Driver's permit and provisional license

Minnesota has a 3-step process to become a licensed driver.

• Step 1: instruction permit
• Step 2: provisional license
• Step 3: full license

Anyone 18 years or younger must hold an instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking a road test. 

If you are 19 years or older and have held your instructional permit for at least 3 months, apply for your first-time driver's license.

Instruction permit - step 1

An instruction permit is the 1st step to becoming a licensed Minnesota driver. The permit is valid for 2 years.

Use it for practice driving with a licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat.

You must have your permit with you when you drive.

Use this process to apply for a new permit if you've lost yours or to renew.

Minnesota driver's manual (PDF, 5MB)

Qualifications

• Be at least 15 years old
• Have completed 30 hours of classroom instruction - not required if you're 18 or older
• Be enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction - not required if you're 18 or older
• Pass a vision screening and written knowledge test

Application process

Start your new or renewal application online.

Gather your required documents and schedule an appointment.

You can also come into one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing.

When you come in

You'll need the following:

• One primary and one secondary identification documents (PDF, 1MB)
• Your social security number - if you have one
• Proof of your completed classroom instruction
• Proof of enrollment in behind-the-wheel instruction
• Written knowledge test results
• If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application

Restrictions

You must have your permit with you when you drive. It's illegal to practice driving without it.

Under 18 years old

• Supervising driver must be 21 years old or older.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt or child restraint.
• You may not use, a mobile device, even hands-free.

18 years and older

• Supervising driver must be 18 years old or older.
• Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt or child restraint.

Fees

• New: $29.50
• Renewal: $24.50 

Payment options

Next steps

Provisional license - step 2 - not required if you're 18 or older. See Provisional license - step 2 section.

First-time driver's license - if you're 18 or older

Provisional license - step 2

This is the 2nd step to become a licensed Minnesota driver.

This license is valid for 2 years.

If you are 18 years or younger and have held your instructional permit for at least 6 months, apply for your first-time driver's license.

Qualifications

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Have passed a road test
• Have completed behind-the-wheel instruction
• Have completed 30 hours of classroom instruction
• Had an instruction permit (step 1) for 6 months with no conviction for moving or alcohol/controlled-substance violations
• Have a completed and signed supervised Driving Log (PDF, 1MB)

Application process

Start your application online.

Gather your required documents and schedule an appointment.

You can also come into one of our locations. Wait times depend on staffing.

When you come in

You'll need the following:

• Your Social Security number - if you have one
• Proof of your completed classroom instruction
• Proof of enrollment in behind-the-wheel instruction
• Completed and signed supervised Driving Log (PDF.1MB)
• If you're under 18 years old, you'll also need a parent or guardian (with ID) to sign the application

Fee

$32.50

Payment options

Next step

First-time driver's license - if you're 18 or older