Minnesota DMV Written Test – Key Facts & Concepts

These flashcards summarize the most frequently tested rules, procedures, signs, and safety practices found in the Minnesota Driver’s Manual and DMV practice questions. Review them repeatedly to reinforce key knowledge for the written and road tests.

1) Complete an application, 2) Provide your Social Security Number, 3) Provide required documentation.

What are the first three steps to begin getting a Minnesota instruction permit?

Primary ID, Secondary ID, any Legal Name Change documents, and Proof of Insurance/Registration for the testing vehicle (others include immigration or physician statements if applicable).

Name four examples of ‘required documentation’ you may have to present when applying for a license in Minnesota.

You must pass a vision test.

What vision-related requirement must be met before receiving an instruction permit?

There are 40 questions; you must answer at least 32 correctly.

How many questions are on the Minnesota knowledge test and how many must be answered correctly to pass?

$32.

How much does a Class D driver license cost in Minnesota?

$10 per retake.

If you fail the knowledge test twice, how much is each retake?

$20.

After failing the road skills test twice, what is the retest fee?

Hmong, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese, and English (standard).

List the six languages besides English in which the computer-based knowledge test may be taken.

80 percent (32 of 40).

What is the minimum passing score on the knowledge test expressed as a percentage?

All occupants of a motor vehicle.

Who must use seat belts in Minnesota?

30 mph.

Unless otherwise posted, what is the speed limit on urban or town roads in Minnesota?

While lawfully passing another vehicle on a multilane highway with a posted limit of 55 mph or higher.

When, if ever, may you exceed the posted speed limit by 10 mph in Minnesota?

At least three seconds.

Under normal conditions, what minimum following distance should you maintain?

Slow down because stopping distances are longer and skids are easier.

What should you do when driving on gravel or dirt roads?

At least 100 feet.

How far in advance must you signal before turning or changing lanes?

During daylight hours when they can be seen clearly.

When are hand-and-arm turn signals permitted instead of mechanical signals?

Slow down when approaching and yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

What must drivers do when approaching and using a roundabout?

Only where it can be done safely without disrupting traffic.

Where is making a U-turn permitted?

No closer than 10 feet.

How close may you park to a fire hydrant?

Within 12 inches of the curb.

When parallel parking, how far may your wheels be from the curb?

Only in emergencies.

When is texting while driving allowed in Minnesota?

Move over to a farther lane or, if unsafe to change lanes, slow down.

What should you do when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights?

Bicycles are considered vehicles with the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.

How are bicycles treated under Minnesota traffic law?

Expect it to stop at all railroad crossings and be prepared to stop.

What special caution should you take when following a school bus or tank truck?

Stay in your current lane up to the merge point, then take turns merging smoothly.

Describe proper participation in a ‘zipper merge’.

Fluorescent yellow-green.

What color are school-zone warning signs?

Never drive in that lane.

What does a red X lane-use control signal mean?

That lane may be used only to make a left turn.

What does a flashing yellow X lane signal permit?

A white diamond symbol.

What roadway marking indicates a carpool/HOV lane?

0.08 percent or higher.

For drivers age 21 and older, driving is illegal at what minimum BAC?

Aggressive driving or road rage.

Tailgating another driver can lead to what type of dangerous behavior?

No—under no circumstances.

Is it ever legal to drive under the influence of medication that impairs driving?

You may pass if it is safe.

On a two-lane road, a broken yellow line next to your lane means what?

Turn wheels to the right, toward the road edge.

Parking uphill with no curb—how should you turn your wheels?

Move your vehicle out of the traffic lane if possible.

After a minor collision with no injuries, what is the first thing you should do?

Drive slowly enough to stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights.

At night on a dimly lit street, how should you adjust your speed?

Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing, unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway.

What must you do when a school bus ahead has flashing red lights?

You can see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rear-view mirror.

Before returning to your lane after passing, what visual cue tells you it is safe?

Vacate the lane closest to the vehicle or slow down if a lane change is unsafe.

What does Minnesota’s Move Over Law require when approaching stationary utility or emergency vehicles?

Never.

When is it permissible to drive around a railroad crossing gate?

Look toward the right edge of your lane, not directly at the lights.

How should you respond to high-beam glare from oncoming traffic at night?

Loss of tire contact on water; slow down gradually and do NOT brake.

What is hydroplaning and how should you react if it occurs?

Only when making a turn.

When may you cross solid yellow lines?

Lift your foot off the accelerator to create space.

What action should you take first if another vehicle suddenly cuts in front of you?

A slow-moving vehicle (usually 25 mph or less).

What does an orange-and-red triangular sign on the rear of a vehicle indicate?

To recognize hazards or traffic changes early.

On a freeway, why should you look farther ahead than on a city street?

Slowing to look at crashes; it causes congestion and increases crash risk.

What is ‘rubbernecking’ and why should it be avoided?

The driver on the right.

If you arrive at a four-way stop at the same time as another driver, who goes first?

Increase the space in front of you and avoid sudden braking.

You are being tailgated. What should you do?

Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid.

What steering action helps recover from a skid?

In fog, heavy rain, or snow.

When should you use low-beam headlights?

Stop driving and rest.

What is the safest response to fatigue while driving?

Press the brake firmly and hold; let ABS pump automatically.

How do you operate ABS brakes in an emergency stop?

Two-way traffic; passing is allowed when safe.

What does a single broken yellow center line signify?

No-passing zones.

Pennant-shaped yellow signs indicate what?

Red and octagonal.

What shape and color is a stop sign?

Proceed with caution; slow down.

What does a flashing yellow traffic signal mean?

Follow the officer’s directions.

When traffic lights are working but a police officer directs you differently, which do you obey?

White with black lettering (or white/red for prohibitive).

What color are regulatory signs such as speed-limit signs?

An upcoming railroad crossing.

What does a round yellow sign with an ‘X’ indicate?

Orange.

Which sign color is used for work zones?

Green.

Guide signs that show distances or directions are usually what color?

A restricted or carpool (HOV) lane.

What is indicated by a diamond marking or sign on the pavement?

Fines for moving violations are doubled in that area (often work or school zones).

What is the penalty message on a sign reading ‘Speeding Fines Doubled’?

An orange/red reflective triangle; typically 25 mph or less.

What symbol marks a slow-moving vehicle, and what speed do such vehicles usually travel?

Continue to the next exit—do not back up or make a last-minute turn.

If you pass your interstate exit, what should you do?

Extra space—more than when following a car—because motorcycles stop quicker.

How much space should you allow when following a motorcycle?

Turn wheels away from the curb.

Describe the correct wheel position when parking uphill next to a curb.

The entering driver must yield to freeway traffic.

On a freeway entrance ramp, who must yield: entering driver or traffic already on the freeway?

Allow time for your body to metabolize the alcohol.

What is the only proven way to lower your BAC?

Get out and check behind the vehicle; do not rely solely on mirrors.

Before backing out of a driveway where children are present, what should you do?

Slow down, yield to traffic, proceed only when clear.

At an un-signalized intersection with a yield sign, what must you do?

Light reflects back and causes glare; use low beams instead.

In fog, rain, or snow, why should you avoid using high beams?

Steer a middle course between the hazards.

What lane position should you choose when facing oncoming cars at left and parked cars at right?

Ease off the accelerator and let the car slow; brake lightly only after slowing.

What is the first thing you should do if your tire blows out?

Never.

When may you legally drive off the paved roadway to pass another vehicle?

You may not turn right (or left if signed) while the traffic signal is red.

Explain ‘No Turn on Red’.

Glance over your shoulder to check blind spots.

What should you always do before turning or changing lanes besides signaling?

Drivers from both directions may use the shared center lane to make left turns.

What does a ‘Two-Way Left Turn’ lane permit?

Drive to the next intersection and turn there.

If you miss the proper lane for a turn, what is the safest action?

Proceed through the intersection, then pull right and stop.

What should you do when an emergency vehicle approaches while you are in an intersection?

To maintain clear visibility and comply with safety laws.

Why must snow, ice, and frost be removed from all windows before driving?

Oil mixes with rain, making roads especially slippery.

During the first half-hour of rain, why must you be extra cautious?

Yield.

What does a downward-pointing triangle sign instruct drivers to do?

Yes, but you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

When a green arrow turns to solid green, may you still turn?

Proof of insurance (financial responsibility).

If you are involved in a collision or stopped for a citation, what document must you show police?