Minnesota DMV written test
Minnesota DMV Cheat Sheet
The Minnesota knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Minnesota DMV test numbers to memorize
The Minnesota knowledge test has 40 questions and you need 32 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 8. The test is given by the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
40
Questions on the test
32
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
8
Questions you can miss
15
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- No amount on record.
- Format
- Computer-based at DVS exam station.
- Online test
- Not offered. You test in person.
- Appointment
- Not required. Walk-ins accepted at exam stations. Appointments recommended to reduce wait times.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Minnesota
The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security number
- Proof of Minnesota residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Blue Card (Certificate of Completion) from driver education (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Minnesota retake rules
You can take a knowledge test only once per day, with at least 1 calendar day between attempts. The first 2 knowledge attempts carry no test fee; a $10 fee applies to the third and every later knowledge test once you have failed 2 in a row. Road tests are separate: 1 week of practice after a first failure, 2 weeks after the second, third or fourth, a $20 fee from the third road or skills test on after 2 consecutive failures, and after 4 road-test failures, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training with an approved driver education program. Minnesota publishes no cap on total attempts.
- Attempt limit: the agency does not publish one that we could confirm.
- Retest fee: $10 per attempt.
- A $10 fee is charged for the third and every subsequent knowledge test.
- A $20 fee is charged for the third and every subsequent skills or road test.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Minnesota
- Under 18
- Must be at least 15. Must have parental consent. Must complete a state-approved driver education program. Provisional license requires 6 months with permit and 50 hours supervised driving (15 at night).
- Permit versus license
- An instruction permit allows supervised driving with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat. Must hold for at least 6 months. Provisional license until age 18 with restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Minnesota DVS exam station.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Minnesota: English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Vietnamese, Russian, Karen, and American Sign Language.
The study source is the Minnesota Driver's Manual (June 2026 edition).
From learner data
Most missed Minnesota practice questions
These free Minnesota questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 2
A hand signal with the left arm extended downward means:
Slowing down or stopping
About 50% get it right
- 3
If the road is wet, you should reduce your speed by:
5-10 mph or more
About 50% get it right
- 4
A center lane marked on both sides by a solid yellow line and a broken yellow line is used for:
Left turns from either direction
About 50% get it right
- 5
You park on a hill where there is no curb. Your front wheels should point:
Toward the edge of the road
About 55% get it right
- 6
If you move to a new address, you must notify the DMV within:
A time set by your state
About 60% get it right
Your plan
Free Minnesota study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Minnesota questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1