The Provisional License

The Provisional Driving License

After the Instructional Driving Permit Period has been completed, the second phase of the Graduated Licensing System is earning a Provisional License to drive. This license is valid for 2 years but comes with the following restrictions;

  • Cannot drive from midnight until 5AM (with minimal exceptions)

  • For the first 6 months drivers can only have 1 passenger under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a parent (immediate family is excluded)

  • For the second 6 months drivers can only have 3 passengers under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a parent (immediate family is excluded)

How to Earn a Provisional License

To qualify for and earn a Provisional License to drive you must; be at least 16 year of age, have completed classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind the wheel, have had your Instruction Permit for at least 6 months with no moving violations, submit a Supervised Driving Log (completed 50 hours of supervised driving), and pass the Road Test.  Follow these steps to get your Provisional License;

  1. Complete six hours of Behind-The-Wheel training with a State Approved Driver Education Instructor. You will receive a White Completion Card (E-Card) after completing behind-the-wheel training from SMDS in the form of an email from the State of MN within 2 to 3 days of completing BTW. Check the email to make sure your information is correct and notify SMDS of any errors, which may cause delays in the process.

  2. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (15 must be at night) and record these hours of driving experience on the official MN Supervised Driving Log (one side only) or the Road Ready app.

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

  4. Sign up for a Road 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. When you have finished the above, have turned 16 years of age, have been in possession of a permit for at least 6 months - you have the green light to take the Road Test.

  6. Pass the Road Test, pass the Vision Test, confirm your application, and pay the Provisional License fee; you will receive your paper copy of Provisional License to drive and your ID card will be mailed to you within 3-4 months.

Once you have received your Provisional License (paper copy OK), you have the green light to drive with restrictions.