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

12 questions a round from the 56 number questions in our Minnesota bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.

Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.

Numbers flashcards

56 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.

Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.

See 3 of the cards
  • 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.

    Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 96

  • 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.

    Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 29

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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driversrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
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 motor vehicle is 0.08 or more
0.04%BAC limit in a commercial vehiclerevisor.mn.gov
Quote
the 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, $1,000Drunk driving (DUI)Fourth-degree DWI, a misdemeanor: up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 finerevisor.mn.gov
Quote
If 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, $3,000Drunk driving (DUI)Refusal is a separate crime (third-degree DWI, a gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days and/or $3,000)revisor.mn.gov
Quote
If 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 yearsDrunk driving (DUI)License revoked at least 1 year with no prior impaired-driving incident in 20 yearsrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
if the person has no qualified prior impaired driving incidents within the past 20 years, not less than one year
under 21Drunk driving (DUI)Drivers under 21 may not drive after drinking any alcohol (zero tolerance)revisor.mn.gov
Quote
It 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 percentIn Minnesota, at what alcohol concentration can a driver aged 21 or older be arrested for DWI?Answer: 0.08 percent or higherMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 96
Quote
A 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
0.04Can 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 errorsMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 96
Quote
If 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 daysA 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 daysMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 98
Quote
If 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-yearWhat 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 revocationMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 96
Quote
Refusing to take this test is a crime and will result in a revocation of driving privileges for one to six years
under 16Which of these makes Minnesota DWI penalties more severe?Answer: Having a child under 16 in the vehicleMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 97
Quote
Have a child younger than 16 years of age in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
$680What is the reinstatement fee after an alcohol-related license revocation in Minnesota?Answer: $680Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 97
Quote
Penalties associated with an alcohol-related revocation of a driver’s license include a $680 reinstatement fee
0.02 percentAn ignition interlock device will stop a car from starting if it detects an alcohol concentration at or above what level?Answer: 0.02 percentMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 98
Quote
If the device detects an alcohol concentration at or above 0.02 percent, it prevents the vehicle from starting.

Fines, points & penalties

9 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$100Phone useFirst offense: $100 or more including court feesdps.mn.gov
Quote
$100 or more including court fees for a first offense.
$25Seat beltsPassengers 15 and older are ticketed themselves ($25)revisor.mn.gov
Quote
A person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25.
$50Seat beltsFine up to $50revisor.mn.gov
Quote
Any 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.
$500School busesMisdemeanor, fine at least $500revisor.mn.gov
Quote
is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500.
$275A Minnesota driver is convicted a second time of breaking the hands-free cell phone law. What fine does the law set?Answer: A $275 fineMinnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division website
Quote
A person who violates paragraph (a) a second or subsequent time must pay a fine of $275.
$1,000, 90 daysIf 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 jailMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 43
Quote
If convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle, you may be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail.
$500If convicted of passing a school bus with its red lights flashing, what is the minimum fine in Minnesota?Answer: $500Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 45
Quote
If convicted, you must pay a fine of at least $500 and lose your driving privileges.
$300How much is the extra fine for speeding in a Minnesota work zone?Answer: $300 in addition to the regular speeding ticketMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 57
Quote
Fines for speeding in work zones are $300 in addition to the regular speeding ticket.
$30,000, $60,000What 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 moreMinnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division website
Quote
of 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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
30 mphSpeed limitsUrban district: 30 mphrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
30 miles per hour in an urban district
25 mphSpeed limitsResidential roadway: 25 mph if adopted and signedrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
ten 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 mphSpeed limitsAlleys: 10 mphrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
ten 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 mphSpeed limitsOther roads: 55 mphrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
55 miles per hour in locations other than those specified in this section
65 mphSpeed limitsNon-interstate expressways and freeways: 65 mphrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
65 miles per hour on noninterstate expressways, as defined in section 160.02 , subdivision 18b, and noninterstate freeways
15 mph, 30 mphSpeed limitsSchool zones: as posted (15 mph minimum, no more than 30 mph below the normal limit) when children are presentrevisor.mn.gov
Quote
The 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 mphUnless signs say otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Minnesota alley?Answer: 10 mphMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 29
Quote
■ 10 mph — in alleys ■ 30 mph — on urban or town roads
30 mphWith no speed limit sign posted, what is the maximum speed on a Minnesota urban or town road?Answer: 30 mphMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 29
Quote
■ 10 mph — in alleys ■ 30 mph — on urban or town roads
55 mphIf no other limit applies and no sign is posted, what is Minnesota's default speed limit for locations not otherwise listed?Answer: 55 mphMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 29
Quote
55 mph — in all other locations that are not specified in this list
10 mphOn 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 limitMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 29
Quote
On 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 mphIn Minnesota, when may transit buses drive on a freeway shoulder?Answer: Only when main-line traffic is moving under 35 mphMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 78
Quote
Buses can use the shoulder only when main-line traffic speeds are less than 35 miles per hour.
25 mphWhen traffic is moving, Minnesota allows motorcycle lane splitting only under which limit?Answer: At no more than 25 mphMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 53
Quote
At no more than 25 miles per hour.
35 mphOn what roads may a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) be driven in Minnesota?Answer: Streets with speed limits of 35 mph or lessMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 54
Quote
Anyone 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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 feetSchool 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 stoprevisor.mn.gov
Quote
and 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 secondsWhat following distance does the Minnesota manual recommend for a car in ideal conditions?Answer: At least three secondsMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 76
Quote
Applying the “Three-Second Rule” helps you keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.
five-secondRoads are wet and slippery. How should you change your following distance?Answer: Increase it to a four- or five-second countMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 76
Quote
When 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 feetWhat is the minimum distance before a turn at which Minnesota requires you to turn on your signal?Answer: At least 100 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 30
Quote
Activate your signal at least 100 feet before turning.
1,000 feetWhere are U-turns illegal in Minnesota, even without a No U-Turn sign?Answer: On curves where drivers cannot see you from 1,000 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 36
Quote
They are also illegal near the tops of hills and on curves where other drivers cannot see you from 1,000 feet away.
100 feetAfter 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 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 37
Quote
You must return to the right side of the road before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle.
700 feetYou should not pass on a curve or hill unless you can clearly see the road ahead for at least how far?Answer: 700 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 37
Quote
On a curve or hill where you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 700 feet.
100 to 500 feetYou must stop on the freeway shoulder because of an emergency. Where should you place flares or reflectors?Answer: 100 to 500 feet behind your vehicleMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 80
Quote
If you have flares or reflectors, place them from 100 to 500 feet behind your vehicle on the right edge of the main road.
3 feetWhat is the minimum space Minnesota law requires between the side of your car and a bicyclist you are passing?Answer: At least 3 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 51
Quote
You must keep at least 3 feet between the side of your car and the bicyclist.
200 feetAbout how far behind a large truck may the driver be unable to see you?Answer: Up to 200 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 55
Quote
Some 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 feetA school bus ahead of you stops with red lights flashing. How far from the bus must you stop?Answer: At least 20 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 45
Quote
When 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 feetLights are flashing at a railroad crossing. How far from the nearest rail or gate must you stop?Answer: At least 10 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 56
Quote
Stop your vehicle at least 10 feet from the nearest rail or gate.
1,000 feet, 200 feetWhen must you switch to low beams in Minnesota?Answer: Within 1,000 feet of an oncoming car or 200 feet of a car you followMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 76
Quote
When 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 feetBesides sunset to sunrise, when must you turn on your headlights in Minnesota?Answer: When you cannot see the road ahead for at least 500 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 76
Quote
and any time you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 500 feet.

Parking

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
10 feetIn Minnesota, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?Answer: No closer than 10 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 38
Quote
Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
20 feetHow far from a crosswalk at an intersection must you park in Minnesota?Answer: At least 20 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 38
Quote
Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection ■ Within 30 feet of any flashing light, stop sign or traffic control signal
12 inchesWhen you parallel park in Minnesota, what is the farthest your wheels nearest the curb may be from it?Answer: 12 inchesMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 38
Quote
When 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 feetYou 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 feetMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 40
Quote
You 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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
80%Passing scoreassets.dps.mn.gov
Quote
The 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.
$29.5Feedps.mn.gov
Quote
Class D instruction permit (valid for 2 years) $29.50 ... Third and subsequent written test after failing first two $10
15 yearsWhat is the minimum age to get a Minnesota instruction permit?Answer: 15 years oldMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 16
Quote
To qualify and obtain an instruction permit, you must: ■ Be at least 15 years old.
aged 21You are 16 and hold a Minnesota instruction permit. Who may supervise your practice driving?Answer: A licensed driver aged 21 or olderMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 16
Quote
If you are under 18 You must be supervised by a driver aged 21 or older.
six monthsUnder 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 monthsMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 16
Quote
if you are 18 years old or younger, you must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before taking the road test.
Three monthsYou are 22 and have a Minnesota instruction permit. What is the shortest time you must hold it before taking the road test?Answer: Three monthsMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 17
Quote
After 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 hoursIf 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 nightMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 17
Quote
your teen must submit a log showing at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 nighttime hours.
40 hoursA 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 nightMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 17
Quote
submit a log showing at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 15 nighttime hours.
at least 25A 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 25Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 17
Quote
Accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old.
under 20You 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 exemptMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 18
Quote
Note: You may have immediate family members under age 20 as passengers during both time periods.
age 18Under 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 18Minnesota Driver's Manual, page 18
Quote
while you are driving without a license as a teenager, you cannot get a license, instruction permit or provisional license until you are 18.
80 percentWhat score do you need to pass the Minnesota Class D written test?Answer: 80 percentMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 13
Quote
You may take only one written test per day and must score 80 percent to pass.
Two yearsHow long is a Minnesota instruction permit valid?Answer: Two yearsMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 16
Quote
Your 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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
72 hoursAfter 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 hoursMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 42
Quote
Give this information to the investigating law enforcement officer. If you do not have it with you, provide it within 72 hours.
Three years, one dayUnder 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 dayMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 49
Quote
you may be sentenced to up to three years and one day in prison, fined up to $5,000 or both.
six monthsIf 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 monthsMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 30
Quote
If you drive over 100 mph, your driving privileges will be revoked for at least six months.
10 minutesYou 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 hourMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 85
Quote
Running the engine for about 10 minutes each hour to charge the battery and warm the interior is recommended.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

3 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$25, under 15Seat beltsThe driver is fined $25 for each unbelted passenger under 15revisor.mn.gov
Quote
A person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25.
9 yearsAt what age may a Minnesota child stop using a booster seat (if they have not already outgrown it)?Answer: 9 years oldMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 41
Quote
When 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 inchesTo 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 inchesMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 42
Quote
Try to keep at least 10 inches between yourself and the steering wheel.

Other numbers

1 number
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
40 percentAccording to the Minnesota manual, the zipper merge can reduce the overall length of traffic backups by up to how much?Answer: 40 percentMinnesota Driver's Manual, page 58
Quote
Reduces the overall length of traffic backups by up to 40 percent.

Memory tips

Straight from the handbook:

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.

Keep going