The Provisional License

CLICK HERE for the Road Test Prep Checklist

The State of MN has implemented the Graduated Licensing System which takes places in phases; the Instruction Permit and the Provisional License.  This is designed to ease inexperienced drivers into the driving environment and in short - to keep young drivers safer.  Anyone under the age of 18 must have an instruction permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test and earning a license.  

The Instruction Permit
The first phase of the GDL is getting an Instruction Permit, it is illegal to drive on public roads without a permit or license.  To qualify and obtain an Instruction Permit you must; be at least 15, complete 30 hours or classroom instruction, buy a Blue Card ($400), pass a vision test, pass the Knowledge Test, complete an application, and pay the $15.50 permit fee.  (There are some variations and exceptions to this rules, especially for anyone 18 or older)  Your Instruction Permit is valid for 2 years.

The Provisional License
The second phase of the GDL is getting a Provisional License, which is also good for 2 years.  To qualify for and obtain a Provisional License you must; be at least 16, have completed classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind the wheel, have had your Instruction Permit for at least 6 months with no moving violations, submit a Supervised Driving Log (completed 50 hours of supervised driving), and pass the Road Test.  Assuming you have a permit, follow these steps to get your Provisional License;

1. Complete six hours of behind-the-wheel education with a licensed driver’s education instructor

2. Receive a white completion card after completing behind-the-wheel training

3. Turn 16 years of age, be in possession of a permit for 6 months, drive at least 50 hours with a parent (15 night hours) – you must also log these driving experience hours on the official MN Supervised Driving Log (one side only) or the Road Ready app.

4. Take the road test and when you pass the test, you will receive your driver’s license.  Cost is an additional $19.25 and your provisional license will be mailed to you within 3-4 months.

Provisional License Restrictions
In addition to all the standard driving laws such as always wearing a seatbelt and not speeding, Provisionally Licensed Drivers are subject to restrictions as listed below;

• Cannot drive from midnight until 5AM with minimal exceptions

• For the first 6 months they can only have 1 passenger under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a parent (immediate family is excluded)

• For the second 6 months they can only have 3 passengers under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a parent (immediate family is excluded)