You will need to pass the class D written test if your driver’s license listed above is expired. You will need to pass the class D written and road tests if it is expired more than one year.  

What if I am under 21 and have a driver's license from one of the places on the list?

You will need to pass the class D written test to get a Minnesota driver's license.  

What if I have a permit from one of the places on the list?

You will need to take a written test to keep your permit. Depending on your circumstances, you may or may not have to wait to take a road test to upgrade to a class D driver’s license. See our 18 and older page or our new driver under 18 page for more information. 

What if I have a foreign driver’s license that is not from one of the places on the list?  

You will need to take a written and a road test to get a Minnesota class D driver’s license. You need to give us a translation if your driver’s license is not in English. You don’t need to get a permit before your first road test. Don’t get an ID card before you get a license.  

There are two exceptions to needing to take a written and road test with a foreign driver's license. 

Germany: If you are 18 or older and your driver’s license is valid or expired less than one year, you have two options: 

1. Keep your German license: You must pass the class D written test, road test, do a vision check and apply. 

2. Surrender your German license (Class B): You must pass the class D written test, do a vison check and apply. 

Taiwan: If you are 21 or older and your driver’s license is valid or expired less than one year, you have two options: 

1. Keep your Taiwanese license: You must pass the class D written test, road test, do a vision check and apply. 

2. Surrender your Taiwanese license: You must pass the class D written test, do a vision check, and present an original “Verification Certificate of Driver’s License” (VCDL) issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China (MOTC) or an English certificate of validity issued by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago (TECO) within three months prior the date of applying. 

Can you tell me a little more about testing?

Written test

The written test contains multiple choice and true/false questions that show how well you know and understand Minnesota traffic laws and road signs.

Only one test is allowed per day.  Some stations offer a computerized test which is available in English or several other languages (Hmong, Karen, Vietnamese, Somali, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Spanish and Russian).  It is also offered in American Sign Language (ASL). 

You can schedule an appointment online. You must show proper identification when you are ready to take the test.

Road test

Look at the road test study guide and driver’s manual for more information on what is included in the road test. You may not have anyone else in the car during the test other than the driver examiner. 

Bring proof of insurance for the vehicle you’re using to take the test. The date of your road test must fall on or between the issue date and the expiration date on the proof of insurance. Electronic copies from the insurance company is allowed. 

You must make an appointment for a road test. Schedule a test online or call 651-284-1234.  

Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment if you are unable to make it to your road test, or you will be charged a $20 no-show fee. You will be charged $20 for each test if you don’t pass after the first two tries.

Special note about winter road testing

Road test appointments during the winter months may be delayed until streets and testing areas are cleared. 

If your vehicle gets stuck during a road test, you will fail that road test. 

You are responsible for getting the vehicle towed.