Eligible for Driver’s License for All? Make your appointment now to get the process started
Sept. 5, 2023
If you're one of the estimated 81,000 Minnesotans who will become eligible for a driver's license when Driver's License for All (DL4All) goes into effect Oct. 1, we don't need to tell you how important that card can be. The ability to drive legally can let you take a higher-paying job further away, open a bank account to avoid high check-cashing fees or buy car insurance.
With the implementation of DL4All less than a month away, the time is now to get ready to get your license. Our Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division has put together a guide to help you navigate the process — which will be the same for everyone, regardless of immigration status — after Oct. 1.
The first thing you need to do is study the rules of the road, found on DVS's website. Specifically, you need to read the Class D Driver's manual, which is available in several languages.
Next, gather your paperwork. After Oct. 1, Minnesota will no longer require proof of legal presence; however, you will need to provide proof of your identity with documents either in English or translated into English. DVS has a list of accepted documents.
You will need an appointment to get the process started. Visit drive.mn.gov and click on “Schedule an Appointment." You can make an appointment up to 30 days out to apply for a driver's license and take the written test, which is available in multiple languages. You can have someone read you the exam in any language, though you need to bring your own interpreter who has a valid Minnesota driver's license.
After you prove you know the rules of the road, you'll need to take a vision test. Once you complete those, our staff will send you home with a learner's permit, so you can practice behind the wheel. If you're age 18 or younger, you'll need to practice for six months before you're eligible to take the road test and get your license. Those over 18 need to practice for three months. Make sure you review the driver's manual for permit restrictions.
After you get driving down, you need to make an appointment at drive.mn.gov to take the road test. You'll need to bring a vehicle in safe working condition and your permit to your appointment. The vehicle must be insured — and you must bring proof that the vehicle is insured — but the insurance doesn't have to be in your name.
After passing your road test, your photo will be taken before issuing your driver's license. A paper temporary driver's license will be given until the card arrives in the mail. Driver's license cards can take up to six weeks to arrive in the mail.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask our virtual assistant, located at the bottom right corner of drive.mn.gov. The virtual assistant can answer questions in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
