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

Question 1: What is the correct hand signal for a left turn?

Right arm extended straight out.
Left arm extended downward
Left arm extended straight out. (Correct answer)
Left arm extended upward.

Correct answer: Left arm extended straight out.

The correct hand signal for a left turn is to extend your left arm straight out horizontally from the driver's side window. This signal clearly communicates your intention to turn left to other drivers, especially when your vehicle's turn signals are not functioning or are not easily visible. It's a standard signal used in driving.

Question 2: Minnesota uses an electronic system to verify auto insurance. When is this verification primarily triggered?

Only after accidents
Annually by mail only
During vehicle registration renewals and traffic stops (Correct answer)
Only when applying for a new license

Correct answer: During vehicle registration renewals and traffic stops

Minnesota's electronic insurance verification system checks coverage during registration renewals and can also be accessed by law enforcement during traffic stops.

Question 3: What effect does marijuana have on driving according to Minnesota DVS education materials?

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

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

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

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 5: What must Minnesota drivers carry in their vehicle as proof of insurance?

A letter from the DMV confirming coverage
A receipt from the insurance company
A copy of the full insurance policy
An insurance ID card or certificate (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An insurance ID card or certificate

Minnesota drivers are required to carry an insurance ID card or certificate in their vehicle at all times as proof of coverage.

Question 6: In Minnesota, when is a DWI elevated from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor?

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

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 7: 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
Reduce speed to 30 mph and continue
Pull safely off the road and turn on hazard lights (Correct answer)
Switch to high beams and slow to 40 mph

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 8: Which of the following best describes how alcohol affects driving ability in Minnesota or anywhere?

Alcohol improves reaction time by relaxing the driver
Alcohol only affects vision, not steering or braking
Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination (Correct answer)
One drink has no effect on any driver

Correct answer: Alcohol impairs judgment, reaction time, and coordination

Alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction time, reduces coordination, and decreases the ability to track objects — all critical driving functions.

Question 9: In Minnesota, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when:

The at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient to cover your damages (Correct answer)
You drive without a license
You are driving outside state lines
Your own vehicle is unregistered

Correct answer: The at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient to cover your damages

Underinsured motorist coverage activates when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are too low to fully compensate you for your injuries or losses.

Question 10: What is the legal consequence for a third DWI offense in Minnesota within 10 years?

Automatic lifetime license revocation
Gross misdemeanor with mandatory license cancellation
Felony DWI with potential prison time (Correct answer)
Standard misdemeanor fine only

Correct answer: Felony DWI with potential prison time

A third DWI conviction in Minnesota within 10 years is charged as a felony, carrying potential prison time, heavy fines, and long-term license cancellation.

Question 11: What document proves legal ownership of a motor vehicle in Minnesota?

A purchase receipt from a dealership
A bill of sale
The vehicle registration card
The certificate of title (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The certificate of title

The certificate of title is the legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle in Minnesota — registration only proves the vehicle is registered, not who owns it.

Question 12: If a Minnesota driver is stopped by law enforcement without proof of insurance, what is the likely outcome?

Automatic license revocation
Immediate vehicle confiscation
A petty misdemeanor citation and fine (Correct answer)
A verbal warning for a first offense

Correct answer: A petty misdemeanor citation and fine

Driving without insurance in Minnesota is a petty misdemeanor that carries a fine, and repeat violations can result in more serious penalties.

Question 13: What is the penalty for late vehicle registration renewal in Minnesota?

Varies based on how late the renewal is (Correct answer)
There is no penalty
$25
$50

Correct answer: Varies based on how late the renewal is

The penalty for late vehicle registration renewal in Minnesota is not a fixed amount but rather varies depending on how late the renewal is. The longer a registration remains expired, the higher the accumulated late fees and potential penalties become. This tiered penalty system encourages timely renewals.

Question 14: When approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, a driver must:

Stop at least 10 feet away from the bus
Honk to alert the driver of the bus.
Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus. (Correct answer)
Slow down and pass cautiously.

Correct answer: Stop at least 20 feet away from the bus.

Minnesota law mandates that drivers stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. This critical safety measure ensures a safe zone around the bus, protecting children as they enter or exit the vehicle. Failing to stop is a serious offense due to the high risk it poses to child pedestrians.

Question 15: How should following distance be adjusted in Minnesota when driving on snow or ice?

Follow within 1 car length to keep heat from the vehicle ahead
Decrease to 1 second since tires grip better in snow
Keep the same 3-second rule
Increase to 6–10 seconds (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Increase to 6–10 seconds

On snow or ice, stopping distances increase dramatically and drivers should increase following distance to 6–10 seconds to allow for extended braking.

Question 16: What is the consequence of providing false insurance information to a Minnesota law enforcement officer?

A small administrative fee
A written warning from the DVS
A misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor criminal charge (Correct answer)
Mandatory community service only

Correct answer: A misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor criminal charge

Providing false proof of insurance in Minnesota is a criminal offense that can be charged as a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor depending on circumstances.

Question 17: In Minnesota, a U-turn may NOT be made in which of the following locations?

A business district (Correct answer)
A one-way street intersection
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 18: What does a Minnesota 'YIELD' sign require a driver to do?

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

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 19: What is the minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage required in Minnesota?

$40,000 (Correct answer)
$50,000
$30,000
$20,000

Correct answer: $40,000

Minnesota requires a minimum of $40,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of its no-fault insurance system.

Question 20: In Minnesota, what BAC limit applies to commercial vehicle drivers operating a CMV?

.08%
.04% (Correct answer)
.02%
.06%

Correct answer: .04%

The federal BAC limit for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in Minnesota is .04%, half the standard limit, due to the increased responsibility and danger of operating large vehicles.

Question 21: How is Minnesota's title transfer fee calculated for a used vehicle purchased from a private seller?

Based on the vehicle's purchase price or book value — whichever is higher (Correct answer)
A flat $25 regardless of vehicle value
Based on the buyer's driving record
Based solely on the vehicle's age

Correct answer: Based on the vehicle's purchase price or book value — whichever is higher

Minnesota calculates title transfer tax based on the purchase price or book value of the vehicle, whichever is greater, to prevent tax underpayment through artificially low stated prices.

Question 22: In Minnesota, what must a driver do when an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens approaches from any direction?

Flash hazard lights and slow slightly
Pull to the right edge of the road and stop (Correct answer)
Maintain speed and stay in lane
Speed up to clear the path

Correct answer: Pull to the right edge of the road and stop

Minnesota law requires drivers to immediately pull to the right edge of the roadway and stop when an emergency vehicle with lights or sirens is approaching.

Question 23: What is the safe following distance a Minnesota driver should maintain at highway speeds on dry roads?

5-second rule
1-second rule
3-second rule (Correct answer)
2-second rule

Correct answer: 3-second rule

Minnesota recommends the 3-second rule for following distance at highway speeds on dry roads, allowing adequate reaction and stopping time.

Question 24: In Minnesota winter conditions, how should a driver handle braking on icy roads?

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

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 25: What is the legal following distance rule in Minnesota for vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR on highways?

500 feet
200 feet
100 feet
300 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 300 feet

Minnesota law requires vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 lbs to maintain at least 300 feet of following distance from other vehicles on highways.

Question 26: In Minnesota, what does a 'drug recognition evaluator' (DRE) officer do during a drugged driving investigation?

Only performs blood draws at the police station
Conducts a structured 12-step evaluation to identify drug impairment and the category of drug involved (Correct answer)
Checks the driver's prescription drug history
Administers a breathalyzer test for drug metabolites

Correct answer: Conducts a structured 12-step evaluation to identify drug impairment and the category of drug involved

A DRE officer is specially trained to perform a 12-step evaluation including vital signs, eye tests, and divided attention tests to identify drug impairment when a breathalyzer shows low or no alcohol.

Question 27: In Minnesota, what is 'target fixation' and how does it affect driving in hazardous conditions?

Staring at a hazard — causing the vehicle to drift toward it (Correct answer)
Looking at road signs too long — causes missing turns
Watching brake lights — causing tailgating
Focusing on the speedometer — causing speed creep

Correct answer: Staring at a hazard — causing the vehicle to drift toward it

Target fixation is the tendency to steer toward what you are looking at — in hazardous conditions, staring at an obstacle can cause you to hit it instead of avoiding it.

Question 28: In Minnesota, what must a driver do when approaching a school bus with flashing red lights from either direction on an undivided road?

Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop (Correct answer)
Yield and pass slowly on the left
Slow to 10 mph and proceed cautiously
Honk and proceed

Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the lights stop

When a school bus displays flashing red lights on an undivided road, all traffic from both directions must stop and stay stopped until the lights are no longer flashing.

Question 29: What does a flashing red traffic light mean in Minnesota?

Stop and wait for it to turn green
Treat it as a stop sign — stop completely, then proceed when safe (Correct answer)
Treat it as a yield sign
Proceed slowly — signal is malfunctioning

Correct answer: Treat it as a stop sign — stop completely, then proceed when safe

A flashing red light in Minnesota must be treated exactly like a stop sign: come to a complete stop, then proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Question 30: What is the minimum uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage required in Minnesota?

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

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 31: When driving through road construction in Minnesota, what is the fine multiplier for speeding violations in a work zone with workers present?

There is no fine increase
1.5 times the standard fine
2 times the standard fine (Correct answer)
3 times the standard fine

Correct answer: 2 times the standard fine

Minnesota doubles speeding fines in active work zones where workers are present to protect road crew safety.

Question 32: What is the proper technique for driving on a curve in Minnesota winter conditions?

Use the left lane for better grip on curves
Brake in the curve to reduce speed as needed
Slow down before the curve and maintain steady speed through it (Correct answer)
Accelerate through the curve to maintain momentum

Correct answer: Slow down before the curve and maintain steady speed through it

Brake and reduce speed before entering a curve, then maintain a steady speed through it to avoid losing traction on slippery winter roads.

Question 33: How many drinks does it take to reach a .08% BAC for an average 160-pound person?

2 drinks
1 drink
7–8 drinks
3–4 drinks (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3–4 drinks

For an average 160-pound adult, approximately 3–4 standard drinks consumed in one hour can raise BAC to .08%, though individual factors vary widely.

Question 34: Which of the following coverages is NOT mandated by Minnesota state law?

Uninsured motorist coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Bodily injury liability
Comprehensive coverage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is optional in Minnesota; it protects against non-collision events like theft or weather but is not legally required.

Question 35: Minnesota law requires children under what age to be in a child safety seat?

5
4
7
8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 8

Minnesota law requires children under the age of eight to be properly secured in a child safety seat or booster seat, unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall or taller. This regulation is crucial for passenger safety, as standard adult seat belts are not designed to fit smaller bodies effectively and may not provide adequate protection in the event of a crash.

Question 36: What does 'driving with a cancelled IPS (Ignition Interlock Program violation)' mean in Minnesota?

Driving out-of-state during a Minnesota license suspension
Violating the terms of a restricted ignition interlock license by tampering with or bypassing the device (Correct answer)
Driving with an expired registration
Refusing to renew a license after a DWI

Correct answer: Violating the terms of a restricted ignition interlock license by tampering with or bypassing the device

Minnesota's Ignition Interlock Program requires DWI offenders to use a breath-testing device in their vehicle — tampering with or bypassing it is a serious violation.

Question 37: What should a Minnesota driver do first if their vehicle begins to skid on ice?

Accelerate to regain traction
Shift to neutral immediately
Apply the brakes firmly
Steer in the direction the rear is sliding and ease off the gas (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Steer in the direction the rear is sliding and ease off the gas

To correct a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding to regain control.

Question 38: In Minnesota, what is a 'salvage title' and when is it issued?

A title for vehicles with major engine modifications
A title issued for vehicles used in off-road competitions
A title issued to antique vehicles over 25 years old
A title issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company due to damage (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A title issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company due to damage

A salvage title is issued in Minnesota when an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss, typically when repair costs exceed the vehicle's value.

Question 39: In Minnesota, when must a driver yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk?

Only at marked crosswalks with signals
Only when the pedestrian waves
Only during daylight hours
At all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked (Correct answer)

Correct answer: At all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked

Minnesota law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, when the pedestrian is in the driver's lane or approaching.

Question 40: What is an 'electronic lien and title' (ELT) in the Minnesota DVS system?

An online portal for self-service title transfers
A license plate assigned to leased vehicles
A system where lienholders receive and manage title records electronically instead of paper titles (Correct answer)
A digital title card emailed to the owner

Correct answer: A system where lienholders receive and manage title records electronically instead of paper titles

The Minnesota ELT system allows authorized lienholders such as banks to receive, hold, and release title information electronically, eliminating paper titles during the loan period.

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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