of a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) employee.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 2
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What happens if a customer at a DVS office uses abusive language or behaves violently toward staff?
- They get a written warning and may stay
- Their next appointment is moved back a week
- They must pay an extra service fee first
- They are asked to leave and police are called
Show answer
Correct answer: They are asked to leave and police are called
DVS does not tolerate such behaviors: the person will be asked to leave the premises and law enforcement will be contacted.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 2
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To avoid filling out a paper application, when should you start the online pre-application before visiting a driver’s license office?
- No more than 30 days before
- No more than 60 days before
- No more than 90 days before
- At least six months before
Show answer
Correct answer: No more than 30 days before
Start your application online with the pre-application feature no more than 30 days before visiting a driver’s license office to avoid completing a paper application.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 2
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After using the online pre-application, what should you bring to the driver’s license office?
- Nothing, since your documents are on file online
- Only the receipt for your online fee payment
- Your confirmation page and the documents it lists
- A printed copy of your online account settings
Show answer
Correct answer: Your confirmation page and the documents it lists
Remember to bring your confirmation page and the documents listed on the confirmation page.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 2
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For a written test applicant under 18, what does the certificate of enrollment called the “Blue Card” prove?
- You passed the vision screening at a Minnesota exam station
- You finished classroom work and enrolled in behind-the-wheel
- You logged 50 hours of supervised driving with a parent
- You hold a valid driver’s license from another U.S. state
Show answer
Correct answer: You finished classroom work and enrolled in behind-the-wheel
The “Blue Card” is a certificate of enrollment proving that you completed classroom instruction and are signed up for behind-the-wheel instruction.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 4
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For the road test, an applicant under 18 needs a certificate of course completion proving they completed driver education. What is it called?
- Blue Card
- Pink Card
- Green Card
- White Card
Show answer
Correct answer: White Card
The certificate of course completion, the “White Card,” proves that you completed driver education.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 5
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The vehicle you provide for the road test must have what kind of registration?
- Current, or a 60-day permit
- Current, or a 30-day permit
- Any registration from the past two years
- None, if the vehicle is insured
Show answer
Correct answer: Current, or a 60-day permit
For the road test, the vehicle’s registration must be current or have a 60-day permit.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 4
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If you are under 18, how old must you be to take the road test for a provisional license?
- At least 15
- At least 15½
- At least 17
- At least 16
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 16
An applicant under 18 years of age must be at least 16 years old to take the road test.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 5
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Before the road test, an applicant under 18 must have held an instruction permit for the last six months without what?
- A conviction for a moving, alcohol or controlled substance violation
- Any parking ticket or written warning issued by the police
- Missing a single scheduled behind-the-wheel driving lesson
- Any day of absence from school during those six months
Show answer
Correct answer: A conviction for a moving, alcohol or controlled substance violation
An applicant under 18 must have held an instruction permit for the last six months without a conviction for a moving violation or an alcohol or controlled substance violation.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 5
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If all or part of a teen’s six months of driving experience was in another state, what must they have for the road test?
- A letter from their old driving school
- A new vision report from an eye doctor
- A certified driving record from that state
- Nothing extra; only the permit is needed
Show answer
Correct answer: A certified driving record from that state
If all or part of the six months of driving experience was in another state, you need a certified driving record from that state to verify you qualify for the provisional license.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 5
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Who must sign the Supervised Driving Log that an applicant under 18 brings to the road test?
- The road test examiner
- A parent or guardian
- Any licensed adult friend
- A driver’s license agent
Show answer
Correct answer: A parent or guardian
An applicant under 18 must have the Supervised Driving Log completed and signed by a parent or guardian.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 5
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If someone other than a parent will sign the application of an applicant under 18, what must the applicant have?
- The appropriate documentation
- Nothing extra; any adult may sign
- A letter from their school principal
- A road test that they already passed
Show answer
Correct answer: The appropriate documentation
If someone other than the parent will sign and approve the application, the applicant must have the appropriate documentation.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 4
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What do you need to drive on public streets or highways in Minnesota?
- A driver education certificate only
- A valid, unexpired driver’s license
- A license that expired under a year ago
- A Social Security card in the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: A valid, unexpired driver’s license
To drive on public streets or highways in Minnesota, you need a valid, unexpired driver’s license.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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If you have never had a driver’s license in any state or country, what must you do to get one in Minnesota?
- Pass written and vision tests, get a permit, pass a road test
- Pass a vision test and complete an application, nothing more
- Pass a written test only, then receive a full license
- Pass a road test only, with no permit or written test
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass written and vision tests, get a permit, pass a road test
If you have never had a license, you must pass a written test and a vision test, apply for an instruction permit and pass a road test.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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Your Minnesota driver’s license has been expired for more than one year but less than five years. What must you pass before applying for a new license?
- A road test only
- Driver education and a road test
- A written test and a vision test
- A medical exam and a road test
Show answer
Correct answer: A written test and a vision test
If your Minnesota license has been expired for more than one year but less than five years, you must pass a written test and a vision test before applying for a new license.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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You are 30 and move to Minnesota from another state with a valid, unexpired driver’s license. How can you get a Minnesota license?
- Pass the written, vision and road tests
- Pass a written test and a road test
- Complete a driver education course
- Pass a vision test, complete an application
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass a vision test, complete an application
If you are 21 or older and moving from another state with a valid, unexpired license, you can get a license by passing a vision test and completing an application; no written or road test is required.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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You are 21 or older and moving to Minnesota from another state. Your former state license expired less than one year ago. Which test are you required to pass?
- The road test
- The written test
- A hearing test
- No test at all
Show answer
Correct answer: The written test
For a driver 21 or older moving from another state, if the former state license is expired less than one year, the written test is required.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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After becoming a Minnesota resident, how long does a non-commercial driver have to get a Minnesota license or permit?
- 60 days
- 30 days
- 90 days
- One year
Show answer
Correct answer: 60 days
You have 60 days once you become a Minnesota resident to get your Minnesota license or permit (30 days for commercial drivers).
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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You move to Minnesota with a valid, unexpired out-of-state license that has a motorcycle endorsement. How do you get a Minnesota motorcycle endorsement?
- Pass a motorcycle road test
- Take a rider safety course
- By paying the fees
- Pass written and road tests
Show answer
Correct answer: By paying the fees
If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your valid, unexpired out-of-state license, you can get a Minnesota endorsement by paying the fees.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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If your out-of-state license is expired and you want a Minnesota motorcycle endorsement, what must you do?
- Pay the fees; no tests are needed
- Pass only a vision test and pay the fees
- Pass only the written test and pay the fees
- Pass written and road tests and pay the fees
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass written and road tests and pay the fees
If your license is expired and you want a motorcycle endorsement, you must pass a written test, a road test and pay the fees.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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You hold driver’s licenses and ID cards from other places. What does the manual say about them when you apply for a Minnesota license?
- You must present all of them to DVS first
- You may keep them and use any one of them
- Only the ID cards must be shown to DVS
- They play no part in a Minnesota license
Show answer
Correct answer: You must present all of them to DVS first
You will not be able to get your Minnesota driver’s license until you present all other driver’s licenses and identification cards to DVS.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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A nonresident with a valid driver’s license from their home state may drive in Minnesota without a Minnesota license if they are at least what age?
- 14 years old
- 16 years old
- 15 years old
- 21 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 years old
A nonresident who is at least 15 years old and has a valid driver’s license from their home state or country may drive in Minnesota without a Minnesota license.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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A nonresident at least 18 years old, whose home country does not require drivers to be licensed, may drive their home-registered vehicle in Minnesota without a license for how long?
- Up to 30 days in any calendar year
- Up to 90 days in any calendar year
- Up to 60 days in any calendar year
- Up to 180 days in any calendar year
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to 90 days in any calendar year
Such a nonresident can drive a vehicle registered for the current year in their home country in Minnesota for up to 90 days in any calendar year without a valid license or permit.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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A nonresident from a country that does not require drivers to be licensed wants to drive in Minnesota without a license. What must be true of the vehicle?
- It is registered in Minnesota for this year
- It was bought from a Minnesota dealer
- It has a temporary Minnesota permit
- It is registered this year in their home country
Show answer
Correct answer: It is registered this year in their home country
The exception applies only if the vehicle is registered for the current year in the driver’s home country (and the driver is at least 18).
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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Which of these people may drive on a public road in Minnesota without a driver’s license or permit?
- Someone temporarily driving a farm tractor
- A resident practicing driving with no permit
- A resident whose license was revoked last month
- A new resident whose old license has expired
Show answer
Correct answer: Someone temporarily driving a farm tractor
One of the exceptions is that you temporarily drive a farm tractor or other farm implement on a public road.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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For a Minnesota resident, operating which of these does not require a Minnesota driver’s license or permit?
- A pickup truck on a county road
- A motorcycle on a city street
- A snowmobile
- A motor home on a highway
Show answer
Correct answer: A snowmobile
Operating a snowmobile is one of the exceptions to needing a Minnesota driver’s license or permit.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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A railroad operator drives a locomotive on rails across a street. Does this require a Minnesota driver’s license?
- Yes, a Class D license is required
- No, this is one of the exceptions
- Yes, a commercial license is required
- Only if the street is a state highway
Show answer
Correct answer: No, this is one of the exceptions
A railroad operator driving a locomotive, train or on-track equipment on rails, including when crossing a street or highway, does not need a Minnesota license.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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Under the exceptions in the manual, who may drive a commercial motor vehicle in Minnesota without a Minnesota license?
- Any driver hauling goods for a Minnesota business
- Any adult whose only license has expired
- Any trucker who has driven for at least 10 years
- A U.S. government employee driving for military purposes
Show answer
Correct answer: A U.S. government employee driving for military purposes
You do not need a Minnesota license if you are employed by or in service to the U.S. government and are driving a commercial motor vehicle for military purposes.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 6
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What is the minimum age to be issued a Minnesota instruction permit or driver’s license?
- 15 years old
- 14 years old
- 16 years old
- 17 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: 15 years old
You will not be issued a Minnesota driver’s license or instruction permit if you are under 15 years of age.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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Which of these would keep you from being issued a Minnesota driver’s license or instruction permit?
- You moved to Minnesota less than one year ago
- You have never held a driver’s license in any state
- You cannot read and understand road signs or traffic laws
- You need glasses or contact lenses to see well enough
Show answer
Correct answer: You cannot read and understand road signs or traffic laws
You will not be issued a license or instruction permit if you cannot read and understand official road signs or state traffic laws.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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Your Minnesota license is suspended. When can you be issued a Minnesota license again?
- Right away, at any driver’s license office
- After you move to another Minnesota county
- After you pass a vision test, nothing more
- Only after you meet all reinstatement requirements
Show answer
Correct answer: Only after you meet all reinstatement requirements
You will not be issued a license if your license is suspended and you have not met all reinstatement requirements.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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A court has ruled a person mentally incompetent. When does this keep the person from being issued a Minnesota license?
- When Public Safety also finds they cannot drive safely
- Never, since court rulings have no effect on licensing
- Only if the person has had a crash in the past year
- Only if the person is under 18 years of age
Show answer
Correct answer: When Public Safety also finds they cannot drive safely
A license is not issued if a court has ruled you mentally incompetent and the Department of Public Safety has determined that you cannot drive safely.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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The Commissioner of Public Safety can refuse you a license if there is good cause to believe that allowing you to drive would be what?
- Costly for your insurance company
- Inconvenient for other drivers
- Detrimental to public safety
- Harmful to your school grades
Show answer
Correct answer: Detrimental to public safety
You will not be issued a license if the Commissioner of Public Safety has good cause to believe that allowing you to drive would be detrimental to public safety.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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For the written and road tests, your identification must verify what?
- Your home address and phone number
- Your name and current employer
- Your name and vehicle plate number
- Your full name and date of birth
Show answer
Correct answer: Your full name and date of birth
To take the written and road tests, you must present proper identification that verifies your first, middle and last name, and your date of birth.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7
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If the names on your identification documents do not match, what else must you provide?
- Proof of your legal name changes
- A letter from your employer
- A statement you write yourself
- A second photo ID with any name
Show answer
Correct answer: Proof of your legal name changes
If the names on your identification documents do not match, you must also provide proof of your legal name changes, such as certified marriage certificates, divorce decrees or court orders.
Source: Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026), page 7