Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Minnesota

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Minnesota?


In Minnesota, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license is 16 years of age. However, in order to get a driver’s license, the applicant must have held an instruction permit for at least 6 months and must have completed a state-approved driver education course.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Minnesota?


In Minnesota, the graduated driver licensing program consists of three phases: the Instruction Permit, the Provisional License, and the Full License.

Instruction Permit: Must be at least 15 years old.

Provisional License: Must be at least 16 years old and have held an Instruction Permit for 6 months.

Full License: Must be at least 17 years old and have held a Provisional License for 12 months.

3. How does the GDL program in Minnesota define a supervised driving period?


In Minnesota, the GDL program defines a supervised driving period as a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 15 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours in all weather conditions. During the supervised driving period, the parent or guardian must accompany the teen driver and provide instruction and guidance. The supervising adult must be at least 21 years old and must have held a valid driver’s license for at least three years.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Minnesota?


In Minnesota, drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. This restriction is in place unless the young driver is accompanied by a parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 25 who has been granted permission by the parent or guardian. This restriction also does not apply if the young driver is driving for work or school purposes, or if they are responding to an emergency situation.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Minnesota?


Yes, there are several common exceptions to the GDL program in Minnesota. These include:

-Drivers under 18 who hold a valid commercial driver’s license are exempt from the GDL program.

-Learner’s permit holders who are 18 years old or older and have held a permit for at least six months are considered to have satisfied their GDL requirements and can apply for a regular driver’s license.

-Minors who successfully complete an approved driver education course are exempt from the GDL program.

-Minors who complete a Minnesota Department of Transportation approved safety course are exempt from the GDL program.

-Active duty military personnel and their dependents are exempt from the GDL program.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Minnesota?


In Minnesota, drivers between the ages of 15 and 17 must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be completed at night, in order to obtain a provisional license.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Minnesota?


With a provisional license in Minnesota, drivers are not allowed to drive between 12am and 5am and may not have more than one passenger under the age of 20 in the vehicle who is not a family member. Drivers are also not allowed to use their cell phones while driving, even if they are hands-free.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Minnesota?


A driver with a provisional license in Minnesota is only allowed to carry one passenger under the age of 20 who is not an immediate family member.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Minnesota?


In Minnesota, a driver must have a provisional license for at least one year before they can apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Minnesota?


Yes, drivers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older whenever they are driving in Minnesota.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Minnesota?


Yes, Minnesota has restrictions on the use of cell phones for drivers under 18 years old. Specifically, drivers under 18 are prohibited from using any type of electronic device while operating a motor vehicle, regardless of whether it is hands-free or hand-held. There are limited exceptions to this rule for emergency and hands-free devices.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Minnesota?


No, drivers with provisional licenses in Minnesota are not allowed to drive on highways.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Minnesota?


Yes, there are restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Minnesota. A provisional license holder must not drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m., unless they are accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or responsible adult age 25 or older who has a valid driver’s license. They also cannot transport passengers under the age of 20, unless they are immediate family members, and they are limited to no more than one passenger under the age of 20.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Minnesota?


In order to take the driving test to receive a driver’s license in Minnesota, applicants must:

1. Be at least 16 years of age
2. Provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security Number
3. Have parental or guardian consent (if under 18 years of age)
4. Have a valid instruction permit for at least six months or a valid out-of-state license
5. Provide a vehicle that is safe and registered in Minnesota
6. Pass a vision and knowledge test
7. Pass the behind-the-wheel driving test

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Minnesota?


Yes, drivers with provisional licenses in Minnesota are required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license.

16. Does the GDL program in Minnesota require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the GDL program in Minnesota does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Minnesota?


Yes. Drivers who complete a driver’s education program in Minnesota as part of a graduated driver licensing program may receive a reduction in their insurance premiums and, upon successfully completing the program, may be eligible to receive a special completion certificate from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Minnesota?


Yes, there are certain exceptions to Minnesota’s GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old. These include:
# Drivers under 18 who have been licensed for more than one year and have a clean driving record may drive at any time without restrictions or supervision.
# Drivers under age 16 may drive to and from school-related activities, including school bus duty, without restrictions, provided they have passed a driver’s education course and have written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
# Drivers under age 16 may drive a motor vehicle on private property without restrictions or supervision.
# Drivers under age 16 may drive during daylight hours for agricultural purposes without restrictions or supervision.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Minnesota?


Yes, drivers in Minnesota are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations once they reach the age of 18.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Minnesota?


The penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Minnesota depend on the severity of the violation. Minor violations may result in a warning or revocation of the driver’s license and/or a fine. More serious violations may result in a longer period of probation, suspension or revocation of the license, or even jail time.