Minnesota Driver's License Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What does a steady red arrow signal mean?

Proceed carefully in the arrow's direction
Stop — do not turn in the direction of the arrow (Correct answer)
Yield before turning in the arrow's direction
Prepare for a green arrow soon

Correct answer: Stop — do not turn in the direction of the arrow

A steady red arrow means you must stop and may not move in the direction the arrow points.

Question 2: What is the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers age 21 and older in Minnesota?

.05%
.10%
.08% (Correct answer)
.06%

Correct answer: .08%

Minnesota's legal BAC limit for drivers 21 and older is .08%; at or above this level you are legally impaired.

Question 3: When approaching a yield sign, you must:

Slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection or on the road you are entering (Correct answer)
Proceed if you judge it safe at your current speed
Always come to a complete stop
Sound your horn to alert others

Correct answer: Slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection or on the road you are entering

A yield sign requires slowing and giving the right of way to traffic in the intersection or roadway you are entering, stopping if necessary.

Question 4: A driver preparing to turn right must yield to:

No one if the turn signal has been on for 5 seconds
Only oncoming vehicles
Only pedestrians on the sidewalk
Pedestrians crossing the street and cyclists in the bike lane (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pedestrians crossing the street and cyclists in the bike lane

Before completing a right turn, you must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and cyclists in any bike lane.

Question 5: Blocking a sidewalk with a parked vehicle is:

Legal if the vehicle is there for less than 5 minutes
Legal only if hazard lights are on
Legal in residential areas if no sidewalk users are present
Illegal — sidewalks must be kept clear for pedestrians (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Illegal — sidewalks must be kept clear for pedestrians

Parking across or blocking a sidewalk is illegal in Minnesota because it forces pedestrians, including those in wheelchairs, into the street.

Question 6: If a driver refuses to submit to a chemical test after a DWI arrest in Minnesota, what is the minimum license revocation period for a first offense?

1 year (Correct answer)
2 years
6 months
90 days

Correct answer: 1 year

Refusing a chemical test in Minnesota results in a minimum 1-year license revocation for a first offense — longer than the penalty for a failed test.

Question 7: A sign showing two arrows merging from both sides means:

Two-way traffic begins ahead
Keep right — divided highway ends
Traffic merges from both sides into one lane (Correct answer)
Road narrows from both sides

Correct answer: Traffic merges from both sides into one lane

This sign warns that lanes from both sides are merging into a single lane ahead.

Question 8: What does a solid white line along the right edge of the road indicate?

A parking restriction
A bike lane boundary
A no-passing zone
The edge of the travel lane (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The edge of the travel lane

A solid white edge line marks the right boundary of the travel lane in Minnesota.

Question 9: When may you park in a bus stop zone in Minnesota?

Never — bus zones are always restricted (Correct answer)
Only if you stay in the vehicle and are ready to move
Only for 2 minutes or less
Only when no bus is scheduled within 30 minutes

Correct answer: Never — bus zones are always restricted

Bus stop zones are always restricted — no private vehicle may stop, stand, or park in a bus zone.

Question 10: A flashing yellow traffic light in Minnesota means:

Proceed with caution (Correct answer)
Yield to all traffic
Prepare to stop
Stop and wait for green

Correct answer: Proceed with caution

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution, not stop.

Question 11: In Minnesota, how close to a fire hydrant may you park?

No closer than 5 feet
No closer than 20 feet
No closer than 15 feet
No closer than 10 feet (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No closer than 10 feet

Minnesota law prohibits parking within 10 feet of a fire hydrant to ensure emergency access.

Question 12: When changing lanes, you can check your blind spots by:

Using the outside rearview mirror.
Turning your head and looking over your shoulder. (Correct answer)
Using the inside rearview mirror.
Using both inside and outside rearview mirrors.

Correct answer: Turning your head and looking over your shoulder.

To effectively check your blind spots when changing lanes, you must turn your head and look over your shoulder in the direction you intend to move. Mirrors alone do not provide a complete view of these areas, and a head check ensures no vehicles are hidden from view.

Question 13: When two vehicles meet on a narrow mountain road or hill, who must yield?

The faster vehicle yields
The vehicle going downhill yields to the vehicle going uphill (Correct answer)
The larger vehicle always yields
The vehicle on the left yields

Correct answer: The vehicle going downhill yields to the vehicle going uphill

On a narrow road or hill, the downhill vehicle should yield because it is easier to back downhill than uphill.

Question 14: When merging onto a Minnesota freeway, who has the right of way?

Whichever vehicle is faster
The merging vehicle
Traffic already on the freeway (Correct answer)
The vehicle on the right

Correct answer: Traffic already on the freeway

Traffic already traveling on the freeway has the right of way; merging drivers must yield and find a safe gap.

Question 15: A red flashing traffic light has the same meaning as a:

Yield sign.
Solid red light.
Caution sign.
Stop sign. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Stop sign.

A red flashing traffic light requires drivers to come to a complete stop before the intersection, crosswalk, or stop line. After stopping, drivers must yield to all cross-traffic and pedestrians before proceeding only when it is safe to do so. This action is identical to the legal requirement imposed by a stop sign, ensuring safety at intersections.

Question 16: This sign means:

No turning.
No right turn.
No U-turn. (Correct answer)
No left turn.

Correct answer: No U-turn.

This road sign, featuring a red circle with a diagonal line through a U-turn arrow, is a universal symbol for prohibition. The specific arrow indicates a U-turn maneuver. Therefore, drivers encountering this sign are strictly prohibited from making a U-turn at that location.

Question 17: When must you stop for a pedestrian in a Minnesota crosswalk even if no signal requires it?

Only when a crossing guard is present
Only if the pedestrian is more than halfway across
Whenever a pedestrian is in or entering the crosswalk in your half of the road (Correct answer)
Only at marked crosswalks with a stop line

Correct answer: Whenever a pedestrian is in or entering the crosswalk in your half of the road

Minnesota law requires stopping for pedestrians who are in or stepping into the crosswalk on your side of the road.

Question 18: What does a crossbuck sign (two white planks in an X) mean?

Intersection ahead
No passing zone
Railroad crossing — yield to trains (Correct answer)
Road narrows ahead

Correct answer: Railroad crossing — yield to trains

A crossbuck at a railroad crossing requires drivers to yield to any approaching trains.

Question 19: What shape is a railroad crossing warning sign in Minnesota?

Diamond with a train symbol
Triangle with crossbars
Square with a track symbol
Round with an X shape (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Round with an X shape

Railroad advance warning signs are round with an X (crossbuck) and the letters RR in Minnesota.

Question 20: In Minnesota, what is the minimum following distance rule?

Maintain 200 feet at all times
Stay at least 50 feet behind trucks
Maintain enough distance to stop safely — typically 3-4 seconds at highway speeds (Correct answer)
Always keep exactly one car length per 10 mph

Correct answer: Maintain enough distance to stop safely — typically 3-4 seconds at highway speeds

Minnesota requires a safe following distance adequate to stop — generally 3-4 seconds is recommended at highway speeds.

Question 21: When parking uphill next to a curb, set the parking brake and:

Turn your steering wheel away from the curb. (Correct answer)
Keep the rear tires against the curb.
Keep the front tires straight ahead.
Turn your steering wheel toward the curb.

Correct answer: Turn your steering wheel away from the curb.

When parking uphill next to a curb, you should set the parking brake and turn your steering wheel away from the curb. This way, if your brakes fail, the front wheels will turn into the curb, preventing the vehicle from rolling downhill into traffic.

Question 22: A pennant-shaped yellow sign on the left side of the road means:

School zone ahead
Divided highway ahead
Merge left
No passing zone (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No passing zone

A pennant-shaped sign marks the beginning of a no-passing zone in Minnesota.

Question 23: What does a sign with a bicycle symbol and the word LANE indicate?

A shared lane for bikes and cars
A lane reserved for bicycles (Correct answer)
A lane where bikes must yield
A lane closed to bicycles

Correct answer: A lane reserved for bicycles

A bicycle lane sign marks a lane reserved exclusively for bicycle traffic in Minnesota.

Question 24: What does a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicate?

Warning of a potential hazard ahead (Correct answer)
A service area nearby
A recreational area
A regulatory requirement

Correct answer: Warning of a potential hazard ahead

Yellow diamond-shaped signs in Minnesota are warning signs that alert drivers to potential hazards ahead.

Question 25: A flashing red light means:

The same as a STOP sign. (Correct answer)
Drive with caution.
The light will soon change to steady red.
Go, but yield the right-of-way to other traffic at the intersection

Correct answer: The same as a STOP sign.

A flashing red light means the same as a STOP sign: you must come to a complete stop before the intersection or stop line. After stopping, you must yield the right-of-way to other traffic and pedestrians before proceeding when it is safe to do so.

Question 26: What is the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers age 21 and older in Minnesota?

0.10%
0.06%
0.04%
0.08% (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 0.08%

In Minnesota, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher for drivers age 21 and older.

Question 27: What is the legal BAC limit for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in Minnesota?

0.08%
0.04% (Correct answer)
0.02%
0.06%

Correct answer: 0.04%

Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard of 0.04% BAC, half the limit for non-commercial drivers.

Question 28: What is the basic speed law in Minnesota?

Speed limits only apply during daylight hours
Maintain a minimum of 20 mph on all public roads
Always drive at the posted speed limit regardless of conditions
Drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for conditions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Drive at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for conditions

Minnesota's basic speed law requires drivers to travel at a speed that is safe and reasonable for existing conditions.

Question 29: What is the minimum license revocation period for a first-time DWI offense in Minnesota where the driver fails the chemical test?

90 days (Correct answer)
30 days
60 days
6 months

Correct answer: 90 days

A first-time DWI offense with a failed chemical test results in a 90-day license revocation in Minnesota.

Question 30: In Minnesota, you must dim your high beams when within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?

750 feet
1,000 feet (Correct answer)
500 feet
300 feet

Correct answer: 1,000 feet

Minnesota law requires dimming high beams when within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

Question 31: What does a white sign reading 'SPEED LIMIT 55' mean?

The minimum speed on that road
The speed limit only during daylight hours
The recommended speed for ideal conditions
The maximum legal speed under normal conditions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The maximum legal speed under normal conditions

A speed limit sign sets the maximum legal speed allowed under normal driving conditions in Minnesota.

Question 32: What BAC level triggers an 'aggravated DWI' charge in Minnesota, indicating extreme impairment?

0.16% (Correct answer)
0.12%
0.08%
0.10%

Correct answer: 0.16%

A BAC of 0.16% or higher — twice the legal limit — results in an aggravated DWI charge in Minnesota, which carries harsher penalties.

Question 33: Who has the right of way at a four-way stop when two vehicles arrive at the same time facing each other?

The vehicle traveling faster
The vehicle on the right
The larger vehicle
Neither — both must yield; the one going straight has priority over the one turning left (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Neither — both must yield; the one going straight has priority over the one turning left

When two vehicles arrive simultaneously at a four-way stop facing each other, the one going straight has priority over the one turning left.

Question 34: A funeral procession in Minnesota has the right of way. What must other drivers do?

Sound the horn to alert the procession
Yield and not cut through the procession (Correct answer)
Stop and wait for the entire procession to pass
Pull off the road until the procession passes

Correct answer: Yield and not cut through the procession

Minnesota drivers must not drive between or cut through a funeral procession and should yield to it.

Question 35: What should you do if a tire blows out at highway speed in Minnesota?

Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to the shoulder — do not brake hard (Correct answer)
Brake as hard as possible to stop quickly
Steer sharply to the nearest exit
Accelerate briefly to stabilize the vehicle

Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer to the shoulder — do not brake hard

A blowout at speed requires a firm grip, gradual deceleration without hard braking, and controlled steering to the shoulder.

Question 36: In Minnesota, what is the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?

25 mph
30 mph
15 mph
20 mph (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 20 mph

Minnesota school zone speed limits are typically 20 mph when children are present or the school zone is active.

Question 37: What is hydroplaning and how do you respond if it occurs?

The engine overheats in rain — pull over and let it cool
Brakes fail in wet conditions — pump them rapidly
Tires ride on a water film — ease off the gas and steer straight until traction returns (Correct answer)
Visibility drops to zero in rain — turn on high beams

Correct answer: Tires ride on a water film — ease off the gas and steer straight until traction returns

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road on a film of water — ease off the accelerator and steer gently until traction is restored.

Question 38: Which of the following substances, besides alcohol, can result in a DWI charge in Minnesota?

Prescription drugs, controlled substances, and hazardous substances (Correct answer)
Over-the-counter antihistamines only
Caffeine
Only illegal street drugs

Correct answer: Prescription drugs, controlled substances, and hazardous substances

Minnesota's DWI law applies to any substance — including prescription medications, controlled substances, or hazardous materials — that impairs a driver's ability to operate a vehicle.

Question 39: When making a turn, you must ____ your speed.

Reduce (Correct answer)
Vary
Maintain
Increase

Correct answer: Reduce

When making a turn, it is crucial to reduce your speed to maintain control of the vehicle and navigate the curve safely. Entering a turn too fast can lead to loss of traction or control, increasing the risk of an accident.

Question 40: Speed limit signs are:

destination signs (guide signs)
service signs
regulatory signs (Correct answer)
warning signs

Correct answer: regulatory signs

Speed limit signs are classified as regulatory signs because they inform drivers of laws and regulations they must obey. These signs indicate the maximum or minimum legal speed for a particular stretch of road, ensuring compliance and promoting safety.

Minnesota Driver's License Knowledge Test

The Minnesota DVS knowledge test evaluates understanding of traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, alcohol and drug laws, and safe driving practices required to obtain a Class D driver's license in Minnesota.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

assets.dps.mn.gov — Test delivery, exam format, passing score, registration, renewal, retake fee, retake policy, score validity · verified Oct 2026
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