Minnesota permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 74 Minnesota numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
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Numbers flashcards
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Alcohol & drugs
In Minnesota, at what alcohol concentration can a driver aged 21 or older be arrested for DWI?
0.08 percent or higher
A driver with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more can be arrested for DWI.
Fines, points & penalties
A Minnesota driver is convicted a second time of breaking the hands-free cell phone law. What fine does the law set?
A $275 fine
Minn. Stat. 169.475 sets a $275 fine for a second or later violation of the hands-free law.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division website
Speed limits
Unless signs say otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Minnesota alley?
10 mph
Minnesota's limits under ideal conditions are 10 mph in alleys, 30 mph on urban or town roads and 55 mph in other unlisted locations, unless signs show otherwise.
Every Minnesota number, by topic
Official test facts and Minnesota laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
Alcohol & drugs
13 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | revisor.mn.govQuotethe person's alcohol concentration at the time, or as measured within two hours of the time, of driving, operating, or being in physical control of the motor vehicle is 0.08 or more |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | revisor.mn.govQuotethe vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle and the person's alcohol concentration at the time, or as measured within two hours of the time, of driving, operating, or being in physical control of the commercial motor vehicle is 0.04 or more |
| 90 days, $1,000 | Drunk driving (DUI)Fourth-degree DWI, a misdemeanor: up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine | revisor.mn.govQuoteIf the crime is a misdemeanor, to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $1,000, or both |
| 364 days, $3,000 | Drunk driving (DUI)Refusal is a separate crime (third-degree DWI, a gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days and/or $3,000) | revisor.mn.govQuoteIf the crime is a gross misdemeanor, to imprisonment for not more than 364 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both |
| 1 year, 20 years | Drunk driving (DUI)License revoked at least 1 year with no prior impaired-driving incident in 20 years | revisor.mn.govQuoteif the person has no qualified prior impaired driving incidents within the past 20 years, not less than one year |
| under 21 | Drunk driving (DUI)Drivers under 21 may not drive after drinking any alcohol (zero tolerance) | revisor.mn.govQuoteIt is a crime for a person under the age of 21 years to drive, operate, or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while consuming alcoholic beverages, or after having consumed alcoholic beverages while there is physical evidence of the consumption present in the person's body. |
| 0.08 percent | In Minnesota, at what alcohol concentration can a driver aged 21 or older be arrested for DWI?Answer: 0.08 percent or higher | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 96QuoteA person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher (0.04 percent if driving a commercial vehicle) who is in control of a moving or parked vehicle can be arrested |
| 0.04 | Can a Minnesota driver be arrested for DWI with an alcohol concentration below 0.08?Answer: Yes, as low as 0.04 if alcohol caused driving errors | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 96QuoteIf a law enforcement officer can prove that alcohol caused the driver to commit driving errors, the driver can be arrested for DWI with an alcohol concentration as low as 0.04 percent. |
| 30 days | A 19-year-old is convicted for the first time under Minnesota's under-21 no-tolerance law for driving with a detectable amount of alcohol. How long are their driving privileges suspended?Answer: 30 days | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 98QuoteIf convicted of this offense, you will have your driving privileges suspended for 30 days. A second conviction will result in a suspension of driving privileges for 180 days. |
| six-year | What is the penalty for refusing a blood, breath or urine test under Minnesota's implied consent law?Answer: It is a crime and brings a one- to six-year revocation | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 96QuoteRefusing to take this test is a crime and will result in a revocation of driving privileges for one to six years |
| under 16 | Which of these makes Minnesota DWI penalties more severe?Answer: Having a child under 16 in the vehicle | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 97QuoteHave a child younger than 16 years of age in the vehicle at the time of the stop. |
| $680 | What is the reinstatement fee after an alcohol-related license revocation in Minnesota?Answer: $680 | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 97QuotePenalties associated with an alcohol-related revocation of a driver’s license include a $680 reinstatement fee |
| 0.02 percent | An ignition interlock device will stop a car from starting if it detects an alcohol concentration at or above what level?Answer: 0.02 percent | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 98QuoteIf the device detects an alcohol concentration at or above 0.02 percent, it prevents the vehicle from starting. |
Fines, points & penalties
9 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $100 | Phone useFirst offense: $100 or more including court fees | dps.mn.govQuote$100 or more including court fees for a first offense. |
| $25 | Seat beltsPassengers 15 and older are ticketed themselves ($25) | revisor.mn.govQuoteA person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25. |
| $50 | Seat beltsFine up to $50 | revisor.mn.govQuoteAny motor vehicle operator who violates subdivision 4a is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and may be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $50. |
| $500 | School busesMisdemeanor, fine at least $500 | revisor.mn.govQuoteis guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500. |
| $275 | A Minnesota driver is convicted a second time of breaking the hands-free cell phone law. What fine does the law set?Answer: A $275 fine | Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division websiteQuoteA person who violates paragraph (a) a second or subsequent time must pay a fine of $275. |
| $1,000, 90 days | If you are convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle in Minnesota, what is the maximum criminal penalty?Answer: A $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 43QuoteIf convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle, you may be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. |
| $500 | If convicted of passing a school bus with its red lights flashing, what is the minimum fine in Minnesota?Answer: $500 | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 45QuoteIf convicted, you must pay a fine of at least $500 and lose your driving privileges. |
| $300 | How much is the extra fine for speeding in a Minnesota work zone?Answer: $300 in addition to the regular speeding ticket | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 57QuoteFines for speeding in work zones are $300 in addition to the regular speeding ticket. |
| $30,000, $60,000 | What minimum bodily injury liability coverage must a Minnesota vehicle owner's insurance policy include?Answer: $30,000 for one person and $60,000 for two or more | Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division websiteQuoteof not less than $30,000 because of bodily injury to one person in any one accident and, subject to said limit for one person, of not less than $60,000 because of injury to two or more persons in any one accident |
Speed limits
13 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 30 mph | Speed limitsUrban district: 30 mph | revisor.mn.govQuote30 miles per hour in an urban district |
| 25 mph | Speed limitsResidential roadway: 25 mph if adopted and signed | revisor.mn.govQuoteten miles per hour in alleys; (7) 25 miles per hour in residential roadways if adopted by the road authority having jurisdiction over the residential roadway |
| 10 mph | Speed limitsAlleys: 10 mph | revisor.mn.govQuoteten miles per hour in alleys; (7) 25 miles per hour in residential roadways if adopted by the road authority having jurisdiction over the residential roadway |
| 55 mph | Speed limitsOther roads: 55 mph | revisor.mn.govQuote55 miles per hour in locations other than those specified in this section |
| 65 mph | Speed limitsNon-interstate expressways and freeways: 65 mph | revisor.mn.govQuote65 miles per hour on noninterstate expressways, as defined in section 160.02 , subdivision 18b, and noninterstate freeways |
| 15 mph, 30 mph | Speed limitsSchool zones: as posted (15 mph minimum, no more than 30 mph below the normal limit) when children are present | revisor.mn.govQuoteThe school speed limit shall not be lower than 15 miles per hour and shall not be more than 30 miles per hour below the established speed limit on an affected street or highway. |
| 10 mph | Unless signs say otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Minnesota alley?Answer: 10 mph | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 29Quote■ 10 mph — in alleys ■ 30 mph — on urban or town roads |
| 30 mph | With no speed limit sign posted, what is the maximum speed on a Minnesota urban or town road?Answer: 30 mph | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 29Quote■ 10 mph — in alleys ■ 30 mph — on urban or town roads |
| 55 mph | If no other limit applies and no sign is posted, what is Minnesota's default speed limit for locations not otherwise listed?Answer: 55 mph | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 29Quote55 mph — in all other locations that are not specified in this list |
| 10 mph | On a two-lane Minnesota highway posted at 60 mph, you are lawfully passing a slower car. How fast may you go while passing?Answer: Up to 10 mph over the posted limit | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 29QuoteOn two-lane highways with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher, you can increase your speed by 10 mph when lawfully passing another vehicle. |
| 35 mph | In Minnesota, when may transit buses drive on a freeway shoulder?Answer: Only when main-line traffic is moving under 35 mph | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 78QuoteBuses can use the shoulder only when main-line traffic speeds are less than 35 miles per hour. |
| 25 mph | When traffic is moving, Minnesota allows motorcycle lane splitting only under which limit?Answer: At no more than 25 mph | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 53QuoteAt no more than 25 miles per hour. |
| 35 mph | On what roads may a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) be driven in Minnesota?Answer: Streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 54QuoteAnyone with a Class D driver’s license may drive an NEV, but only on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. |
Distances & following gaps
14 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 feet | School busesDrivers approaching a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing must stop at least 20 feet away, from either direction, and not move until the arm is retracted and the lights stop | revisor.mn.govQuoteand is displaying an extended stop-signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle approaching the bus shall stop the vehicle at least 20 feet away from the bus. |
| three seconds | What following distance does the Minnesota manual recommend for a car in ideal conditions?Answer: At least three seconds | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 76QuoteApplying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. |
| five-second | Roads are wet and slippery. How should you change your following distance?Answer: Increase it to a four- or five-second count | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 76QuoteWhen road conditions are poor, or if you are driving a vehicle longer than the standard length, increase your following distance to a four- or five-second count. |
| 100 feet | What is the minimum distance before a turn at which Minnesota requires you to turn on your signal?Answer: At least 100 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 30QuoteActivate your signal at least 100 feet before turning. |
| 1,000 feet | Where are U-turns illegal in Minnesota, even without a No U-Turn sign?Answer: On curves where drivers cannot see you from 1,000 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 36QuoteThey are also illegal near the tops of hills and on curves where other drivers cannot see you from 1,000 feet away. |
| 100 feet | After passing on a two-lane road, you must return to the right side before coming within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?Answer: 100 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 37QuoteYou must return to the right side of the road before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle. |
| 700 feet | You should not pass on a curve or hill unless you can clearly see the road ahead for at least how far?Answer: 700 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 37QuoteOn a curve or hill where you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 700 feet. |
| 100 to 500 feet | You must stop on the freeway shoulder because of an emergency. Where should you place flares or reflectors?Answer: 100 to 500 feet behind your vehicle | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 80QuoteIf you have flares or reflectors, place them from 100 to 500 feet behind your vehicle on the right edge of the main road. |
| 3 feet | What is the minimum space Minnesota law requires between the side of your car and a bicyclist you are passing?Answer: At least 3 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 51QuoteYou must keep at least 3 feet between the side of your car and the bicyclist. |
| 200 feet | About how far behind a large truck may the driver be unable to see you?Answer: Up to 200 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 55QuoteSome truck drivers may not be able to see up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the trailer, and up to 200 feet to the rear. |
| 20 feet | A school bus ahead of you stops with red lights flashing. How far from the bus must you stop?Answer: At least 20 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 45QuoteWhen you see a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing, you must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet from the bus. |
| 10 feet | Lights are flashing at a railroad crossing. How far from the nearest rail or gate must you stop?Answer: At least 10 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 56QuoteStop your vehicle at least 10 feet from the nearest rail or gate. |
| 1,000 feet, 200 feet | When must you switch to low beams in Minnesota?Answer: Within 1,000 feet of an oncoming car or 200 feet of a car you follow | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 76QuoteWhen you are within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle at a distance of 200 feet or less, your headlights must remain on low beam. |
| 500 feet | Besides sunset to sunrise, when must you turn on your headlights in Minnesota?Answer: When you cannot see the road ahead for at least 500 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 76Quoteand any time you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 500 feet. |
Parking
4 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | In Minnesota, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 10 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 38QuoteWithin 10 feet of a fire hydrant |
| 20 feet | How far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park in Minnesota?Answer: At least 20 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 38QuoteWithin 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection ■ Within 30 feet of any flashing light, stop sign or traffic control signal |
| 12 inches | When you parallel park in Minnesota, what is the farthest your wheels nearest the curb may be from it?Answer: 12 inches | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 38QuoteWhen you parallel park, your vehicle’s wheels closest to the side of the road should be no more than 12 inches from the curb. |
| 500 feet | You must park on a Minnesota highway shoulder at night. What lighting is required?Answer: A white or amber front light and a red taillight, visible from 500 feet | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 40QuoteYou must have at least one white or amber front light and one red taillight illuminated on your vehicle. Both lights must be visible from at least 500 feet. |
Ages, permits & the test
13 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 80% | Passing score | assets.dps.mn.govQuoteThe written test includes multiple choice and true-or-false questions that assess your knowledge of Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. The test may ... taken on paper or on a computer. At exam stations offering the test on a computer, you can take it in English, several other languages or in American Sign Language (ASL). ... You may take only one written test per day and must score 80 percent to pass. ... If you fail two consecutive written tests, a $10 fee is charged for the third and any subsequent tests. |
| $29.5 | Fee | dps.mn.govQuoteClass D instruction permit (valid for 2 years) $29.50 ... Third and subsequent written test after failing first two $10 |
| 15 years | What is the minimum age to get a Minnesota instruction permit?Answer: 15 years old | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 16QuoteTo qualify and obtain an instruction permit, you must: ■ Be at least 15 years old. |
| aged 21 | You are 16 and hold a Minnesota instruction permit. Who may supervise your practice driving?Answer: A licensed driver aged 21 or older | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 16QuoteIf you are under 18 You must be supervised by a driver aged 21 or older. |
| six months | Under Minnesota's graduated licensing system, how long must a 16-year-old hold an instruction permit before taking the road test?Answer: At least six months | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 16Quoteif you are 18 years old or younger, you must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before taking the road test. |
| Three months | You are 22 and have a Minnesota instruction permit. What is the shortest time you must hold it before taking the road test?Answer: Three months | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 17QuoteAfter the required six months of practice driving (or three months if you are 19 years old or older), you may take the road test. |
| 50 hours | If your parent does not take the optional parent class, how much supervised driving must your log show before you get a provisional license?Answer: 50 hours, including 15 at night | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 17Quoteyour teen must submit a log showing at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 nighttime hours. |
| 40 hours | A parent completes the approved Minnesota parent class. How many supervised hours must the teen's driving log then show?Answer: 40 hours, including 15 at night | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 17Quotesubmit a log showing at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 15 nighttime hours. |
| at least 25 | A 16-year-old in the first six months of a provisional license wants to drive at 1 a.m. Which situation is allowed?Answer: Driving with a licensed driver who is at least 25 | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 17QuoteAccompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. |
| under 20 | You have had your provisional license for two months. Can you drive your two younger siblings, ages 12 and 14, to school with no adult in the car?Answer: Yes, immediate family members under 20 are exempt | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 18QuoteNote: You may have immediate family members under age 20 as passengers during both time periods. |
| age 18 | Under Vanessa's Law, what happens to an unlicensed teen who is convicted of a crash-related moving violation?Answer: They cannot get a permit or license until age 18 | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 18Quotewhile you are driving without a license as a teenager, you cannot get a license, instruction permit or provisional license until you are 18. |
| 80 percent | What score do you need to pass the Minnesota Class D written test?Answer: 80 percent | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 13QuoteYou may take only one written test per day and must score 80 percent to pass. |
| Two years | How long is a Minnesota instruction permit valid?Answer: Two years | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 16QuoteYour permit is valid for two years of practice driving with a licensed supervising driver sitting in the front passenger seat. |
Time limits & deadlines
4 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 72 hours | After a crash, an officer asks for your insurance information, but you do not have it with you. How long do you have to provide it?Answer: 72 hours | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 42QuoteGive this information to the investigating law enforcement officer. If you do not have it with you, provide it within 72 hours. |
| Three years, one day | Under Minnesota law, fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle (with no one hurt) can bring up to how much prison time?Answer: Three years and one day | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 49Quoteyou may be sentenced to up to three years and one day in prison, fined up to $5,000 or both. |
| six months | If you are convicted of driving faster than 100 mph in Minnesota, what happens to your driving privileges?Answer: They are revoked for at least six months | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 30QuoteIf you drive over 100 mph, your driving privileges will be revoked for at least six months. |
| 10 minutes | You are stranded in your car during a Minnesota winter storm. What does the manual recommend?Answer: Stay with the car and run the engine about 10 minutes each hour | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 85QuoteRunning the engine for about 10 minutes each hour to charge the battery and warm the interior is recommended. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
3 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $25, under 15 | Seat beltsThe driver is fined $25 for each unbelted passenger under 15 | revisor.mn.govQuoteA person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25. |
| 9 years | At what age may a Minnesota child stop using a booster seat (if they have not already outgrown it)?Answer: 9 years old | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 41QuoteWhen a child is 9 years old, or they exceed the weight or height limit of the booster seat, they must sit without the booster and be secured with a seat belt. |
| 10 inches | To lower the risk of air bag injury, what is the minimum distance the Minnesota manual recommends keeping between yourself and the steering wheel?Answer: At least 10 inches | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 42QuoteTry to keep at least 10 inches between yourself and the steering wheel. |
Other numbers
1 number
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 40 percent | According to the Minnesota manual, the zipper merge can reduce the overall length of traffic backups by up to how much?Answer: 40 percent | Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 58QuoteReduces the overall length of traffic backups by up to 40 percent. |
Memory tips
Straight from the handbook:
“Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.”
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Minnesota permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 74 of them for Minnesota, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, Minnesota statutes or DVS pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.