How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Minnesota?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Minnesota. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Minnesota?

Minnesota intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Minnesota Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Minnesota uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 40 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 15 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: First 6 months: 1 passenger under 20; after 6 months: up to 3 passengers under 20. Family members exempt.
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in license suspension; accident-free record required for full license

Minnesota-Specific Information

Minnesota requires 15 nighttime supervised hours, among the highest. Passenger limits increase after 6 months of clean intermediate driving. Nighttime supervision by a driver 25+ required for first 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Minnesota gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Minnesota at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Minnesota restricts driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Minnesota, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: First 6 months: 1 passenger under 20; after 6 months: up to 3 passengers under 20. Family members exempt..

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Minnesota at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.