Becoming a licensed driver is a significant milestone for teenagers in Minnesota. To reach this landmark, teens must fulfill numerous state-mandated requirements, from procuring a learner's permit to securing an unrestricted driver's license.
In this guide, we will be covering the steps to getting your Learners Permit and subsequently your driver's license in the state of Minnesota. We try to be exhaustive in this article, so if you aren't interested in a ton of reading, we suggest heading over to DriversEd.com. DriversEd is the #1 online driver's education provider in MN. They are state certified and by clicking this link or the banner below, you'll be eligible for an exclusive discount there. DriversEd.com has excellent customer service that is miles better than anything the government has to offer. If you get stuck during the process of getting your driver's license, you can be sure that DriversEd is there to be your helping hand.
Age Requirements
Navigating the road to your driver's license in Minnesota? Let's break down the journey by age:
At the ripe age of 15, you're eligible to apply for a learner's permit, and by the time you're 16, you're in the running for a driver's license. But before you get too excited, let's not forget that age isn't the only thing that matters.
Minnesota Drivers Education
Under 18? If yes, then a state-approved driver's education course is in your future. Sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), this course includes 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of practical behind-the-wheel training.
Let's be honest, 30 hours sounds like a long time, but don't fret! This requirement can be easily fulfilled through traditional courses or more flexible options like the DriversEd.com online driver's education course.
DriversEd.com
The team over at DriversEd have been educating teens successfully for decades. They're one of the only reliable online course providers in Minnesota that is offically state approved. DriversEd.com boasts decades of experience and has helped over 13 million drivers learn the ropes. With 3D animated driving scenarios and case studies, it offers an immersive learning experience. Try DriversEd.com, one of the most trusted names in the space.
The DriversEd.com online driver's education course for teens in Minnesota consists of:
- Introduction to Driver's Education: Learn the basics of driving, traffic laws, vehicle operation, and driver safety.
- Traffic Laws: Get well-acquainted with speed limits, traffic signs, and the concept of right-of-way.
- Vehicle Operation: Understand how to start a car, shift gears, and use the controls.
- Driver Safety: Embrace the importance of safety and garner tips on how to stay safe on the road.
- Defensive Driving: Master the skills of defensive driving to avoid accidents.
- Hazard Recognition and Avoidance: Recognize potential hazards and learn to avoid them.
- Alcohol and Drug Awareness: Understand the grave dangers of driving under the influence.
- Teen Driving Issues: Address unique challenges faced by teen drivers, like peer pressure and distractions.
- Final Exam: Test your knowledge and readiness to hit the road.
Access the course material anytime on your smartphone or tablet, practice driving in a safe environment with a simulator, engage with a community of learners through a forum, and stay updated with articles on a variety of driving-related topics.
Aceable
***Aceable is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Minnesota*** While this is my favorite company in the space, they're still not available in MN. Aceable offers an interactive, mobile-friendly course that allows you to learn at your own pace, on your own time. The course includes engaging, multimedia content to make learning fun and easy. Get an Aceable discount today!
I Drive Safely
***IDriveSafely is currently not certified for Drivers Education in Minnesota*** My first job in the Drivers Education space, I Drive Safely is time-tested and has been around since 1998. The company is basically as old as the internet itself. I Drive Safely prides itself on delivering top-quality, easy-to-understand courses. Their engaging, interactive content is designed to help you retain information and pass your exams on the first try.
MN Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Program
To ensure teen drivers are well-equipped for the road, Minnesota implements the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, a three-phase process designed to minimize teen driving crashes:
- Learner's Permit: After passing a vision test and written exam, you earn your learner's permit. Practice driving with a licensed adult who's at least 21 years old. Remember, seatbelts are non-negotiable, and so is adherence to traffic laws.
- Provisional License: Pass your driving test and get a provisional license with some restrictions like a curfew and passenger limits.
- Unrestricted License: Maintain your provisional license for 12 months without any violations and apply for an unrestricted driver's license that allows complete driving freedom.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) prior to September 2021, Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) programs like the one in Minnesota have been successful in reducing teen accidents. The CDC noted that when properly implemented, GDL programs can reduce teen crashes by up to 40%.
Additionally, research from the IIHS found that the greatest reductions in fatal crashes and insurance claim rates for teens occurred in states with the strongest licensing laws, which include having a learner's permit phase, an intermediate phase with a limit on night driving and passenger restrictions, and a minimum age of 17 for obtaining an unrestricted license.
Driving in Minnesota: Key Guidelines
For all teen drivers in Minnesota, it's crucial to follow the rules of the GDL program. Besides this, always remember:
- Seatbelt use is a must.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs while driving.
- No texting while driving.
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
- Adopt defensive driving practices.
By adhering to these guidelines, you not only ensure your safety but also contribute to safer roads in Minnesota. Now, let's gear up and embark on your driving journey!
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