Minnesota driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Minnesota asks, answered in two or three sentences from Minnesota’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
You can get a ticket for not having your license with you. It's a $95 fine, and you can pay it without going to court. Under Minnesota law, you won't be convicted if you show a license that was valid when you were stopped, in court or at the officer's office.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 18 · Minn. Stat. § 171.08 · 2025 STATE PAYABLES LIST TRAFFIC/CRIMINAL · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
You may not read, write or send texts, emails or instant messages on a wireless device while driving, and you may not go on the internet.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 40 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
For your first 6 months, you can't drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You can if you're going to or from work, a school event without school transportation, or driving for your job. You can also drive then with a licensed driver at least 25 years old.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 16 · Minn. Stat. § 171.055 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 14 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
For your first 6 months, you can carry only 1 passenger under 20, unless a parent or guardian is with you. In the next 6 months, you can carry up to 3 passengers under 20.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 16 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
If I fail my driving test, how soon can I take it again?
If you fail the road test, you're assigned practice time you must finish before your next test. After 4 failed road tests, you need at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel lessons with a licensed instructor.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 14 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're 18 or younger, you must hold your instruction permit at least 6 months before the road test. If you're 19 or older, you can take it after 3 months.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 15 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
The owner of the car you drive must carry no-fault insurance and liability insurance. That covers injuries and property damage to other people.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 40 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
Minnesota law says the car's insurance pays for injuries and damage you're legally responsible for, including when you drive it with permission. It must cover at least $30,000 for one person hurt, or $60,000 for two or more. It also covers at least $10,000 for other people's damaged property.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 40 · Minn. Stat. § 65B.49 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 35 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
No, not to text or read messages: you can't compose, read or send electronic messages while driving. You can use it hands-free or voice-activated, or to get emergency help or report a crash or crime.
Sources: Minnesota driver’s manual p. 40 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Under Minnesota law, speeding in a school zone adds a surcharge equal to your fine, and never less than $25. So you pay the regular speeding fine twice over.
Sources: Minn. Stat. § 169.14 · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
Under Minnesota law, a permit holder must drive with a supervising driver in the seat beside them, so driving alone breaks the permit rules. You can get a $125 ticket, which you can pay without going to court.
Sources: Minn. Stat. § 171.05 · 2025 STATE PAYABLES LIST TRAFFIC/CRIMINAL · as of 8 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Minnesota driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Minnesota’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question