How to Pass the MN Knowledge Test

Proper~Preparation~Prevents~Poor~Procedure.

If you really do the work in your 30-Hour Driver Education class, you should be prepared for the Knowledge Test, but if you don't do the work or only pretend to - passing the MN Permit Test may be a struggle.  Approximately 55% of people fail the MN Knowledge Test on their first attempt; so failure is more common than you might think.

From my perspective as a Driver Education Teacher.

Some students prepare by learning the material and pass the test, some students don’t learn the material and fail. Other students fail because they haven't prepared for testing day and do not have all their 'ducks in a row'.  Knowing the material (which consists primarily of memorizing the MN Driving Manual) is one thing, but having all the necessary documents and following procedures is another story as the DMV is unforgiving when it comes to the details. Scheduling, finding Primary and Secondary Identifying Documents, completing the Application, and making sure you have your E-Card are all just as important as knowing the material.  The DMV is not exactly a friendly environment and it's unlike the traditional classroom setting where students are more comfortable taking a test.  Poor preparation can easily distract students from their goal of passing the test, in fact if you aren't prepared with the right documents - they won't even let you take the test.  Which means you are scrambling at the DMV to find what you need and they might create space for you to take the test, or you're going home to schedule for another day.  Proper preparation prevents such shenanigans.

Preparing for the MN Knowledge Test.

Is easy with a little planning and organization.  Use Test Checklists as guidance, just be sure to check them early because it might take some time to locate everything you'll need.  Be certain the names listed on your Primary and Secondary Identifying Documents, and E-Card are all identical; any deviation by a single letter will get you denied at the DMV.  All documents must be in English or a qualified English translation; there are a lot of details with identifying documents - make certain you have what you need and bring backup ID.  You need to know your Social Security Number, have a parent or guardian with you, and have payment for the current DMV fees. The online application should be completed within a 30-day window of your scheduled test day; completing the application on testing day at the DMV creates more stress so do it in advance.  100% of your focus should be on crushing the test with your knowledge. Preemptively eliminate these foolish distractions.  

My advice to pass the Permit Test

Actually pay attention in your Driver Education Class, learn the material.  Passing the test comes down to a lot of memorization: numbers, signs, situational driving, impairments, and distractions - lock in on those things.  Find practice tests online (from Minnesota) and take them; learn from mistakes as you go.  (NorthStarDE.com is a great free option)  Try to take the test as you finish your 30-hours of Driver Education Classroom or just after, when the info is fresh in your head.  If you get questions wrong as you take the test - make note so you know the correct answer for the future.  And if you fail, get over it, go take the test again soon.  Work through a bunch of practice tests on NorthStarDE.com while you wait for your next scheduled testing day, repeat as necessary.

Driving is largely about Common Sense and Responsibility

The actual skills come with practice.  Earning the privilege to drive should be taken seriously.  If you lack the critical thinking skills to figure out the process of earning your Instructional Permit or Driver’s License, it’s a sign you may not be ready to drive.  If you can’t pass the test, you’re definitely not ready.  Parents and guardians should support the process, students need to own it. Society needs safer drivers. Take this process seriously and you will become a safer driver, especially if you enroll with South Metro Driving School. (Enroll Now)

Make the effort. Learn the material. Take it seriously - you’ll get there.  

Chris Scanlon
SMDS Program Director