Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services · 2026
Minnesota DVS Test Cheat Sheet
Every number and rule you need to memorize — all on one page. Print this out.
Speed Limits
| Location | Speed (MN manual p.26) |
|---|
| Alleys | 10 mph |
| Urban and town roads (unposted default) | 30 mph |
| All other locations not otherwise posted | 55 mph |
| School zones | Slow when children are present — no fixed MN speed; obey posted signs |
| Work / construction zones | Slow down and drive with care; disobeying posted limits = violation and fine |
| Two-lane highway (55+ mph limit) — passing only | May add 10 mph when lawfully passing another vehicle |
| Over 100 mph | Driving privileges revoked for at least 6 months |
Parking Clearances
| Object | Minimum Distance |
|---|
| Fire hydrant | 10 feet |
| Stop sign / flashing light / traffic signal | 30 feet |
| Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection | No parking |
| Railroad crossing (nearest rail) | 50 feet |
| Parallel parking (from curb) | 12 inches maximum (MN manual p.35) |
DWI / Alcohol Laws
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| BAC limit (21+) | 0.08% |
| BAC limit (under 21) | Any detectable amount — "Not a Drop" law (MN manual p.93) |
| DWI — any controlled substance | Same DWI penalties apply regardless of BAC if impaired by drugs |
| Refusing chemical test | 1–6 year revocation (criminal charge) depending on prior offenses (MN manual p.91) |
| 1st DWI conviction | Minimum 90-day revocation (30 days if guilty plea); 90 days jail / $1,000 fine (MN manual p.92) |
| DWI refusal consequence | 1–6 year revocation (criminal charge) + $680 reinstatement fee (MN manual p.91) |
| Cannabis | Recreational cannabis is LEGAL for adults 21+ (legalized 2023). ILLEGAL to use in a vehicle on a public road; driving impaired = DWI |
Teen / GDL Rules
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| Instruction permit minimum age | 15 years old (parental consent required if under 18; driver ed needed for provisional license) |
| Supervised driving required | 40 hours with parent class (15 hrs night); 50 hours without parent class (15 hrs night) |
| Permit hold period | 6 months (18 or younger); 3 months (age 19+) |
| Night driving required | At least 15 hours of the 40–50 supervised hours must be at night |
| Supervisor minimum age | Under 18: licensed driver aged 21+ in the front passenger seat. Age 18+: licensed driver aged 18+ |
| Provisional license age | 16 years old (after 6 months + 40–50 supervised hours + driver ed) |
| Curfew (provisional license, first 6 months) | midnight – 5:00 AM |
| Full Class D license eligible | Age 18 — OR held provisional license 12 consecutive clean months (no alcohol/crash violations, no more than 1 non-crash moving violation) |
| Phone laws | Under 18 with permit/provisional: NO phone use at all (even hands-free). Adults: no texting/emailing/internet; voice-activated/hands-free OK |
Distances & Equipment
| Rule | Value |
|---|
| Following distance | Three-Second Rule (standard conditions); increase to 4–5 seconds in poor conditions or with longer vehicles (MN manual p.72) |
| Signal before turning | At least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes (MN manual p.27) |
| Headlights required | Sunset to sunrise + visibility <500 ft (rain, snow, fog, hail, sleet) — MN manual |
| Move Over law violation | Slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicle — $25+ surcharge for violation |
| Headlights visibility required | 500 feet |
| Firefighting vehicle: following distance | Only emergency vehicles on duty may follow within 500 feet of a firefighting vehicle on an emergency run (MN manual p.44) |
| Turn signal | At least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes — MN has no speed-based 300 ft rule (MN manual p.27) |
| Passing bicyclists | Keep at least 3 feet between your car and the bicyclist; may cross center line in no-passing zone when safe (MN manual p.47) |
| School bus: stop distance | Stop at least 20 feet from school bus when red lights flash (MN manual p.41) |
| License renewal | Check drive.mn.gov for current renewal schedule |
| Retake exam after fail | Next calendar day |
| Retake driving test after fail | Wait period set by examiner — schedule a new appointment |
Print tip: Press Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) to print this page. Keep it by your desk while studying, then leave it home on test day — you've got this.