MN DMV Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MN DMV facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is 'black ice' as it relates to driving in Minnesota? → A thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on the road that is extremely slippery
2. In Minnesota, when must you slow to 20 mph when passing a stationary authorized emergency vehicle? → Whenever the emergency vehicle is on any road with its lights flashing
3. At railroad crossings that are only marked with a stop sign, you should stop and then proceed only when → all of the above are true.
4. Weaving in and out of lanes in heavy traffic is: → Illegal and dangerous
5. What does a Minnesota 'Yield' sign look like? → Red and white downward-pointing triangle
6. In Minnesota, what does a yellow 'Divided Highway Begins' sign tell drivers? → The road is splitting into two one-way roadways separated by a median
7. In Minnesota, when must a driver yield to a pedestrian? → At all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked, when a pedestrian is crossing
8. In Minnesota, a driver who changes lanes without signaling can be charged with: → A traffic violation for failure to signal
9. When changing lanes on a Minnesota highway, you must signal for at least how many feet before making the lane change? → 100 feet
10. What emergency items should Minnesota drivers carry in their vehicles during winter months? → Blanket, jumper cables, ice scraper/brush, sand or traction aid, and flashlight
11. In Minnesota, a green arrow displayed with a red traffic light means: → You may proceed in the direction of the arrow if the path is clear
12. A flashing yellow traffic light in Minnesota means: → Slow down and proceed with caution
13. If there are no reduced speed limits posted at work zones, drivers should → obey the usual legal speed limit.
14. At the end of most entrance ramps on a freeway, you will find _________ that allows you to increase your speed. → an acceleration lane
15. On a Minnesota alley, the maximum speed limit is: → 15 mph
16. What is the speed limit on Minnesota residential streets unless otherwise posted? → 25 mph
17. What does a 'Do Not Enter' sign look like in Minnesota? → Red circle with a white horizontal bar
18. In Minnesota, what is 'hydroplaning' and when does it typically occur? → Loss of tire traction on water, occurs when driving too fast through standing water
19. What should you do if a vehicle is tailgating you in the left lane? → Move to the right lane when safe to allow the vehicle to pass
20. In Minnesota, how far from a fire hydrant must you park your vehicle? → 15 feet
21. On a freeway on-ramp in Minnesota, drivers entering must: → Use the acceleration lane to match freeway speed before merging
22. When following a large truck in Minnesota, why should you maintain an extra-large following distance? → Trucks need more stopping distance and block your view ahead
23. Anyone who flees a police officer using a motor vehicle may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than → three years and one day.
24. How do you make a left turn onto a divided highway at a reduced conflict intersection? → Turn right and then make a U-turn.
25. In Minnesota, when must you yield to a school bus that has stopped with flashing red lights? → On all roads unless a physical barrier or median separates your lane
26. What does a broken (dashed) white line separating two lanes of same-direction traffic mean? → Lane changes are permitted when safe
27. A white rectangular sign with black lettering in Minnesota is typically a: → Regulatory sign stating laws or restrictions
28. In Minnesota, when parking on a hill with a curb and facing downhill, you should turn your front wheels: → Toward the curb (right)
29. In Minnesota, when driving on snow-covered roads with winter tires installed, what is still the most important safety action? → Reduce speed and increase following distance
30. What is the safest way to check your blind spot before a lane change? → Briefly turn your head to look over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change