MN GDL – Graduated Driver Licensing Requirements

Phase I – Instruction Permit
Must be at least 15 years of age
Must have completed the appropriate amount of classroom instruction and be enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction
Must pass vision and knowledge (written) tests, complete application and pay the required fee
Parent or legal guardian’s signature and certification required on application
Permit holder may drive under the supervision of a certified driving instructor, parent or guardian or other licensed driver 21 years of age or older
Every occupant must wear a properly fastened seat belt or use a properly fastened child restraint system
The driver with an instruction permit may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free cell phone device
The permit is valid for two years and may be renewed
It is illegal to practice driving without a valid instruction permit. When you drive, the instruction permit must be in immediate possession

Phase II – Provisional License
The provisional license is the second phase of the GDL system. Anyone 18 years of age or younger must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before taking a skills (road) test. When you have passed the skills (road) test, you may apply for your provisional license.
Be at least 16 years of age
Have completed the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of driver education
Have held an instruction permit for six months with no convictions for moving or alcohol/controlled-substance violations
Present a supervised driving log verifying that they have driven under the supervision of a licensed driver at least 21 years of age, for not less than 50 hours, at least 15 of which were at night; or if a parent/guardian completes the parent class and submits a certificate of completion to the driver exam staff at the time of the road test, 40 hours, 15 of which were at night.
Have passed a skills (road) test.
Complete a license application and pay the required fee.
Have your parent, court appointed guardian, county appointed foster parent or director of the transitional living program in which you reside approve the driver’s license application.
This license is valid for two years from the application date and has restrictions that do not apply to a full driver’s license. Every occupant must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system and you may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving. This includes using a hands-free cell phone device.
Provisional drivers are subject to nighttime and passenger limitations.
Conditions: Every occupant must wear a properly fastened seat belt or use a properly fastened child restraint system
Driver with provisional license may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free device
A provisional license is valid for two years

Phase III – Full License Applicant Qualifications age 18