Driving Schools and Classes

Minnesota provides a list of driver training schools and other services, which provide Approved Accident Prevention Classes in the state. Some providers offer regular driver training courses, while others on the list provide four-hour refresher courses, as well.

Driver's training classes for those wishing to obtain a class D license cover general safe driving procedures under a variety of road conditions, as well as instructions on what to do when encountering pedestrians, bicycles, or a non-motorized vehicle. Safe interaction with commercial vehicles while traveling on Minnesota roads is also discussed.

Minnesota has no minimum requirements for behind-the-wheel driver training for new drivers who have never been licensed. For more information, see the Minnesota Driver's Manual.

Special Requirements for Teen Drivers

Discounts for Older Drivers

Minnesota drivers who are 55 and older may qualify for a discount on their insurance premiums by taking one of the Approved Accident Prevention classes.

Vanessa's Law

Minnesota's Graduated License rules and regulations are designed to promote good driving habits while discouraging bad driving habits and illegal activity, which in 2003 killed 15-year-old Vanessa Weiss, who was riding with an unlicensed teen when they crashed. This tragic death prompted Minnesota's legislature to enact Vanessa's Law, which outlines the following for teen drivers:

• Unlicensed teens who receive crash-related moving citations or alcohol or controlled substance citations may not receive driver licenses until they turn 18.

• Once 18, such a driver must pass the driver knowledge test, obtain an Instruction Permit and hold it for at least six months, then pass the driving test to get a Regular License.

• Provisional License holders whose driving privileges are revoked because of crash-related or alcohol/controlled substance violations cannot regain a license until age 18.

• Once 18, such a driver would have to complete the following to obtain a Regular Driver's License:

• Fulfill the reinstatement requirement, including payment of fees which can be as much as $680.

• Complete the classroom training part of a formal driving education class.

• Pass the driver's license knowledge test.

• Obtain an Instruction Permit and hold it for three months.

• Complete a behind-the-wheel driver's class.

Graduated Licensing for Minnesota Teen Drivers

The requirements and restrictions of Minnesota's Graduated License also apply, and outline the following:

To qualify for Phase I, the Instruction Permit, Minnesota first-time teen drivers must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 15 years old.

• Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and enroll in driving instruction.

• Pass vision and written tests.

• Complete the application, including parent or legal guardian signature.

• Pay fee of $9.50.

For Phase II, or the Provisional License, teen drivers in Minnesota must:

• Be at least 16 years old.

• Complete driver education.

• Have possessed an Instruction Permit for six months with no alcohol or controlled substance violations.

• Pass the road test.

• Complete the application for Provisional License.

• Pay fee of $12.50.

For Phase III and a Full License for teens in Minnesota, the qualifications are as follows:

• Must be at least 18 years old or have had Provisional License for at least a year without any alcohol or controlled substance violations or crash-related moving violations, or no more than one moving violation without a crash.

• Complete the application.

• Pay $21.50 fee. You will receive a $3.50 credit if you have no violations on your record.

If the Full License applicant is under 18, the parent or guardian who approves the application must also certify that the applicant has driven supervised by a licensed driver 21 or older for at least 10 hours on the Provisional License.

Out-of-state Teen Drivers

If all or part of the six months of driving experience occurred in another state, Minnesota teen drivers must present a certified driving record from the other state.

Commercial Driver Training

Minnesota also provides a list of approved commercial driver training courses.

Minnesota's approved commercial driver schools and training organizations are authorized to sign for required commercial driver license (CDL) application documents.

Some commercial training schools also are approved for motorcycle certifications, according to the list of approved providers.

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