Driver's License and Testing

(Information supplied on this topic is from experience only, and in no way reflects policies, regulations, or laws from either Canada, USA, Manitoba, or Minnesota).

General:
This is the easy part! But, yes, you must pass the written Minnesota Driver's Test before you can get a Minnesota Driver's License. You do not have to take the road test! The written test is down on a touch-screen computer, and takes about 20 minutes. Budget about 1.5 hours for the whole process, as sometimes there are minor line-ups.

What to Study:
Brenda and I leafed through this little booklet that we got from the Motor Vehicle Branch during lunch one day for about 15 minutes, while enjoying a beer I believe! If I could scan the whole thing in, and post it here, I would - but it is not needed. There are some areas that you need to know about, which are specific to Minnesota, which WILL be on this written test (all tests are the same!). The first that comes to mind is what to do if an emergency vehicle is approaching you from behind on a freeway. Pull to the right and stop? NO. Pull to the right and slow down (on a freeway!).

Another thing they ask you about is the definition of Minnesota's "No Fault Insurance". This is actually tricky (I think I got this one wrong!). I will look it up, and update the WEB later. They ask about the number of feet required to dim your high-beam for an approaching car (head on), and the number of feet to dim if you are coming up behind a vehicle. These numbers need to be known.  UPDATE:  

Apart from that, when it shows a picture of a stop sign, the answer is STOP. For the most part, the questions are simply, and straight-forward - some I caught myself even laughing at! There are a few testing centers (I will post the address's here). We went to the one in Eagen, off of Interstate 35-W. You do not need to make an appointment.

What to Bring:
Bring your existing Manitoba Driver's License. Bring $16.50 (US$ of course, cash or cheque, price subject to change). Get this - your $16.50 is for a four year license! You will be issued a temporary paper license. They will also clip the corner of your Manitoba License. I believe this means (in all provinces and states) that you are in the process of obtaining a new license, and prevents you from going state to state (or province to province) getting a bunch of different driver licenses.

Testing Locations:

Driver's Testing Locations (Twin Cities Area)
  • SOUTH: 2070 Cliff Road, EAGEN
  • NORTH: I-35W & County Road I, ARDEN HILLS
  • ANOKA: 530 West Main Street
  • MIDWAY (Written Tests Only): Spruce Tree Centre, Suite #15, ST. PAUL
  • WEST: 2455 Fernbrook Lane, PLYMOUTH
  • CHASKA: 418 Pine Street South
  • HASTINGS: 427 Vermillion
Note:  Written test given up to 45 minutes before closing.  General information: 296-6911 (for hours of operations and phone numbers)

For more information, visit the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.   Here, they have the entire  Minnesota Driver's Manual on-line, so you do not have to drive anywhere to pick one up.  Pay particular attention to Chapter 2: Minnesota Traffic Laws and Chapter 3: Sharing the Roads.

Warning: Before they mail you your official license, and North America-wide computer check will be done to determine if you are currently suspended. If you are, you will not be issued a Minnesota license.

Please feel free to contact