In Minnesota, you can drive as early as 15 years old with a learner’s permit. This limits you to supervised driving until you reach the age of 18 when you can receive a full driver’s license without restrictions.

Roads of possibilities that you can’t find on the sidewalk open up once you start driving. However, you’ll have to go through your state’s requirements and tests before hitting the pavement. In Minnesota, new drivers go through the Graduated Drivers License program—but figuring out all the steps to getting your full license can be quite overwhelming.

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What is the driving age in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the minimum driving age is 15 years old while under the supervision of a licensed instructor or licensed driver 21 years of age or older.

What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Minnesota?

Everyone seems to know how to drive, but it can be a scary skill to learn—especially for new drivers. Thankfully, you don’t have to dive head-first into driving! Through Minnesota’s Graduated Drivers License program, you’ll go learn how to drive in levels that begin with supervised driving and end with a full license.

Let’s take a look at the three stages of the Graduated Drivers License program:

Instruction permit stage: Supervised driving

Provisional license stage: Limited unsupervised driving

Full license stage: Unrestricted standard driver’s license

MORE:

Minnesota car insurance laws—all you need to know

How to get your instruction permit in Minnesota

If you’re under 18, you’ll have to go through Minnesota’s GDL program. The first step is obtaining your instruction permit, or learner's permit.

Here are the requirements to obtain an instruction permit:

Be at least 15 years old

Must have the appropriate number of hours of classroom learning

Be enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction

Must pass the vision test (don’t forget to bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them!)

Must pass the written Class D Knowledge Test. You may complete a test online or in-person at a DVS examination center by booking it on the

Minnesota DPS website

Fill out an application with your parent or guardian’s signature included

When you arrive at the DVS, you’ll need to have up-to-date proof of identification that includes your photo, full name, and date of birth. Check out the

documents accepted

by the DVS. The DVS has even compiled an

FAQ about instruction permits

if you have more questions!

Provisional instruction permit restrictions

An instruction permit is only the first phase of the GDL program and comes with restrictions:

You cannot drive alone. Permit holders may only drive with a licensed driver who is 21 years or over, or a licensed driving instructor.

You can only carry one passenger under 20 years old. The exception to this rule is if you’re carrying immediate family members or your parent/guardian.

All passengers must wear a seat belt at all times.

No cellphone use while driving. According to

the NHTSA

, around 3,000 people were killed in 2020 due to distracted driving—and cellphone use contributes to this risk. Be sure to keep your phone away while driving, including hands-off Bluetooth devices.

Pro Tip
Minnesota law
states that it’s illegal to access your email and the Internet, as well as reading, composing, and sending text messages on your phone while driving.

MORE:

Your questions about teenage car insurance, answered

How to get your provisional driver’s license in Minnesota

Next stop: your provisional license! After you’ve had your instruction permit for at least six months, or three months if you’re 19, you’ll be able to get your provisional license.

You’ll need to follow these requirements to obtain your provisional license:

Be at least 16 years old

Complete the classroom and behind-the-wheel sections of driver education

Hold an instruction permit for six months without violations

Fill out a

supervised driving log

that states you have driven at least 50 hours, 15 of which are driven at night

Pass a skills (road) test

Complete a license application with parental/guardian approval and

pay the required fee

This license will be valid for two years and cannot be renewed, unlike the instruction permit.

Key Takeaway Remember to bring your instruction permit, proof of driver’s education training,
supervised driving log
, license application, and
fee
to speed through the DVS.

Provisional driver’s license restrictions

As a holder of a provisional driver’s license, you’ll have more freedom but some rules to follow as well.

Although you can finally drive alone, your solo cruises are limited! You’ll only be allowed to drive alone from 5 am to midnight. The late hours of midnight to 5 am are a no-go for you unless you’re in the following scenarios:

You’re accompanied by a licensed driver who is 25 years of age or older

You’re driving between your place of employment and your home

You’re driving for employment reasons

You’re driving between your home and a school event because you haven’t been provided transportation by the school

Most importantly, you still can’t use your cellphone while driving, except for 911 emergencies. You and your passengers will also need to wear seat belts at all times. Failing to comply with these Minnesota laws can result in fines and even a revoked license—so practice safe driving!

Exceptions

Unfortunately, the state of Minnesota strictly prohibits teens under the age of 15 from driving.

MORE:

Worst cars for teenage drivers

How to save on car insurance in Minnesota

With your brand new Minnesota driver’s license, it’s time to hit the road—safely! A driver’s license is just one step, the next is securing the right car insurance as a teen driver. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds with

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With insurance out of the way, you can save an average of $800 a year on car insurance while exploring new places.

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Can you get a Minnesota driver’s license at 16?

Yes, you can get a provisional driver’s license at 16 if you’ve had a learner’s permit for at least six months. Note that you’ll have a nighttime driving curfew and passenger restrictions.

Can you drive by yourself at 17 in Minnesota?

Yes, you may drive alone at 17 years old in Minnesota. However, you’re prohibited from driving from 12 am to 5 am, except in special circumstances like employment reasons, insufficient school transportation, or you’re being accompanied by a licensed driver who is 25 years or older.

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