Updated for 2026

Minnesota DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$15.50 (Instruction Permit) / First 2 knowledge tests are Free, 3rd is $10

Testing System

computerized touchscreen

Critical Failure Factors

A specific and common reason for failing in Minnesota is the misunderstanding of the 'Zipper Merge' protocol (drivers often merge too early out of 'politeness' rather than using both lanes) and failing to identify the correct procedures for the 'Ted Foss Move Over Law'.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Minnesota traffic laws are enforced under the Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169, and include some of the strictest teen driver regulations in the nation due to high-profile tragedies. The most critical statute for new drivers to understand is 'Vanessa's Law' (named after a teen killed in a crash). This law dictates that if an UNLICENSED teen (under 18) commits a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance violation, they cannot be given a license, instruction permit, or provisional license until they turn 18. If a LICENSED teen incurs a similar violation, their license is revoked until age 18, and they must retake the entire driver's education course, pass the written and road tests again, and pay reinstatement fees up to $680. Minnesota's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is also specific. A permit is obtained at age 15 (after passing the knowledge test and showing a 'Blue Card' from a classroom course). The permit must be held for 6 months with 50 hours of logged driving (15 at night). Uniquely, if a parent completes a 90-minute 'Parent Awareness Class', the required log drops to 40 hours. For the Provisional License (ages 16-17), driving is prohibited between midnight and 5:00 AM. Passenger limits are tiered: for the first 6 months, only one passenger under age 20 is allowed (unless immediate family). For the second 6 months, no more than three passengers under 20 are permitted. The 'Ted Foss Move Over Law' is another cornerstone of MN safety. Named after a trooper killed during a traffic stop, it requires drivers to move to the lane farthest away from stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and construction vehicles with flashing lights. If unable to move over, you must slow down significantly. Furthermore, Minnesota is a 'Hands-Free' state; holding a phone is illegal. Also, the 'Not a Drop' law applies to drivers under 21—any amount of alcohol results in a minimum 30-day suspension. Finally, regarding school buses: drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from a bus displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. This applies to oncoming traffic as well, unless there is a physical barrier (like a concrete wall) separating the lanes.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Minnesota requires mastering distinct winter survival skills and understanding traffic flow concepts that are heavily promoted by the state DOT. The most famous of these is the 'Zipper Merge'. Unlike in many states where early merging is considered polite, Minnesota explicitly teaches drivers to use BOTH lanes fully until the merge point is reached, and then take turns merging like the teeth of a zipper. Merging too early is considered inefficient and dangerous here. Winter driving is a massive component of the test and daily life. Drivers are expected to carry a 'Winter Survival Kit' containing candles, matches, blankets, and non-perishable food. The manual warns specifically about 'Black Ice' on bridges and overpasses, which freeze faster than standard roads. A unique winter hazard is the 'Snow Emergency'. In cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, after a heavy snowfall, strict parking rules go into effect. Parking on a 'Snow Emergency Route' (marked with signs) will result in your car being towed immediately to clear the way for plows. Understanding which side of the street to park on during Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 of an emergency is a rite of passage for residents. Another biological hazard is the White-tailed Deer. Minnesota has a high rate of deer collisions, particularly in November. The manual advises scanning the ditches for 'eyeshine' and never swerving to avoid a deer, as hitting a tree or oncoming car is statistically more lethal. Regarding the test itself: it consists of 40 questions, and you need 32 correct answers (80%) to pass. The first two attempts at the knowledge test are typically free (state-subsidized), but starting with the third attempt, a fee of $10 is charged per test to discourage guessing without studying. Also, Minnesota has 10,000 lakes, and while not on the standard road test, ice driving is common. However, the DNR advises that ice is never 100% safe, and driving on a lake is done at your own risk. Finally, bicyclists are treated as vehicles; the law requires a 3-foot clearance when passing a cyclist, and opening a car door into the path of a cyclist is a ticketable offense.