The Minnesota DVS permit test has 40 questions and an 80% passing score. Learn what's on the test, how to study, and how to pass on your first try.
The Minnesota DVS knowledge test has 40 multiple-choice questions, requires 32 correct answers to pass (80%), and costs $10.25. You can take it at 15 years old, and if you fail, you'll wait one day before retrying.
Most people don't fail because they don't study — they fail because they underestimate the winter-specific content and the intersection rules that Minnesota tests more thoroughly than most states. This guide covers exactly what's on the test, where most applicants stumble, and how to prepare efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- 40 questions, 32 correct to pass (80% passing score)
- Fee is $10.25; minimum age is 15
- Under 18? You'll hold your permit for 6 months and log 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night
- Wheelingo's free Minnesota practice test pulls questions directly from the DVS handbook, including winter driving and right-of-way scenarios
The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) knowledge test is a 40-question multiple-choice exam that evaluates your understanding of Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices — including winter driving conditions specific to the state. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to receive a passing score.
The test is administered at any Minnesota DVS exam station. You don't need to schedule an appointment at many locations — walk-ins are available — but checking your local office first saves time. The $10.25 fee covers the written knowledge test and your learner's permit if you pass.
Minnesota's handbook goes deeper on winter driving than virtually any other state's manual. The test covers traction device laws, when you're legally required to reduce speed in reduced-visibility conditions, and how to handle ice and snow-covered roads.
You'll see questions about following distance on icy roads (much longer than on dry pavement), what to do when your vehicle starts to skid, and the correct way to brake on ice. These aren't conceptual questions — they test specific rules, and guessing won't cut it.
If you're under 18, Minnesota requires you to hold your permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test. During that period, you must log 50 supervised driving hours, with at least 10 of those hours completed at night.
The knowledge test includes questions about GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) rules, including what passengers are allowed in the vehicle and when. Many applicants skip this section of the handbook assuming it's just paperwork — it's not.
When a traffic signal isn't working, Minnesota law requires drivers to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. The test goes further: it asks what to do when only some signals are malfunctioning, how to yield to pedestrians in those conditions, and the sequence of priority when multiple vehicles arrive at the same time.
Right-of-way scenarios are among the most-missed question types on the Minnesota DVS test, and they appear in multiple variations. Practice these until the logic is automatic.
Start with the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DVS website. Read every section, including the winter driving chapter — it's longer than in most states and it shows up heavily on the test.
After reading, shift to practice questions. Passive reading isn't enough; you need to identify the specific questions you're getting wrong and focus on those. A targeted practice test session is far more efficient than re-reading chapters.
Wheelingo's free Minnesota DVS practice test mirrors the format and content of the actual exam. There's no account required, it works on any device, and you can start in under 30 seconds. The questions cover all 14 tested topics including winter driving, road signs, and GDL rules — the same areas the DVS tests.
Most users who prep with Wheelingo pass on their first attempt. The 94% first-try pass rate isn't marketing — it reflects what happens when you practice with questions that match the real test instead of generic DMV trivia.
How many questions are on the Minnesota DVS permit test? The test has 40 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 32 correctly (80%) to pass.
How much does the Minnesota permit test cost? The fee is $10.25, which covers both the knowledge test and the learner's permit if you pass. Each retake costs the same fee.
How long do I have to hold my permit before the road test in Minnesota? If you're under 18, you must hold your permit for at least 6 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. Adults 18 and older aren't subject to a minimum holding period.
What happens if I fail the Minnesota DVS knowledge test? You must wait one calendar day before retaking the test. There's no limit on the number of attempts, but you pay the fee each time.
Does Minnesota's permit test cover winter driving? Yes — extensively. Minnesota's handbook includes specific rules for icy roads, reduced-visibility conditions, traction devices, and skid recovery. These topics appear on the test and are among the most commonly missed question types.
Is Wheelingo free? Yes. Wheelingo is completely free — no account, no subscription, no paywalls. You open the app, select Minnesota, and start practicing immediately. It's state-specific, so the questions match what the DVS actually tests.