Minnesota DVS Driver's Knowledge Test (Class D) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In Minnesota, what is the minimum jail time for a first-offense DWI?

24 hours in jail or community service equivalent
None — first offense is fine only (Correct answer)
30 days in jail
7 days in jail

Correct answer: None — first offense is fine only

A first-offense DWI in Minnesota is a misdemeanor with no mandatory minimum jail time, though courts may impose up to 90 days and/or a $1,000 fine.

Question 2: In Minnesota, what does a 'lien' on a vehicle title mean?

The title is under review for fraud
The vehicle has been reported stolen
The vehicle failed its emissions test
A lender has a legal claim on the vehicle until the loan is paid off (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A lender has a legal claim on the vehicle until the loan is paid off

A lien on a Minnesota title means a lender (such as a bank or credit union) has a legal financial interest in the vehicle as collateral for an outstanding loan.

Question 3: Which of the following is a requirement for obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Minnesota?

Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving and 21 for interstate driving.
All of the above (Correct answer)
Pass a vision test with 20/40 vision in both eyes.
Successfully complete a CDL knowledge test a skill test

Correct answer: All of the above

Obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota requires meeting several specific criteria to ensure professional drivers are highly qualified. These include age requirements (18 for intrastate, 21 for interstate), passing a vision test with at least 20/40 vision in both eyes, and successfully completing both a comprehensive knowledge test and a practical skills test. All these requirements collectively ensure commercial drivers possess the necessary abilities and knowledge for safe operation.

Question 4: What does uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protect you from in Minnesota?

Theft of personal items from your car
Mechanical failures in your own vehicle
Damage caused by weather events
Injuries caused by a driver who has no insurance (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Injuries caused by a driver who has no insurance

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance and cannot compensate you.

Question 5: What is the minimum bodily injury liability coverage required per accident (all persons) in Minnesota?

$50,000
$100,000
$60,000 (Correct answer)
$30,000

Correct answer: $60,000

Minnesota requires $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident to cover injuries to multiple people in one crash.

Question 6: Under Minnesota's no-fault system, who pays your medical bills after an accident you did NOT cause?

The hospital bills you directly without insurance involvement
Your own PIP coverage pays first (Correct answer)
The state's uninsured fund pays
The at-fault driver's insurance pays first

Correct answer: Your own PIP coverage pays first

Under Minnesota's no-fault law, your own PIP coverage pays your medical expenses first, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Question 7: What should you do when you approach a red traffic light?

Speed up to cross the intersection quickly.
Slow down and proceed with caution
Stop before entering the intersection. (Correct answer)
Continue driving if there is no traffic

Correct answer: Stop before entering the intersection.

A red traffic light is a universal signal indicating that drivers must come to a complete stop. You should stop before the white stop line, crosswalk, or entering the intersection, and wait until the light turns green before proceeding. This rule ensures safety and prevents collisions.

Question 8: What should a driver do when they see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens approaching?

Speed up to get out of the way
Maintain their speed and stay in their lane
Make a U-turn to avoid the emergency vehicle.
Pull over to the right and stop (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pull over to the right and stop

When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens approaches, drivers are legally required to pull over to the nearest edge of the roadway, typically the right, and stop. This action clears the path, allowing emergency responders to proceed quickly and safely to their destination without obstruction. It is a fundamental rule designed to facilitate emergency services and prevent accidents.

Question 9: In Minnesota, what BAC limit applies to drivers under 21 years old?

.04%
Any detectable amount — zero tolerance (Correct answer)
.08%
.02%

Correct answer: Any detectable amount — zero tolerance

Minnesota enforces a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under 21, meaning any detectable alcohol in the blood is illegal while operating a vehicle.

Question 10: In heavy fog in Minnesota, which lights should a driver use?

High beams for maximum visibility
Low beams or fog lights (Correct answer)
No lights — they reflect off the fog
Hazard lights only

Correct answer: Low beams or fog lights

Low beam headlights or fog lights should be used in heavy fog because high beams reflect off fog particles and reduce visibility further.

Question 11: How far from an intersection must a Minnesota driver begin signaling before making a turn?

50 feet
100 feet (Correct answer)
75 feet
150 feet

Correct answer: 100 feet

Minnesota law requires drivers to signal at least 100 feet before making a turn at an intersection.

Question 12: What is the primary reason why 'drinking coffee' or 'cold showers' do not sober a person up faster in Minnesota or anywhere?

These methods work — they speed up BAC reduction
Only sweating removes alcohol from the bloodstream
Only the liver can metabolize alcohol, and it does so at a fixed rate regardless of other actions (Correct answer)
Eating food neutralizes alcohol immediately

Correct answer: Only the liver can metabolize alcohol, and it does so at a fixed rate regardless of other actions

The liver metabolizes alcohol at approximately .015% BAC per hour regardless of coffee, water, food, or showers — only time reduces BAC.

Question 13: What does Minnesota recommend drivers carry in their vehicle during winter months?

A tire inflator and car polish
Only a cell phone for roadside assistance
A portable heater and generator
An emergency kit with blankets, shovel, jumper cables, and sand or kitty litter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An emergency kit with blankets, shovel, jumper cables, and sand or kitty litter

Minnesota recommends keeping a winter emergency kit including blankets, a small shovel, jumper cables, and sand or kitty litter for traction if stranded.

Question 14: In Minnesota, what must a driver do when visibility drops below 200 feet due to blowing snow?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely as a guide
Switch to high beams and slow to 40 mph
Pull safely off the road and turn on hazard lights (Correct answer)
Reduce speed to 30 mph and continue

Correct answer: Pull safely off the road and turn on hazard lights

When visibility falls below 200 feet from blowing snow, the safest action is to pull completely off the roadway and activate hazard lights until conditions improve.

Question 15: In Minnesota, what is the minimum license revocation period for a first DWI offense?

30 days
90 days (Correct answer)
60 days
180 days

Correct answer: 90 days

A first DWI offense in Minnesota results in a minimum 90-day license revocation, with possible early reinstatement under the ignition interlock program.

Question 16: In Minnesota, what is the 'whiskey plate' and when is it required?

A specialty license plate for classic car owners
A plate issued to commercial drivers with DWI history
A distinctive plate (white with black 'W') required for vehicles involved in DWI incidents under certain conditions (Correct answer)
A warning sticker placed on windshields after DWI convictions

Correct answer: A distinctive plate (white with black 'W') required for vehicles involved in DWI incidents under certain conditions

Minnesota requires 'whiskey plates' — distinctive black-on-white plates starting with 'W' — on vehicles involved in repeat or aggravated DWI incidents to enable law enforcement to identify at-risk drivers.

Question 17: What types of expenses does Minnesota's basic PIP coverage pay for?

Medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services (Correct answer)
Vehicle repair costs only
Legal fees and court costs
Only emergency room visits

Correct answer: Medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement services

Minnesota's basic PIP covers medical expenses, a percentage of lost wages, and replacement services for tasks the injured person can no longer perform.

Question 18: What does a flashing yellow traffic light mean?

Slow down and proceed with caution. (Correct answer)
Stop and wait for the light to turn green.
The same as a stop sign.
Speed up to clear the intersection quickly.

Correct answer: Slow down and proceed with caution.

A flashing yellow traffic light indicates that drivers should slow down, be prepared to stop if necessary, and proceed through the intersection with extreme caution. It signals a potential hazard or the need to yield to other traffic or pedestrians. It does not mean to stop completely like a red light or stop sign, but to be highly vigilant.

Question 19: What is the minimum uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage required in Minnesota?

$30,000/$60,000
$10,000/$20,000
$50,000/$100,000
$25,000/$50,000 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $25,000/$50,000

Minnesota requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Question 20: Under Minnesota's DWI laws, what is the 'lookback period' used to determine repeat offender status?

5 years
10 years (Correct answer)
The driver's entire lifetime
15 years

Correct answer: 10 years

Minnesota uses a 10-year lookback period, meaning DWI convictions within the prior 10 years are counted when determining if a new offense is a repeat violation.

Question 21: In Minnesota, what does 'black ice' refer to, and why is it dangerous?

A thin, transparent ice layer that looks like wet pavement and provides almost no traction (Correct answer)
Ice visible only under ultraviolet light
Ice mixed with road tar that provides slight traction
Ice that forms only on black-paved surfaces

Correct answer: A thin, transparent ice layer that looks like wet pavement and provides almost no traction

Black ice is a thin, nearly transparent ice layer that makes the road appear merely wet, making it extremely dangerous because drivers don't recognize the hazard.

Question 22: When a Minnesota vehicle owner dies, how is the vehicle title transferred to an heir?

The estate can transfer the title using an Affidavit of Survivorship or through probate depending on estate size (Correct answer)
The vehicle title transfers automatically without paperwork
The vehicle must be sold before the title can change hands
The heir must go through probate court regardless of estate size

Correct answer: The estate can transfer the title using an Affidavit of Survivorship or through probate depending on estate size

Minnesota allows small estates to transfer a vehicle title using an Affidavit of Survivorship without full probate, while larger estates go through the standard probate process.

Question 23: In Minnesota, how many days does a vehicle buyer have to transfer the title into their name after purchase?

60 days
30 days (Correct answer)
90 days
10 days

Correct answer: 30 days

A vehicle buyer in Minnesota has 10 days to apply for a title transfer through the DVS, though dealer sales have separate processes.

Question 24: What is the minimum property damage liability coverage required in Minnesota?

$25,000
$10,000 (Correct answer)
$15,000
$5,000

Correct answer: $10,000

Minnesota law requires a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.

Question 25: What effect does marijuana have on driving according to Minnesota DVS education materials?

Marijuana impairs reaction time, tracking, and judgment similar to alcohol (Correct answer)
Only edible marijuana impairs driving
Marijuana has no effect on driving ability
Marijuana improves focus and reaction time

Correct answer: Marijuana impairs reaction time, tracking, and judgment similar to alcohol

Marijuana impairs reaction time, divided attention, lane tracking, and cognitive functions needed for safe driving, similar to the impairments caused by alcohol.

Question 26: When two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time in Minnesota, who has the right-of-way?

The vehicle traveling faster
The larger vehicle
The vehicle on the left
The vehicle on the right (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The vehicle on the right

At an uncontrolled intersection where two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.

Question 27: What does a Minnesota 'YIELD' sign require a driver to do?

Proceed at reduced speed without stopping
Come to a complete stop regardless of traffic
Slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road (Correct answer)
Only yield to emergency vehicles

Correct answer: Slow down and give the right-of-way to traffic on the intersecting road

A yield sign requires the driver to slow down and give the right-of-way to vehicles already in the intersection or approaching from another road, stopping only if necessary.

Question 28: What does Minnesota's 'move over' law require when passing a stopped emergency vehicle with lights activated?

Move to the farthest lane and slow down if lane change is unsafe (Correct answer)
Slow to 10 mph below the posted limit
Stop completely
Honk to alert the workers and maintain speed

Correct answer: Move to the farthest lane and slow down if lane change is unsafe

Minnesota's move-over law requires drivers to move to the farthest available lane; if a lane change is not safe, they must slow to a safe speed.

Question 29: What should a Minnesota driver do when approaching a flooded roadway?

Accelerate through to minimize time in water
Proceed slowly through the water — most cars can handle flooding
Turn around — never drive through flooded roads (Correct answer)
Test depth with your foot before driving through

Correct answer: Turn around — never drive through flooded roads

Minnesota promotes the 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' message — just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down and 2 feet can sweep a car away.

Question 30: Under Minnesota PIP, what percentage of gross lost wages is typically covered after an accident?

50%
85%
100%
75% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 75%

Minnesota's basic PIP covers 85% of gross lost wages up to the policy maximum when an injury prevents you from working.

Question 31: In Minnesota winter conditions, how should a driver handle braking on icy roads?

Brake hard and fast to stop quickly
Steer into the skid and accelerate
Pump the brakes continuously at all speeds
Apply steady, gentle pressure or use threshold braking on non-ABS vehicles (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Apply steady, gentle pressure or use threshold braking on non-ABS vehicles

On icy roads, drivers should apply steady gentle pressure; on vehicles without ABS, threshold braking (just below lockup) provides the most control.

Question 32: When can a Minnesota driver step outside the no-fault system and sue the at-fault driver for damages?

In any accident regardless of severity
Only if the at-fault driver is uninsured
When injuries meet a serious injury threshold (e.g., permanent injury, disfigurement, or death) (Correct answer)
Only for accidents on private property

Correct answer: When injuries meet a serious injury threshold (e.g., permanent injury, disfigurement, or death)

Minnesota allows tort lawsuits against at-fault drivers only when injuries cross a serious threshold, such as permanent disability, disfigurement, or death.

Question 33: Why does Minnesota recommend removing snow from the entire vehicle before driving, including the roof?

Excess weight on the roof reduces fuel economy
Insurance requires a completely clear vehicle
Snow sliding off the roof can obscure the driver's windshield or fly into other vehicles (Correct answer)
Roof snow causes the vehicle to overheat

Correct answer: Snow sliding off the roof can obscure the driver's windshield or fly into other vehicles

Snow can slide off the roof onto the windshield, blocking vision, or fly off and strike following vehicles, creating dangerous conditions for everyone on the road.

Question 34: In Minnesota, what form is used to apply for a certificate of title for a new or used vehicle?

Form DVS-100
Form MV-1
Application to Title/Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000A) (Correct answer)
Standard Motor Vehicle Application (SMVA-22)

Correct answer: Application to Title/Register a Motor Vehicle (PS2000A)

The PS2000A, Application to Title/Register a Motor Vehicle, is the standard Minnesota DVS form used for titling new or used vehicles.

Question 35: What does a pennant-shaped yellow sign indicate in Minnesota?

School zone ahead
Yield ahead
Construction zone
No passing zone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No passing zone

A pennant-shaped yellow sign marks the beginning of a no-passing zone and is posted on the left side of the road.

Question 36: In Minnesota, when is a DWI elevated from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor?

When BAC is .16% or higher, or when a minor is in the vehicle (Correct answer)
Every first-time DWI
When the driver refuses a blood test
Only when property damage occurs

Correct answer: When BAC is .16% or higher, or when a minor is in the vehicle

A DWI in Minnesota becomes a gross misdemeanor when the BAC is .16% or higher or when a child under 16 is in the vehicle, triggering greater penalties.

Question 37: In Minnesota, what does an orange diamond-shaped sign indicate?

Temporary traffic control in a work zone (Correct answer)
School crossing ahead
Hazardous material route
Wildlife crossing

Correct answer: Temporary traffic control in a work zone

Orange diamond-shaped signs are used exclusively in construction and work zones to warn drivers of temporary traffic conditions and workers nearby.

Question 38: In Minnesota, a U-turn may NOT be made in which of the following locations?

A one-way street intersection
A business district (Correct answer)
A residential street
A rural highway with clear sight lines

Correct answer: A business district

Minnesota law prohibits U-turns in business districts and wherever visibility is obstructed within 500 feet.

Question 39: How does tire pressure typically change in Minnesota's cold winter temperatures?

It decreases approximately 1 PSI per 10°F drop in temperature (Correct answer)
It stays the same regardless of temperature
It increases as tires contract
It doubles in extreme cold

Correct answer: It decreases approximately 1 PSI per 10°F drop in temperature

Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature, making regular checks important in Minnesota winters to maintain safe handling.

Question 40: What is the default speed limit in a Minnesota urban district unless otherwise posted?

45 mph
30 mph (Correct answer)
35 mph
25 mph

Correct answer: 30 mph

Minnesota law sets the default speed limit at 30 mph in urban districts unless a different limit is posted.

Minnesota DVS Driver's Knowledge Test (Class D)

The Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) Class D knowledge test evaluates applicants on traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, alcohol/drug awareness, insurance requirements, and special driving conditions as covered in the Minnesota Driver's Manual.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
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10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
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