Getting your first Minnesota driver license
The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.
Hold your permit at least 6 months with no violations.
Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Log supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+, including 15 night hours, in a signed log.
Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Complete driver education and apply for a provisional license at 16 with parent approval.
Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026Follow provisional limits: no phone use, plus night and passenger limits in the first year.
Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026After 12 months on the provisional license with a clean record, apply for a full license.
Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.
Related facts
- Fees
- Instruction permit $11.25; provisional license $14.25; Class D license $27.75 (REAL ID or noncompliant); enhanced versions cost more. A $2.25 surcharge and an agent filing fee are added.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Road test no-show or late cancel
- $40 for missing a road test or cancelling less than 24 hours ahead; $20 for cancelling 24-72 hours ahead.Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
- Full license under 18
- A 16- or 17-year-old can move to a full license after 12 months on the provisional license with a clean record (at most one non-crash moving violation).Source: revisor.mn.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
More in the Minnesota guide
Official Minnesota links
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