How to Get Your Driver's License in Minnesota
Last verified: 2026-03
Here is how to get your driver's license in Minnesota. Minnesota uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 16.5.
GDL Stages in Minnesota
Learner's Permit
Requirements
- Pass written knowledge test
- Pass vision screening
- Parental consent if under 18
Restrictions
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
Provisional License
Requirements
- Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
- Complete 50 hours supervised driving including 15 at night
- Pass road skills test
Restrictions
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m.
- For first 6 months: 1 passenger under 20; after 6 months: up to 3 passengers under 20
Full Unrestricted License
Requirements
- Hold provisional license for required period with clean record
Restricted License Rules
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. without a licensed adult in the vehicle.
- For the first 6 months, only 1 passenger under 20 is permitted. After 6 months, up to 3 passengers under 20 may ride along.
How restrictions lift: Passenger limits increase after 6 months. Full restrictions lift after the provisional period ends with a clean record.
Road Test Overview
What Is Tested
- Vehicle control
- Turning and lane changes
- Parking
- Obeying traffic signals and signs
- Speed management
- Yielding right of way
Adult Licensing Pathway
If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older may apply for a full license without GDL restrictions after passing the knowledge and road tests.
Minnesota-Specific Information
Minnesota requires 15 hours of nighttime supervised driving, which is higher than the 10-hour standard used in most states. The state also phases in passenger privileges gradually over the provisional period.
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be at least 16.5 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Minnesota.
Minnesota uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Provisional License, Full Unrestricted License.
- No driving between midnight and 5 a.m. without a licensed adult in the vehicle.
- For the first 6 months, only 1 passenger under 20 is permitted. After 6 months, up to 3 passengers under 20 may ride along.
Adults age 18 and older in Minnesota can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older may apply for a full license without GDL restrictions after passing the knowledge and road tests.
Need your permit first?
Start with the learner's permit before your full license.
Minnesota learner's permit guideCheck drivers ed requirements
Find out if drivers ed is required in Minnesota.
Minnesota drivers ed requirementsPrefer to learn online?
Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.
View Online CoursesThis information is based on Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Minnesota Department of Public Safety - Driver and Vehicle Services website for the most current information.