Frequently AskedQuestions

FAQs

You have reached the Frequently Asked Questions page. These questions are the most commonly asked from our experience and they are organized by; General Questions, Questions about Behind-The-Wheel, Questions about Driving, and Questions about Testing. If you have more specific questions, Contact SMDS and we’ll try to provide clarity.

  • It’s a 40 question test that’s randomly pulled from a bank of 150 questions and it covers all 8 chapters of the MN Driver's Manual. Students must earn an 80% or better to pass, which is 8 or less questions wrong.  Passing this test earns an Instructional Driving Permit and the privilege to drive; under supervision. The best way to prepare for this test is to memorize the MN Driver’s Manual and pay attention in class. Knowledge tests can be taken at certain DMVs and other Certified locations. Be sure to you have all your ducks in a row with this Permit Test Checklist.

  • It’s a driving test, sometimes on a closed DMV course and sometimes on public roads, measuring the driver’s ability to confidently navigate the roads safely and effectively. Common ways to fail the test are to knock over a cone during parking maneuvers and breaking traffic laws. Other metrics used to measure ability during the test remain a mystery, that is why a driver should complete all the required training, strive to improve whenever given the opportunity to drive, and always pay attention.

  • Check out our Instruction Permit page

  • Check out our Provisional License page

  • You can sign up to take the Knowledge Test and the Road Test at DPS.MN.GOV

  • Check out our Test Prep page

  • At any local DMV with testing capabilities, so not at every DMV. You will see testing locations when you sign-up to take a test, Knowledge or Road test.

Questions About Testing

Questions About Behind-The-Wheel

  • Only after you pass your Knowledge Test

  • TBD; all will be equipped with a TEENSAFE Passenger Brake System

  • No, you just need to get your 6-hours in. Our goal is to help inexperienced drivers build confidence, basic driving tasks, and overall awareness in any driver environment.

  • 2 hours block lessons is preferred but can be modified per student request

  • Our goal is to complete all 6-hours of Behind-The-Wheel Lessons within 3 to 4 months of a student requesting to be scheduled, but likely much sooner.

  • Once you submit your information to Schedule Lessons, your assigned Driving Instructor will connect with you within a couple days to plan lessons. You will schedule dates, times, and pick-up locations with your Driving Instructor Directly

  • Check out our Behind-The-Wheel Curriculum page

  • Yes, just make sure it’s OK with your parents and you don’t fall behind on school work. Please indicate this when scheduling.

  • Possibly, please Contact Us with questions about this

  • Absolutely, in an officer sees you breaking the law. Drive safe!

  • We have insurance at SMDS but you may be held responsible if found negligent

  • Contact your assigned Driving Instructor directly within 48 hours to cancel or reschedule and avoid potential charges

  • Our Driving Instructors will contact you within a reasonable amount of time as weather approaches, our decision to cancel lessons is based on safety

  • After you get your Instruction Permit you can begin driving under supervision and with your Behind-The-Wheel Instructor. Under most circumstances it is illegal to drive on public roads without a Permit or License.

  • You may lose your privilege to earn a License to drive until 18 or older, depending on circumstances. Read about Vanessa’s Law.

  • Check our the Provisional License page

  • If you are under the age of 18, the supervising adult must be 21 years of age or older. If you are 18 years of age or older, the supervising adult must be 18 years of age or older. Read more about Permit Rules on this page

  • A system designed to ease inexperienced drivers safely into the driving environment. This system consists of two phases; the Instructional Permit and the Provisional Drivers Permit. (With specific circumstances, it is best to consult the MN Driver’s Manual to determine who can and cannot earn a Permit or License)

Questions About Driving

  • Because SMDS probably has the most experienced roster of Driving Instructors in the State. We have brand new vehicles with high tech safety features. We have the professionalism and ambition others schools lack.

  • Yes, anyone under the age of 18 is required to complete 30 hours of classroom Driver Education and be enrolled with a State Approved Behind-The-Wheel Education Program. You must provide a Classroom Completion Letter and be financially committed to received a Blue Card (E-Card) and move forward with the Knowledge Test.

  • Yes, you must complete 30 hours of Classroom Driver Education before taking the Knowledge Test

  • No. We do not currently offer that service but plan to in the future.

  • You will receive this, as a voucher of completion, when you finish 30 hours of Classroom Driver Education from a State Approved Driver Education Program.

  • It’s an email from the State of Minnesota, which is sent when your driver education school submits your information to the State DMV System. Verify the information (your full legal name) is correct before testing day.

  • By providing SMDS with a Classroom Completion Letter issued by the school you completed Classroom Driver Education with. Then making your payment to SMDS.

  • By completing your 6-hours of Behind-The-Wheel Lessons with your assigned Driving Instructors and making your full payment to SMDS.

  • Check out our State Requirements Page

  • Check out the Adult Drivers Page

General Questions

Contact SMDS if you have more specific, detailed, or unique circumstances you would like to know more about. We will do our best to find answers to your questions or provide you with resources to point you in the right direction.

CONTACT SMDS