Steps to Getting Licensed
Learn more at MN Driver and Vehicle Services .
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Header Photo:
Cows got loose from trailer. Downtown Red Wing, MN, 2014. |
IMPORTANT ! A new statute, effective January 1, 2015, creates new requirements for students under age 18 and taking the road test for the provisional Class D license. A driving log must be maintained and submitted at the time of the road test. Find more information here: Supervised Driving Log.

Scenario 1: Permit Test Not Yet Taken, Under 18 Years of Age
1) Complete the 30 hours of mandatory classroom instruction.
2) You and a parent sign a Behind the Wheel (BTW) agreement with me.
3) I'll bring the Blue Card (a) to your house (yes, I do it all the time).
4) Sign the Blue Card and submit it where you take the permit test.
Note: Online permit testers will take the Blue Card to a tests station or license center after they have passed the permit test.
5) Pass the permit test and get your permit (b).
6) Start a log sheet (c) for practice hours, using the state's official form.
7) Practice drive with mom or dad in a parking lot, then graduate to streets.
8) Schedule Lesson 1 (d) with me after a minimum of 5 practice hours.
9) Complete Lesson 1 with me (2 hours).
10) Continue practicing with mom or dad. Schedule Lesson 2 (typically 2-6 weeks later).
11) Complete Lesson 2 with me (2 hours).
12) Continue practicing with mom or dad. Schedule Lesson 3 (typically 4 to 10 weeks later).
13) Complete Lesson 3 with me (2 hours).
14) I issue the White Card (e) to you. You sign and keep this card for the road test.
15) After 50 documented practice hours (35 day/15 night) , schedule a road test.
16) Take the road test to get the license. You have four tries before other mandatory instruction kicks in.
1) Complete the 30 hours of mandatory classroom instruction.
2) You and a parent sign a Behind the Wheel (BTW) agreement with me.
3) I'll bring the Blue Card (a) to your house (yes, I do it all the time).
4) Sign the Blue Card and submit it where you take the permit test.
Note: Online permit testers will take the Blue Card to a tests station or license center after they have passed the permit test.
5) Pass the permit test and get your permit (b).
6) Start a log sheet (c) for practice hours, using the state's official form.
7) Practice drive with mom or dad in a parking lot, then graduate to streets.
8) Schedule Lesson 1 (d) with me after a minimum of 5 practice hours.
9) Complete Lesson 1 with me (2 hours).
10) Continue practicing with mom or dad. Schedule Lesson 2 (typically 2-6 weeks later).
11) Complete Lesson 2 with me (2 hours).
12) Continue practicing with mom or dad. Schedule Lesson 3 (typically 4 to 10 weeks later).
13) Complete Lesson 3 with me (2 hours).
14) I issue the White Card (e) to you. You sign and keep this card for the road test.
15) After 50 documented practice hours (35 day/15 night) , schedule a road test.
16) Take the road test to get the license. You have four tries before other mandatory instruction kicks in.
Scenario 2: Under 18, Did a Lesson or Two with Another School, Want to Switch Schools
1) This is becoming more common each year. Give me some proof of the other lessons.
2) Sign a BTW agreement with me and we'll pick up where you left off with School XYZ.
1) This is becoming more common each year. Give me some proof of the other lessons.
2) Sign a BTW agreement with me and we'll pick up where you left off with School XYZ.
Scenario 3: Permit Obtained, Over 18, Skills in Question, Road Test Not Attempted
1) Sign a BTW agreement with me.
2) Schedule a lesson with me.
3) Drive 2 hours with me. We'll assess and develop a game plan. Note: You no longer need the practice log.
4) Complete any additional lessons as needed and agreed on.
5) Schedule a road test when we both agree you're ready.
1) Sign a BTW agreement with me.
2) Schedule a lesson with me.
3) Drive 2 hours with me. We'll assess and develop a game plan. Note: You no longer need the practice log.
4) Complete any additional lessons as needed and agreed on.
5) Schedule a road test when we both agree you're ready.
Scenario 4: Failed the road test four times.
1) I see this often; you're not alone. You have been ordered by the state to complete 6 additional hours of BTW now. I can help.
2) Sign a BTW agreement with me for your new block of 6 hours.
3) Schedule the first lesson with me, via my Schedule page.
4) We'll begin and see how things go. I'll want you to state the main reasons why you failed the road tests.
5) Schedule another one. We'll continue to focus on what you need to pass the road test. 100% custom lessons at this point.
6) Same as Step 5 above, but we'll do a "mock road test".
7) We'll pick out a road test station together. You will succeed if you stick with it.
1) I see this often; you're not alone. You have been ordered by the state to complete 6 additional hours of BTW now. I can help.
2) Sign a BTW agreement with me for your new block of 6 hours.
3) Schedule the first lesson with me, via my Schedule page.
4) We'll begin and see how things go. I'll want you to state the main reasons why you failed the road tests.
5) Schedule another one. We'll continue to focus on what you need to pass the road test. 100% custom lessons at this point.
6) Same as Step 5 above, but we'll do a "mock road test".
7) We'll pick out a road test station together. You will succeed if you stick with it.
a The Blue Card is a state of MN form, issued by me. It's the ticket allowing you to take the permit test.
b The permit allows you to practice, as long as a licensed adult is in the car.
c The log sheet is a record of your practice hours. 50 documented hours required, excluding the 6 BTW hours. There's a phone app for this if desired. See me with questions. Be sure to save often or email it to yourself, to prevent accident loss of file.
d The lessons are scheduled via the Schedule page in this website. Instructions are listed there.
e The White Card is a state of MN form, issued by me. it's the ticket allowing you to take the road test.
b The permit allows you to practice, as long as a licensed adult is in the car.
c The log sheet is a record of your practice hours. 50 documented hours required, excluding the 6 BTW hours. There's a phone app for this if desired. See me with questions. Be sure to save often or email it to yourself, to prevent accident loss of file.
d The lessons are scheduled via the Schedule page in this website. Instructions are listed there.
e The White Card is a state of MN form, issued by me. it's the ticket allowing you to take the road test.