The Permit Test

CLICK HERE for a Permit Practice Test

The Knowledge Test (Permit Test) is 40 questions and students must earn an 80%, or less than 9 questions wrong.  These 40 questions are randomly pulled from a bank of 150 and cover all 8 chapters of the MN Driver's Manual - the best way to prepare is to memorize the manual.  Study Guides provided in the classroom and quizzes during the Safety Education class are designed to help with this memorization process, each quiz should be considered permit test prep focusing on the different chapters of the MN Driver's Manual.  The Permit Test is no longer offered at AVHS and students must go to a local DMV to take it when they are ready.  The test is not timed and is offered in several languages but you must call the DMV to set this up in advance.  It can also be arranged to have the test read to a student, this must also be set up with the DMV in advance.  

Follow these steps to take the permit test;

1. Attend 30 classroom hours.  Students can only miss 8 days of class during the trimester at AVHS, missing more days disqualifies them from earning a permit and they will need to retake the entire class to earn a permit before age 18. This includes any time not in the classroom despite the reason. You will receive a Classroom Completion Letter as a voucher of this completion.  *You must received this Classroom Completion Letter before moving on to step 2*

2. Locate and enroll in a local behind-the-wheel program with your Classroom Completion Letter and paying their fee; there are many options in and around Dakota County.  This is required by state law for anyone under age 18 who wants to earn a permit, you CANNOT get a permit without enrolling in a behind the wheel program unless you are 18 or older.

3. Pre-Apply for a Driver’s License/Permit at DPS.MN.GOV – click on “Divisions” from the top left, “Driver and Vehicle Services” and then “Pre-Apply for a Driver’s License or ID”. (Students will be led through this process in class)

   • Here are a few tips to help with the application; instruction permit, standard, standard driver’s license, the rest is personal info 

4. Sign up for a Permit Test at DPS.MN.GOV – click on “Divisions” from the top left, “Driver and Vehicle Services”, then “Schedule an Appointment”, then "Driver Services", and then "Class D Knowledge Exam".  Then pick your location, date, and time.  Appointments can be scheduled 30 days in advance at a max. 

5. Turn 15 years of age 

6. Take and pass the permit test – the day you take the permit test you will need to bring the following;

• One Primary Identifying Document; most commonly an Official Birth Certificate OR Non-Expired Passport

• One Secondary Identifying Document; most commonly a current year School Picture ID OR Social Security Card

• Your E-Card

• A Parent

• You need to know your social security number

If the test is passed at the DMV the student will have their picture taken, take the vision test, finalize application information, and pay $29.50 - your Instruction Permit ID card will be mailed to you within 3-4 months.