The Minnesota Teen Driver’s Licensing Roadmap

A man smiling while driving a car.

Getting a license in Minnesota is a multi-step journey. We’ve broken it down into three phases to help you and your teen stay on track.

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

Phase 1: The "Blue 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 "Blue Card": Once you've completed the classroom and paid for your Guardian BTW package, we will issue your “Blue Card” (Certificate of Enrollment) via email. You must bring this “Blue Card” to the exam station.

  4. 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).

  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, IDs, White Card, and your driving log. 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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Enroll Today

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