Minnesota Driver’s License
Driver Education:
Since 1999, Minnesota has allowed the classroom part of teen driver education to be conducted by parents who are home schooling their children. To qualify, the following conditions and requirements must be met:
- The student driver is at least 15 years old
- The superintendent of schools in your district has certified by letter that your student is a full-time, home schooled student
- The classroom materials for the student driver are approved by the Minnesota DVS Office of Driver Education
- After 30 hours of classroom instruction, a letter stating completion, reference to text used, and child's full legal name and date of birth should be sent to the Office of Driver Education:
Office of Driver Education
445 Minnesota St., Suite 176
St. Paul, MN 55101
Home schooled teen student drivers will then receive proof of classroom completion, which they should present for behind-the-wheel instruction from an approved provider. This becomes a Certificate of Enrollment, also known as a "blue card," which DVS requires when the student takes the written knowledge test.
With the Instruction Permit, the student should get six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction from an approved provider, and 30 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be at night, with a licensed driver who is 21 or older.
Driver’s Permits: Click here for details
Divers Training: Click here for details
Minnesota Driving Laws/Info
First Minnesota DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 90 Days
- Fine - $1,000
- License Suspension – Up to 90 Days
- License Suspension – 180 Days (If Alcohol Concentration .20 or Above*)
- License Suspension – 180 Days (If Passenger Under 16 in Vehicle*)
- License Suspension – 1 Year (DWI Test Refusal)
- Limited License – Must Wait 15 Days (If There are no *Aggravating Circumstances)
- Ignition Interlock Possible
- Fee - $250 License Reinstatement
- Fee - $430 License Reinstatement Surcharge
- Fee - $24 Driver License Application Fee
Second Minnesota DUI Offense
- Third Degree DWI - Gross Misdemeanor
- Jail – Up to 1 Year
- Fine - $3,000
- License Suspension – 180 Days
- License Suspension – 360 Days (If Alcohol Concentration .20 or Above)
- License Suspension - 360 Days (If Passenger under Age of 16 in Vehicle)
- Limited License (Work or School) – Must Wait 90 Days
- Ignition Interlock Possible
- Fee - $250 License Reinstatement
- Fee - $430 License Reinstatement Surcharge
- Fee - $24 Driver License Application Fee
- Administrative License Plate Impoundment (All Vehicles - 1 Year)
- Issued Specially Coded Plate
Third Minnesota DUI Offense
- Second Degree DWI - Gross Misdemeanor
- Jail – Up to 1 Year
- Fine - $3,000
- License Suspension – Cancelled Indefinitely Pending,
- Treatment / Rehabilitation / Abstinence for 1 Year
- Ignition Interlock Possible
- Administrative License Plate Impoundment (All Vehicles - 1 Year)
- Issued Specially Coded Plates
Fourth Minnesota DUI Offense
- First Degree DWI – Felony
- Jail – Up to 7 Years
- Fine - $14,000
MN License Point System:
Minnesota does not have a point system. However, Instead, the drivers and vehicle owners of Minnesota must comply with the terms of the Minnesota Safe and Sober Campaign. Minnesota's Office of Traffic and Safety enforcement programs all fall under this campaign.
The Minnesota Safe and Sober Campaign consists of the following components:
- The Challenge Program, aimed at recognizing law enforcement agencies that successfully reduce traffic deaths and injuries through their efforts.
- A Grant Program, which increases traffic enforcement and community outreach for Minnesota law enforcement agencies.
- Other programs, including "enforcement saturations" and seatbelt safety promotion.
- Law Enforcement Liaisons, who work with local agencies on traffic enforcement and other issues.
- Operation Nighttime Concentrated Alcohol Patrol (NightCAP), aimed at preventing impaired driving and alcohol-related traffic deaths in Minnesota.
- Saved by the Belt Program, which promotes wearing seatbelts, and the protection they provide.
Minnesota also offers Driver Improvement and DWI Clinics among its training classes.
