Minnesota Licensing Steps
Step 1: Complete Classroom Instruction
Attend all 30 hours of classroom instruction. Your Classroom Completion Certification is submitted to the state electronically within 1 to 3 business days (No Blue Card)
Students have one year from the end of the classroom portion or their 15th birthday, whichever is later, to complete their three, 2 hour, behind-the-wheel (BTW) lessons.
Step 2: Get Your Instruction Permit – DON’T WAIT!
Schedule the Class D Knowledge (Permit) Exam at drive.mn.gov
- Click “Schedule a written or road test” → Select “Drivers Services” → Choose “Class D Knowledge Exam”
Take the Exam (You Must Bring):
- Be at least 15 years old
- Two forms of ID (ex. Birth Certificate and School ID) and Social Security information
Pass the Exam, Vision Screening & Pay the Fee
- Receive a temporary Instruction Permit (valid for up to 120 days)
Step 3: Register Permit and Start Supervised Driving Practice
Register Your Permit
- Log into your student account here or call (651-351-9150)
- Wait for email confirmation that your account is activated for BTW scheduling
Download and print the State Approved Driving Log or use Safeway’s Supervised Driving Log app which you can download here.
Practice driving with a licensed driver (21+ years old) in the front passenger seat
- Start in empty parking lots & quiet residential streets
- Drive 30 minutes at a time, 2–3 hours per week
Step 4: Behind-the-Wheel Lessons & Continued Practice
Take Lesson #1: Basic Skills (Schedule once you’ve completed 5+ hours of practice)
- Review Student Progress Report
- Continue practicing 4-6 hours per week
Take Lesson #2: Advanced Driving (At least 4 weeks after Lesson #1 & 15+ additional hours of practice)
- Review Student Progress Report
- Continue practicing 4-6 hours per week
Take Lesson #3: Parking & Review (At least 4 weeks after Lesson #2)
- Your Behind the Wheel Certificate of Completion is submitted to the state electronically within 1 to 3 business days (No White Card)
Step 5: Get Your Provisional License
Schedule the Class D Road (Skills) Exam at drive.mn.gov
- Click “Schedule a written or road test” → Select “Drivers Services” → Choose “Class D Skill Exam”
Take the Road Test (You Must Bring):
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have held your Instruction Permit for 6 months (No moving or alcohol violations)
- Instruction Permit, Driving Log, valid insurance card, Social Security number
- Parent/guardian signature & exam fee
Pass the Road Test and receive your Provisional License in the mail
Provisional License Restrictions
Restrictions During First 6 Months:
- No cell phone use (even hands-free)
- Only 1 non-family passenger under 20
- No driving between midnight – 5 AM (exceptions for work & school events)
Restrictions During Second 6 Months:
- No cell phone use (even hands-free)
- Up to 3 non-family passengers under 20