What to Bring to the DMV for Your Minnesota Permit Test
Show up to the DMV missing one document and you won't take your permit test that day — its a story that repeats itself over and again. So before you schedule your Minnesota knowledge test, get your ducks in a row. Here's exactly what to bring so you walk in, test, and walk out with your permit.
I'm Chris Scanlon, Program Director at South Metro Driving School. Here's the checklist I give every student.
Line These Up Before Test Day
Your 30 classroom hours are finished and your have possession of your Classroom Completion Letter
You have enrolled in a Behind-The-Wheel Program (required by MN law under 18). When you enroll and make a payment, your driving school will submit your info to the State DMV System — that's what triggers your E-Card by email
You have Pre-Applied online at DPS.MN.GOV within 30 days of your test
Your appointment Knowledge Test at a local DMV
What to Bring to the DMV
Verify you received your E-Card via email and your name/birthdate are correct. There is not a physical copy and you don’t need to print it, but a screen shot of that email may be helpful.
Primary + Secondary Identifying documents (Birth Certificate/Passport + a School or State ID/Social Security Card) Click here for a list of identification options.
Your Social Security number. You need to provide your number at the DMV and the card can serve as a secondary form of ID.
A parent or legal guardian, if you're under 18
Payment for the instruction permit fee
Verify your names must match exactly across every document and your E-Card — a single-letter difference gets you turned away
The Mistake That Sends People Home
It's almost never the test — it's the paperwork. Mismatched Names, an Expired ID, or a forgotten Blue Card means you're rescheduling instead of driving home with a permit. Double-check the night before.
After you Pass the Knowledge Test
You'll take the vision test, confirm the information on your application, pay the permit fee, and take a picture for your ID. You walk out with a temporary paper instruction permit and can start driving with a licensed adult (21+) immediately. Next up: your 50 supervised hours and your 6 behind-the-wheel hours with us.
Want to walk in confident? Sharpen up with free MN practice tests at NorthStar DE.
Enroll with South Metro Driving School
Written by Chris Scanlon, Program Director & Owner of South Metro Driving School
SouthMetroDrivingSchool.com — Info@SouthMetroDS.com — 612-552-1929
South Metro Driving School is a Minnesota State-Certified Driving School serving the south Twin Cities Metro — with core markets in Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Eagan, and growing service in Farmington, Lakeville, and Hastings.
This article reflects Chris's personal experience running a licensed Minnesota driving school and independent research from official Minnesota state and city sources, current as of September 2026. It's meant as a helpful starting point, not legal advice - rules change and cities differ, so always confirm the current requirements with Minnesota DVS (dps.mn.gov) and your local city before you ride or drive.
Did you find this information helpful? Explore our other guides on permits, road tests, and getting your license — and if we've earned it, we'd be grateful for a 5-Star Google Review.
