What to Bring to Your MN Permit Test
Last updated 2026-08-01
Appointments and pre-applications are required, not optional
Minnesota requires an appointment for the Class D written test, scheduled online at dps.mn.gov/mydvs. The manual also recommends completing DVS's online pre-application, at the same site, no more than 30 days before your appointment -- it lets you fill out most of the paperwork in advance and gives you a personalized list of the exact documents you'll need, so you spend less time at the counter.
Skipping the pre-application doesn't disqualify you, but it does mean filling out a full paper application on the spot instead, which is where first-time applicants most often discover they're missing a document they didn't know they needed.
The documents and fee
Bring proper identification verifying your first, middle, and last name and date of birth. If you're under 18, you'll also need your certificate of enrollment -- a "Blue Card" (classroom instruction completed, enrolled in behind-the-wheel training) or a "Pink Card" (enrolled in a concurrent course with the first 15 classroom hours done) -- plus a parent, guardian, or authorized adult's signature approving your application.
Under Minnesota Statute 171.06, an instruction permit itself costs $11.25, including a small technology surcharge. Know your Social Security number if you're eligible for one, and bring money to cover the fee -- the manual's written-test checklist lists this as a separate line item from the identification requirement.
The written test itself
Minnesota's Class D written test mixes multiple-choice and true-or-false questions on Minnesota traffic laws and road signs, drawing 40 questions from a larger bank; 80 percent (32 correct) is needed to pass. At exam stations offering a computer-based test, you can take it in English, several other languages, or American Sign Language, with headphones available to hear the questions read aloud.
Only one written test is allowed per day. If you fail two consecutive attempts, a $10 fee applies starting with the third try and every attempt after that -- worth factoring in if you're planning to retest quickly rather than studying more between attempts.
The vision screening has real, specific standards
Minnesota's vision screening isn't a medical exam, but it does check two specific numbers: your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40, and your peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, bring them to the appointment.
Falling short on either measure doesn't necessarily end your application that day -- you'll be asked to see an eye doctor and return their report to DVS's Driver Evaluation Unit, which determines whether you can drive safely as-is, need vision correction, or need other restrictions on your eventual license.
What you won't need on written-test day
The written test checklist doesn't ask you to bring a vehicle, proof of insurance, or a supervised driving log -- those all belong to the separate road test appointment, scheduled later once you've held the permit long enough. Confusing the two checklists is a common first-time mistake worth avoiding.
See our guide on Minnesota's driver's-ed requirements for exactly what classroom and behind-the-wheel hours you'll need logged before that later road-test appointment, since the written test only checks the permit-stage requirements, not the full GDL picture.
Source
More Minnesota Guides
- How Long Is a Minnesota Permit Valid?
- Minnesota GDL Rules Explained
- What Happens If You Fail Your MN Exam
- Do You Need Driver's Ed in Minnesota?
Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with Minnesota DVS before your exam. Check the full guides index or the Minnesota cheat sheet and FAQ, or take a free Minnesota practice test.