The Minnesota Teen Driver’s Licensing Roadmap

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Getting a license in Minnesota is a multi-step journey. I’ve broken it down into three phases to help you and your teen stay on track. If you have any questions, email me at guardiandrivingmn@gmail.com or send a text to 651-252-4830.

Green traffic light illuminated at an intersection with a clear blue sky in the background.

Phase 1: The E-Card & Permit (Age 15+)

Before your teen can hop in the driver’s seat, they need their Learner’s Permit.

  1. Complete Classroom Instruction: Complete 30 hours of state-approved classroom driver education. Your program or school will give you a Classroom Completion letter.

  2. Enroll in Behind-the-Wheel (BTW): Minnesota law requires teens to be enrolled in a BTW program before they can take the permit test.

  3. Get Your e-card (Formerly "Blue Card"): Once you've completed the classroom and paid for your Guardian BTW package, I will enter your information with the State of MN. Once this happens, the state will email confirmation to you. You must bring this to the exam station.

  4. Important: It’s a state law to be enrolled in a behind-the-wheel program

  5. Pass the Knowledge Test: Take the written test at a Minnesota exam station. Once passed, your teen officially has their Learner’s Permit!

Young woman with long dark hair driving a car, holding the steering wheel with both hands, wearing a striped T-shirt, looking confident, with a seatbelt on, outside scenery visible through the window.

Phase 2: Training and Practice

Get those required hours in. This phase lasts a minimum of 6 months if you are age 18 or under (State Law!)

  1. Professional Lessons (6 Hours): Your teen completes three 2-hour sessions with a Guardian instructor. We will celebrate their progress and monitor areas needing growth.

  2. Supervised Practice (50 Hours): Parents, this is your time! You must log 50 hours of practice (15 at night). This is reduced to 40 hours if a parent completes the state-approved Parent Awareness Class

  1. Get Your "White Card": After finishing all 6 hours of professional lessons, Guardian issues the White Card (Certificate of Completion). You cannot take the Road Test without this.

  2. The Road Test: Schedule your appointment at a DVS exam station. Bring your permit, primary and secondary IDs, White Card, and your driving log. Also bring a well-running vehicle with registration and proof of insurance. I will help you remember what to bring.

  3. Provisional License: Congratulations! Your teen can now drive solo (with some initial passenger and nighttime restrictions).

A young boy and an older man sitting in a car, smiling at each other. The boy is in the driver’s seat, and the man is in the passenger seat. They appear to be having a conversation, with a parking lot and trees visible outside.

Phase 3:

The Road Test

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