Minnesota Driver's License Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following is always a legal reason to stop in a no-parking zone?

Loading merchandise from a store
Dropping off a passenger quickly
Obeying a traffic signal or sign (Correct answer)
Waiting for someone inside a building

Correct answer: Obeying a traffic signal or sign

Stopping to comply with a traffic signal or the direction of a police officer is always permitted even in a no-parking zone.

Question 2: You may not cross a single broken white or yellow line:

When the car in front of you is disabled.
When passing to the right on a one-way street.
When turning left into a driveway.
When doing so would interfere with traffic. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: When doing so would interfere with traffic.

You may not cross a single broken white or yellow line when doing so would interfere with traffic. While broken lines generally permit crossing, safety always takes precedence, meaning you should only cross when it is safe and does not impede the flow of other vehicles.

Question 3: What does a white sign reading 'SPEED LIMIT 55' mean?

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

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 4: Who must yield when a pedestrian is crossing at a corner with no crosswalk markings?

The pedestrian — unmarked crossings have no legal protection
Whoever arrived at the corner first
The driver — pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections (Correct answer)
The vehicle traveling on the less busy road

Correct answer: The driver — pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections

Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing at any intersection, even without painted crosswalk lines.

Question 5: A sign with a white background and black letters/symbols is typically:

A regulatory sign (Correct answer)
A guide sign
A service sign
A warning sign

Correct answer: A regulatory sign

White signs with black markings are regulatory signs that indicate laws drivers must obey.

Question 6: What does a red curb indicate in Minnesota?

Parking allowed for 15 minutes maximum
Parking for emergency vehicles only
No parking but stopping to load is allowed
No stopping, standing, or parking at any time (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No stopping, standing, or parking at any time

A red curb means no stopping, standing, or parking at any time — even briefly.

Question 7: If your brakes are wet, you can dry them by:

Pulling over to the right and wait until it stops raining.
None of the above.
Lightly pressing the gas and brake pedals at the same time. (Correct answer)
Increasing your speed while obeying the speed limit.

Correct answer: Lightly pressing the gas and brake pedals at the same time.

If your brakes are wet, you can dry them by lightly pressing the gas and brake pedals at the same time while driving slowly. This action creates friction and heat, which helps evaporate the moisture from the brake pads and rotors, restoring full braking effectiveness.

Question 8: At a T-intersection with no signs, who has the right of way?

Traffic on the through road (Correct answer)
The vehicle on the right
Traffic on the terminating road
The vehicle traveling faster

Correct answer: Traffic on the through road

At a T-intersection, traffic on the through (continuing) road has the right of way over traffic on the road that ends.

Question 9: Under Minnesota's 'not a drop' law, what BAC level is illegal for drivers under age 21?

0.04%
0.02%
Any detectable amount above 0.00% (Correct answer)
0.06%

Correct answer: Any detectable amount above 0.00%

Minnesota's 'not a drop' law makes it illegal for anyone under 21 to drive with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system.

Question 10: This sign means:

Do not enter. (Correct answer)
Yield.
Heavy traffic ahead.
Railroad crossing.

Correct answer: Do not enter.

The "Do Not Enter" sign is a red circle with a white horizontal bar in the middle, signifying that traffic is prohibited from entering that roadway or area. This regulatory sign is crucial for preventing wrong-way driving and ensuring traffic safety.

Question 11: In Minnesota, you must dim your high beams when following another vehicle within:

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

Correct answer: 200 feet

When following another vehicle, Minnesota requires you to dim high beams within 200 feet.

Question 12: When turning left at an intersection with a green light, you must yield to:

Only pedestrians
Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk (Correct answer)
No one — you have the right of way with a green light
Only oncoming vehicles traveling straight

Correct answer: Oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk

When turning left on green, Minnesota law requires yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians already in the crosswalk.

Question 13: A Minnesota driver convicted of DWI with a child under 16 in the vehicle faces what additional consequence?

The charge is automatically elevated to a gross misdemeanor or felony, plus potential child endangerment charges (Correct answer)
No additional consequence beyond standard DWI penalties
Only a written warning is added to the record
The vehicle is impounded for 30 days only

Correct answer: The charge is automatically elevated to a gross misdemeanor or felony, plus potential child endangerment charges

Driving drunk with a child passenger under 16 is an aggravating factor in Minnesota that raises the charge level and can trigger child endangerment or child protection laws.

Question 14: Under Minnesota law, how soon after a DWI arrest must law enforcement administer a chemical test for it to be valid?

Within 1 hour
Within 4 hours
Within 3 hours
Within 2 hours (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Within 2 hours

In Minnesota, a chemical test must generally be administered within 2 hours of when the person was last driving for the results to be used as evidence of the BAC at the time of driving.

Question 15: When approaching someone using a white cane, you should proceed with caution because:

the pedestrian is deaf.
the pedestrian might be using a guide dog
the pedestrian might be blind.
the pedestrian is blind. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: the pedestrian is blind.

When approaching someone using a white cane, you should proceed with extreme caution because the pedestrian is blind. A white cane is universally recognized as a symbol indicating that the user has a visual impairment, requiring drivers to be extra vigilant and yield the right-of-way.

Question 16: What does a brown sign typically indicate in Minnesota?

Construction zone
Recreational or cultural interest area (Correct answer)
Regulatory requirement
Warning of a hazard

Correct answer: Recreational or cultural interest area

Brown signs indicate recreational areas, parks, historical sites, or cultural points of interest.

Question 17: What shape is a railroad crossing warning sign in Minnesota?

Diamond with a train symbol
Square with a track symbol
Triangle with crossbars
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 18: A flashing yellow traffic light in Minnesota means:

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

Correct answer: Proceed with caution

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

Question 19: What is Minnesota's 'sobriety checkpoint' law?

Sobriety checkpoints are legal and used regularly in Minnesota
Only federal agencies may operate checkpoints in Minnesota
Checkpoints are only allowed on holidays
Minnesota law prohibits sobriety checkpoints as unconstitutional (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Minnesota law prohibits sobriety checkpoints as unconstitutional

Minnesota courts have ruled that sobriety checkpoints violate the state constitution's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, so they are not used in Minnesota.

Question 20: When a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights on a divided highway with a median, traffic on the OPPOSITE side must:

Stop until the lights turn off
Continue — the median separates the lanes and opposite traffic need not stop (Correct answer)
Slow to 15 mph and proceed with caution
Stop only if children are visible

Correct answer: Continue — the median separates the lanes and opposite traffic need not stop

On a divided highway with a raised median, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction are not required to stop for a school bus.

Question 21: In Minnesota, what is the speed limit in a school zone when children are present?

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

Correct answer: 20 mph

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

Question 22: What does a sign with a bicycle symbol and the word LANE indicate?

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

Correct answer: A lane reserved for bicycles

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

Question 23: A red flashing traffic light has the same meaning as a:

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

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 24: What does the term 'defensive driving' mean in the context of Minnesota driver education?

Staying in the right lane to avoid other drivers
Using turn signals and mirrors defensively
Anticipating hazards and adjusting driving to avoid them (Correct answer)
Driving slowly at all times to reduce collision risk

Correct answer: Anticipating hazards and adjusting driving to avoid them

Defensive driving means actively scanning for potential hazards, maintaining safety margins, and adjusting your driving to prevent collisions.

Question 25: What does a red octagonal sign always mean in Minnesota?

Reduce speed
Yield to oncoming traffic
Stop completely (Correct answer)
No entry ahead

Correct answer: Stop completely

A red octagonal sign is a stop sign, which always requires a complete stop in Minnesota.

Question 26: In Minnesota, when must you use your windshield wipers?

Whenever weather conditions require them, including fog, rain, or snow (Correct answer)
Only when visibility is less than 200 feet
Whenever you use your headlights
Only during heavy rain

Correct answer: Whenever weather conditions require them, including fog, rain, or snow

Minnesota requires use of windshield wipers whenever weather conditions — rain, snow, fog, or sleet — make them necessary.

Question 27: What is the safest action if you are drowsy while driving on a Minnesota highway?

Open a window and turn up the radio
Drink coffee and keep driving
Increase your speed to reach your destination sooner
Pull off at a rest area or safe location and take a short nap (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pull off at a rest area or safe location and take a short nap

The only safe response to drowsiness is to stop and sleep — opening windows or listening to music provides only brief, unreliable relief.

Question 28: What does an orange sign in a work zone indicate?

Construction or maintenance activity ahead (Correct answer)
Lane closure ahead
Detour route
Speed limit change

Correct answer: Construction or maintenance activity ahead

Orange signs in Minnesota work zones warn drivers of construction or maintenance activities.

Question 29: Which of the following substances, besides alcohol, can result in a DWI charge in Minnesota?

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

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 30: Can a driver be charged with DWI in Minnesota even if the vehicle is parked and not moving?

No, the vehicle must be in motion
Only if the engine is running
Only if the driver attempted to start the vehicle
Yes, if the driver is in physical control of the vehicle (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Yes, if the driver is in physical control of the vehicle

Minnesota law defines DWI as being in 'physical control' of a vehicle while impaired, which can include sitting in a parked car with the keys accessible.

Question 31: In Minnesota, what does a yellow sign with a school bus symbol mean?

Bus only lane
Children crossing ahead
School zone begins
School bus stop ahead (Correct answer)

Correct answer: School bus stop ahead

A school bus warning sign alerts drivers that a school bus stop is ahead and to be prepared to stop.

Question 32: What does a steady red arrow signal mean?

Stop — do not turn in the direction of the arrow (Correct answer)
Proceed carefully in the arrow's direction
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 33: Traffic signals sometimes display arrows to control turns from specific lanes. A solid red arrow:

Has the same meaning as a circular red traffic light. (Correct answer)
Means that drivers may turn in the direction indicated by the arrow.
Means that the traffic the arrow is pointing toward must stop.
Is never used as a traffic signal.

Correct answer: Has the same meaning as a circular red traffic light.

A solid red arrow functions similarly to a circular red traffic light for the specific turn it controls. It means that drivers facing the arrow must stop and are prohibited from turning in the indicated direction. Drivers must remain stopped until a green arrow or a circular green light appears, signaling that the turn is permitted.

Question 34: What is the basic speed law in Minnesota?

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

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 35: What must you do when a school bus stops with flashing red lights on an undivided road?

Yield and proceed when no children are crossing
Stop and remain stopped until the lights are off and the bus moves (Correct answer)
Stop only if children are visible outside the bus
Slow to 15 mph and proceed carefully

Correct answer: Stop and remain stopped until the lights are off and the bus moves

You must stop for a school bus with flashing red lights on an undivided road and remain stopped until the lights stop and the bus moves.

Question 36: How far from an intersection may you park in Minnesota?

No closer than 15 feet from the corner
No closer than 50 feet from the corner
No closer than 20 feet from the corner
No closer than 30 feet from the corner (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No closer than 30 feet from the corner

Minnesota prohibits parking within 30 feet of an intersection to maintain clear sightlines for all drivers.

Question 37: Anything that requires you to _______ could cause you to crash.

take your eyes off the road
take your hands off the wheel
take your attention away from driving
All of the above. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above.

Anything that requires you to take your hands off the wheel, take your eyes off the road, or take your attention away from driving could cause you to crash. These actions constitute distracted driving, significantly increasing the risk of accidents by impairing a driver's ability to react safely and promptly.

Question 38: What is the maximum speed limit on most Minnesota rural two-lane highways?

60 mph
55 mph (Correct answer)
65 mph
50 mph

Correct answer: 55 mph

The speed limit on most Minnesota rural two-lane highways is 55 mph unless posted otherwise.

Question 39: Where must you position your vehicle when you prepare to make a left turn from a two-way roadway into a one-way roadway?

On the right curb.
As close as possible to the center line. (Correct answer)
None of the above.
As far to the right as possible.

Correct answer: As close as possible to the center line.

When preparing to make a left turn from a two-way roadway into a one-way roadway, you should position your vehicle as close as possible to the center line. This positioning allows for the widest turning radius, helps prevent cutting the corner, and signals your intention clearly to other drivers.

Question 40: In Minnesota, what is the minimum following distance rule?

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

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.

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

Checking for saved progress...

Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds