Minnesota DMV · Permit Test Prep
Minnesota DMV Practice Test 2026
Updated for 2026 · Sourced from the official Minnesota handbook
The Minnesota DVS knowledge test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam drawn from the official Minnesota Driver's Manual, covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe-driving practices. You need 80% (32 out of 40) to pass, and the in-person test is not given a published statewide time limit. Minnesota runs a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program with rules that catch a lot of first-timers off guard — including a total cell phone ban for permit holders and the Ted Foss move-over law. Work through the real, manual-sourced practice questions below, then download DMV Ace for 1,000+ more Minnesota-specific questions, progress tracking, and a full explanation on every answer.
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Topics covered on the Minnesota DMV written test
The 40 questions on the real Minnesota test are drawn from these chapters of the official Minnesota Driver Handbook.
Driver Licensing and the GDL Program
Minnesota's instruction permit, provisional license, supervised-driving hours, and the Graduated Driver License restrictions for teens.
Traffic Signs, Signals and Pavement Markings
Regulatory, warning, and guide signs; traffic lights, flashing signals, and lane markings.
Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation
Right-of-way, intersections, roundabouts, turning, signaling, passing, and U-turn restrictions.
Speed Control and Following Distance
Posted and default speed limits, the 3-second following rule, and adjusting speed for conditions.
Sharing the Road
School buses, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, large trucks, and slow-moving vehicles.
Driving Conditions and Hazards
Night driving, rain, snow, fog, gravel roads, hydroplaning, and using headlights correctly.
Alcohol, Drugs, and the Law
BAC limits, implied consent, Minnesota's zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, and the effects of medication.
Parking, Emergencies, and Crashes
No-parking zones, the move-over law, yielding to emergency vehicles, and what to do after a collision.
Practice Questions
12 free Minnesota DMV practice questions
Real Minnesota-specific questions sourced from the official Minnesota Driver Handbook. Read each one, pick your answer, then check the explanation.
Question 1 · Speed Limits
What is the default speed limit in an urban district in Minnesota when no other limit is posted?
- A25 mph
- B30 mph✓ Correct
- C35 mph
Why: The default speed limit in an urban district is 30 mph unless a different limit is posted by traffic control signs. Always obey posted speed signs, which may set a higher or lower limit.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 27 · Speed Limits
Question 2 · Right of Way
When entering a roundabout, you must yield to:
- AVehicles entering from your right
- BTraffic already circulating inside the roundabout✓ Correct
- CAll vehicles regardless of position
Why: When entering a roundabout, yield to vehicles already circulating inside it and enter only when there is a safe gap in traffic. Travel counterclockwise and do not change lanes inside the circle.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 30 · Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation
Question 3 · Highway Driving
Before changing lanes on a highway, what should you do?
- ACheck only the rearview mirror
- BSignal briefly and move over
- CSignal, check your mirrors, and check your blind spots✓ Correct
Why: Before changing lanes, always signal your intention, check all of your mirrors, and look over your shoulder to check your blind spots. A quick mirror glance alone does not reveal vehicles beside you.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 53 · Lane Changes
Question 4 · DUI Laws
What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers 21 and older in Minnesota?
- A0.08✓ Correct
- B0.05
- C0.10
Why: A BAC of 0.08 or higher is illegal for drivers 21 and older. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is illegal under Minnesota's zero-tolerance law.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 48 · BAC Limits
Question 5 · Lane Changes & Passing
After passing another vehicle, you must return to your lane before coming within how many feet of oncoming traffic?
- A200 feet
- B100 feet✓ Correct
- C50 feet
Why: After passing, you must return to the right lane before coming within 100 feet of any oncoming vehicle. Never attempt to pass when you cannot complete it safely with this margin.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 53 · Passing Rules
Question 6 · Sharing the Road
When sharing the road with a motorcycle, you should:
- AShare the lane when passing
- BFollow more closely than usual
- CGive the motorcycle a full lane width✓ Correct
Why: Motorcycles are entitled to the full width of a lane. Never drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane or try to squeeze past it — treat it as you would any other vehicle.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 49 · Sharing the Road
Question 7 · Pedestrian Laws
When must you yield to pedestrians at an intersection?
- AAlways when a pedestrian is in or entering the crosswalk✓ Correct
- BOnly when there is a pedestrian signal
- COnly when you are making a left turn
Why: Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are in or stepping into a crosswalk, whether or not a pedestrian signal is present. Remain stopped until the pedestrian has safely crossed your path.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 34 · Pedestrians at Intersections
Question 8 · Parking Rules
You may not park within how many feet of a fire hydrant?
- A5 feet
- B10 feet✓ Correct
- C15 feet
Why: Parking is prohibited within 10 feet of a fire hydrant so that firefighters always have emergency access to it.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 59 · Parking Restrictions
Question 9 · Accidents & Emergencies
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, you must:
- APull to the right edge of the road and stop✓ Correct
- BSpeed up to clear the area
- CContinue driving at the same speed
Why: Yield to an approaching emergency vehicle by pulling to the right edge of the road and stopping until it has passed. If you are in an intersection, clear it first, then pull over.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 37 · Emergency Vehicles
Question 10 · Turns & Intersections
In Minnesota, U-turns are illegal:
- AOn all public roads
- BOn interstates and wherever you are not visible from 1,000 feet in both directions✓ Correct
- COnly in urban districts
Why: U-turns are prohibited on interstate highways and anywhere other vehicles cannot see you from at least 1,000 feet in either direction. Make a U-turn only where it is legal and safe.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 54 · U-Turns
Question 11 · Weather & Visibility
Headlights are required whenever visibility is less than:
- A1,000 feet
- B500 feet✓ Correct
- C750 feet
Why: You must use your headlights from sunset to sunrise and any time visibility drops below 500 feet because of weather or other conditions. Parking lights are not a substitute for headlights.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 58 · Headlights
Question 12 · General Rules
At a railroad crossing, you must stop no closer than:
- A10 feet from the tracks
- B15 feet from the tracks✓ Correct
- C50 feet from the tracks
Why: When a stop is required at a railroad crossing, you must stop no less than 15 feet and no more than 50 feet from the nearest track, then proceed only when it is safe.
Source: Minnesota Driver Handbook, page 38 · Railroad Crossings
988+ more Minnesota practice questions in the app
Download DMV Ace — FreeMinnesota-specific rules to know
A few traffic rules that are particular to Minnesota and frequently show up on the test.
Ted Foss move-over law
On a road with two or more lanes in your direction, you must move over a full lane when passing a stopped emergency, maintenance, or disabled vehicle with flashing or hazard lights. If you cannot move over safely, you must slow to a reasonable speed until you have completely passed.
Total cell phone ban for permit and provisional drivers
A Minnesota instruction-permit or provisional-license holder may not use a cellular or wireless phone while the vehicle is in motion — even hands-free use is prohibited until the driver earns a full license.
GDL night driving curfew (first six months)
During the first six months of holding a provisional license, a teen driver may not drive between midnight and 5:00 AM unless traveling between home and work, or between home and a school event with no school-provided transportation.
GDL passenger restriction (first six months)
During the first six months of provisional licensure, a teen driver may carry only one passenger under age 20, unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle. A second six-month period raises the limit to three passengers under 20.
$500 minimum fine for passing a stopped school bus
Illegally passing a school bus that is displaying its flashing red lights and extended stop-arm is a misdemeanor carrying a minimum fine of $500. Passing on the right door side, or when a child is outside the bus, is a gross misdemeanor.
How to get your Minnesota driver's license
The knowledge test is one step in Minnesota's licensing process. Here's how the path typically works for a new driver.
Check the age and eligibility requirements
Eligibility in Minnesota: 15 to take the knowledge test and apply for an instruction permit; 16 to take the road test for a provisional license after holding the permit at least six months. Have your proof of identity, residency, and any required parental consent ready.
Study the official handbook
Read the Official Minnesota Driver's Manual (dps.mn.gov) and practice with DMV Ace until you're consistently scoring above 80%.
Pass the knowledge test
The Minnesota written test has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct (80%) to pass. Permit/licensing fee: $11.25 for the instruction permit plus a $2.25 surcharge, with knowledge-test fees of up to $10 charged by the exam station.
Build supervised driving experience
Hold your permit for the period Minnesota requires and log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult before you schedule the road test.
Pass the road test and get licensed
After you pass the behind-the-wheel road test, Minnesota issues your driver's license — often an intermediate/provisional license first for younger drivers.
Steps are a general guide — always confirm the current process with your local Minnesota DMV office.
How DMV Ace prepares you for the Minnesota test
1,000+ Minnesota-specific questions
Every question is sourced from the official Minnesota Driver Handbook — same wording style, same topic mix as the real test.
Explanations on every answer
Right or wrong, you see exactly why — with a handbook page citation so you can dig deeper.
Hard Questions module
A curated bank of the trickiest Minnesota questions — the ones most testers fail. Master these and you're ready.
Smart progress tracking
See exactly which topics you've mastered and which need work. A pass-readiness score tells you when you're truly ready for the Minnesota DMV.
FAQ
Minnesota DMV permit test — common questions
How many questions are on the Minnesota DVS permit test?
- The Minnesota Class D knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass. The in-person exam does not have a published statewide time limit, though online proctored versions may.
What's the passing score for the Minnesota permit test?
- 80% — meaning you can miss no more than 8 of the 40 questions. The 80% threshold is set by Minnesota Rules and is the same for first-time testers and retakes.
How old do I have to be to get a permit in Minnesota?
- You must be at least 15 years old to take the knowledge test and apply for an instruction permit. After holding the permit for at least six months with a clean record, you can take the road test for a provisional license at 16.
Can I take the Minnesota knowledge test online?
- Minnesota allows certain applicants to take the Class D knowledge test online through approved third-party proctored testing, while many testers still take it in person at an exam station. Check dps.mn.gov for current eligibility and the list of approved providers.
How many times can I retake the Minnesota test if I fail?
- There is no statewide cap on retakes, but you generally must wait and pay the knowledge-test fee again for each attempt. Some exam stations require a short waiting period before you can retest.
How much does a Minnesota instruction permit cost?
- The instruction permit fee is $11.25 plus a $2.25 surcharge under state law. Exam stations may also charge a knowledge-test fee of up to $10, and driver's license agents may add a filing fee, so your total out-of-pocket cost is higher.
Can permit holders use a cell phone while driving in Minnesota?
- No. Minnesota instruction-permit and provisional-license holders may not use any cellular or wireless phone while the vehicle is in motion — handheld or hands-free use is banned until you earn a full license.
What is the Ted Foss move-over law?
- Named for a Minnesota state trooper killed during a traffic stop, the move-over law requires you to change to a lane farther away from a stopped emergency, maintenance, or disabled vehicle with flashing lights. If you cannot move over, you must slow to a safe speed until you have fully passed.
Coming Soon
Minnesota motorcycle permit test prep
Studying for your motorcycle endorsement instead? Dedicated Minnesota motorcycle practice is coming to DMV Ace soon — meanwhile, the app already includes full motorcycle question banks for every state.
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