Minnesota Permit Hold: 6-Month Wait, Road Test Timing, License Upgrade

Minnesota law requires a minimum six-month holding period before you can schedule a road test. This clock starts on the day you pass the knowledge test, not when you start practicing.

When Can Minnesota Permit Holders Schedule the Road Test After the 6-Month Hold?

Under-18 drivers use Form PS33202 to log 50 hours (15 at night), signed by a supervising adult aged 21 or older. Adults 18 and older have no logging requirement but must hold the permit for their mandatory period.

• Log 50 hours of supervised driving, with 15 hours at night.
• If a parent completes a state-approved course, the requirement drops to 40 hours (15 night hours remain). Download the free 90-minute Supplemental Parent Class certificate from DVS to qualify for reduced hours.
• Use the official Supervised Driving Log. You must present the signed, physical log at your road test.

Log your hours immediately after each drive to avoid forgetting details. A missing date or supervisor signature caused a student in Rochester to be turned away at the exam station, forcing a reschedule.

What Practice Rules Must Minnesota Permit Holders Follow During the Permit Phase

A qualified supervisor must occupy the front passenger seat. Under-18 drivers cannot use any wireless device while driving, even hands-free. Driving alone is a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 171.02.

• You must have a licensed driver aged 21+ in the front seat.
• No cell phone use while driving, even hands-free.
• Every person in the vehicle must wear a seat belt.

Learn more about driving restrictions with your permit and supervisor requirements. How to practice effectively:

Practice the 90-degree back-up maneuver in an empty lot using traffic cones. A common failure in St. Paul is hitting the curb or drifting outside the lines due to lack of practice.

How Do You Schedule and Pass the Minnesota Road Test?

Book the road test at drive.mn.gov under Class D Road Test. Bring your valid permit, Form PS33202 if under 18, an insured vehicle, and $42.50. The examiner will cancel the test if any item is missing.

• Schedule your test at drive.mn.gov exactly 30 days in advance. Appointments at popular stations like Arden Hills fill in minutes.
• Verify your local station hours before driving there to avoid wasted trips.
• Download your Certificate of Completion for Behind-the-Wheel Training if you need a replacement White Card.

Road test fees and cancellation policies changed recently:

1. Basic test fee: $32.50
2. Third test after two failures: $20.00
3. Cancel road test 24-72 hours ahead: $20.00 fee
4. No-show or cancel within 24 hours: $40.00 fee

What to bring:

• Valid Instruction Permit
• White Card (Certificate of Course Completion)
• Completed, signed Supervised Driving Log
• Proof of insurance and vehicle registration
• Your Social Security Number
• A vehicle where all doors open from inside and outside, with working seatbelts, brake lights, and turn signals

Get the 2026 Minnesota Driver Handbook PDF for the complete road test skills list. Download the Instruction Permit FAQ PDF for extra Q&A on common permit questions.

Download Form PS33202 before your first supervised session. to ensure you don't miss anything important on test day.

Test all vehicle turn signals and brake lights with your supervisor before leaving for the exam. A burnt-out brake light is an automatic rejection, as a teen in Duluth discovered after a 90-minute drive to the testing center.