The Instructional Permit

The Instructional Driving Permit

The State of MN has implemented the Graduated Licensing System to help ease inexperienced drivers into driving environment and this takes place in two phases which include the Instruction Permit and the Provisional License.  The primary objective of this system is to keep young drivers safer by providing restrictions, required minimum driving experiences under supervision, and education in the classroom and on the road.

  • Anyone under the age of 18 must have an instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test and earning a license.  

  • Anyone 18 years of age or older is NOT required to complete Behind-The-Wheel lessons or take classroom Driver Education. They would only need to pass the Knowledge Test and have a Permit for at least 6 months before taking the Road Test.

The first phase of the GDL is getting an Instruction Permit and in most circumstances, it is illegal to drive on public roads without a permit or license.  To qualify and obtain an Instruction Permit you must; be at least 15 years of age, complete 30 hours or classroom instruction, pay for a Blue Card (E-Card), pass a vision test, pass the Knowledge Test, complete an application, and pay the permit fee.  (There are some variations and exceptions to these rules, especially for anyone 18 or older)  Your Instruction Permit is valid for 2 years.

How to Earn an Instruction Permit

Follow these steps;

  1. Attend 30 classroom hours with a State Approved Driver Education Program. You will receive a Classroom Completion Letter as a voucher of this completion from your Driver Education school.  (You must receive this Classroom Completion Letter before moving on to step 2)

  2. Locate and enroll in a Driving School (like SMDS) by providing your Classroom Completion Letter and paying their fee.  This is required per MN State Law for anyone under age 18 who wants to earn a permit, you CANNOT get a permit without enrolling in a behind the wheel program unless you are 18 or older. Once you have enrolled, SMDS will enter your information to the State DMV system and you will receive a Blue Card (E-Card) via email from the State of MN within 2 to 3 days, which gives you the green light to take the Knowledge Test. Verify your full legal name and birthdate are correct and notify your Driving School of any errors to avoid delays in the process.

  3. Pre-Apply for a Driver’s License/Permit at DPS.MN.GOV. This must be done within 30 days of taking the Knowledge Test. (in some circumstances this can be done on paper at the DMV)

  4. Sign up for a Permit Test at DPS.MN.GOV – picking your location, date, and time is dependent on seasonal demand and can fluctuate.  (Appointments can be scheduled 30 days in advance at a max)

  5. Turn 15 years of age. 

  6. Take and pass the permit test with an 80% of better.

Once you pass the Knowledge Test, pass the Vision Test, have completed an application, and paid the required Instruction Permit fee - you will receive a temporary paper copy, Instructional Driving Permit and you can drive with adult (21+) supervision. Your Instruction Permit ID card will be mailed to you within 3-4 months. Your next tasks are to drive 50 hours under adult (21+) supervision and complete 6 hours of Behind The Wheel Lessons with a Driving Instructor.