Lori Meadows
If you're an international student in Minnesota and want to get your driver's license, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, you'll need to decide between a Standard Driver's License and a REAL ID. The REAL ID is useful if you plan to fly within the US or enter federal facilities, but it's not necessary if you have a passport. To get a driver's license, you'll need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a road test, and there may be fees involved. You'll also need to provide certain documents, such as a passport, proof of residency, and a Social Security Number if you have one. Let's take a closer look at what you'll need to do to get your driver's license in Minnesota.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required documents | Passport, I-94, I-20, DS-2019, social security number, proof of residency, driver's license from the home country |
| Additional documents for Real ID | Form I-94, Form I-20, Form DS-2019, Form I-551 |
| Translation requirements | Documents must be in English; non-English documents must be translated by a licensed translator or another student familiar with the language |
| License options | Standard Class D license, REAL ID |
| Tests | Written, vision, and road tests; free practice tests are available |
| Other requirements | Vehicle registration, liability insurance, and collision and comprehensive insurance coverage |
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What You'll Learn
Required documents for a Minnesota driver's license
International students in Minnesota can choose to obtain either a driver's license or a state ID card, both of which are accepted as valid identification for financial transactions and age verification. However, if you plan to drive in Minnesota, you must obtain a valid Minnesota driver's license. Here is a list of the required documents for a Minnesota driver's license:
- A valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country.
- A valid, unexpired U.S. visa.
- Form I-94 as documentation of the applicant's most recent lawful admittance into the US. If the Form I-94 is endorsed with a "DS", then a Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or Form I-551 is required.
- One document proving your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can submit a certified post-secondary transcript with your legal name and date of birth.
- Two different documents proving your current residency in Minnesota. A P.O. Box will not be accepted as proof of residency.
- If your foreign driver's license is not in English, you may need a Minnesota Certified Translation from a licensed translator or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Additional Requirements:
- Pass a complete driver's exam, including a written (knowledge) test, a road (skills) test, and a vision (eye) test.
- Pay the driver's license fee.
- Have liability insurance for your vehicle.
- Always carry proof of insurance coverage and registration when driving.
- Be aware of Minnesota-specific driving conditions, such as winter weather.
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Temporary use of a foreign driver's license
International students in Minnesota who intend to drive are required to have a valid Minnesota driver's license. However, there is a grace period during which you can temporarily use your foreign driver's license.
If you are an international student in Minnesota and have recently moved to the state, you may be able to drive using your foreign driver's license for a temporary period. Minnesota law permits non-residents to drive with their home country's valid driver's license for up to 60 days upon establishing residency in the state. This means that during the initial 60 days after moving to Minnesota, you can use your foreign driver's license without obtaining a Minnesota driver's license.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
While an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a driver's license, it can be useful for individuals whose licenses are not in English. An IDP translates your foreign driver's license into several languages, which can be helpful if a law enforcement officer is unable to read your license in its original language. Obtaining an IDP is not mandatory, but it can be convenient and simplify interactions with authorities.
Obtaining a Minnesota Driver's License
After the initial 60-day grace period, you will be required to obtain a Minnesota driver's license to continue driving legally in the state. The specific requirements and process for obtaining a Minnesota driver's license may vary depending on your age, the type of license you seek, and whether you hold a valid license from another U.S. state, Canada, or another country.
If you are 21 or older and have a valid, unexpired license from another U.S. state, certain territories, or Canada, you can obtain a Minnesota driver's license by completing an application and undergoing a vision check. You do not need to take the road test unless your previous license has been expired for more than a year.
If you are under 21 or moving to Minnesota from a country other than Canada, the process is a bit different. In addition to the application and vision check, you will also need to pass a written knowledge test and a road skills test, even if you have a valid license from your home country.
It is important to note that Minnesota has specific insurance requirements for drivers. All vehicles must have liability insurance to cover damages in case of an accident causing injury. Additionally, you may consider other types of insurance coverage, such as collision coverage and comprehensive physical damage insurance, to protect your vehicle in various situations.
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Primary and secondary documents
Primary Documents
- Passport: You must have a valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country.
- Visa: A valid, unexpired U.S. visa is required, along with Form I-94, which documents your most recent lawful entry into the U.S. If the Form I-94 is endorsed with "DS", then additional forms such as I-20, DS-2019, or I-551 may be needed.
- Social Security Number: Provide one document proving your social security number. If you do not have a social security number, a certified post-secondary transcript with your legal name and date of birth can be submitted.
- Residency: You must provide two different documents proving your current address in Minnesota. A P.O. Box will not be accepted as proof of residency.
Secondary Documents
- Driver's License from Home Country: If you have a valid driver's license from your home country, it can serve as a secondary document. However, if it is not in English, you may need a translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) for verification.
- State Identification Card: A Minnesota State Identification Card can be obtained as proof of identity, but it is not mandatory if you have other accepted forms of identification.
- Form DS-2019: This form can be used as documentation for your identity, along with your passport.
- Form I-20: This form is specifically mentioned for F-1 students and can be used as documentation for your identity, along with your passport.
Please note that the requirements may vary, and it is always recommended to refer to the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (MN DVS) website for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
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Vision, written, and road tests
To obtain a Minnesota driver's license, all applicants must pass a complete driver's exam, which includes a written (knowledge) test, a road (skills) test, and a vision (eye) exam. Here is a breakdown of each test:
Vision Test
To pass the vision test, applicants must have at least 20/40 acuity with either one usable eye or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses. They must also have a visual field of at least 105 degrees in the horizontal diameter with either one or both eyes. Applicants who meet the standards with corrective lenses will have a corrective-lenses restriction placed on their licenses.
If an applicant's uncorrected acuity is between 20/80 and 20/100, the Driver Evaluation Unit will determine whether a restricted license can be issued. Applicants with corrected acuity of 20/100 or less will not be licensed. Additionally, applicants must have a visual field of at least 100 degrees in the horizontal diameter. If an applicant fails to meet the DPS standard, they must submit a vision form completed by their eye care specialist within the prior six-month period. This form includes acuity and visual field readings, any eye diseases, and an indication of whether the patient's vision is adequate to control a motor vehicle safely.
Written Test
The written test, also known as the knowledge test, consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices. To pass, applicants must answer at least 32 questions correctly, achieving a score of 80% or higher. This exam assesses knowledge of Minnesota's specific driving laws and practices. It is recommended to use the official Minnesota Driver's Manual to prepare for this test.
Road Test
The road test, or skills test, has specific requirements that vary depending on the applicant's age. All applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed driver education. They must have held an instruction permit for at least six months and maintained a violation-free driving record during that period. Additionally, applicants must have completed the required number of driving hours and logged their driving practice. If you are over 18, driver education is not mandatory, and you only need to have held your instruction permit for three months.
During the road test, applicants will be evaluated on their ability to respond to conditions, understand traffic signs and signals, execute turns, and maintain awareness of their surroundings, including other vehicles and pedestrians. Parallel parking is a specific maneuver that is tested and may require additional practice. Applicants must use their own vehicles during the test, ensuring they have valid registration, insurance, and proper functioning of lights, seat belts, doors, etc.
It is important to note that due to COVID-19, some modifications have been made to the road test procedure, including health screenings, sanitization, and the requirement to wear face masks.
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Insurance and registration
If you plan to drive in Minnesota, you must have a valid Minnesota driver's license and insurance coverage for your vehicle. You can temporarily use your foreign driver's license to drive in Minnesota, but you must change to a Minnesota driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency in the state.
In Minnesota, all vehicles must have liability insurance, which covers damages if you cause an accident where someone else is injured. Collision coverage protects your vehicle if it is damaged by an uninsured motorist. Comprehensive physical damage insurance covers your vehicle in cases of theft, flood, or fire. You must always carry proof of insurance coverage and registration when you drive, even if you are not the owner of the vehicle. If you are unable to present proof of insurance and registration to a law enforcement official upon request, you may be issued a citation and be subject to a fine and a suspension of your driver's license.
If your foreign driver's license is not in English, you may want to carry a Minnesota Certified Translation from a licensed translator. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a driver's license, but it can be useful because it translates your foreign driver's license into several languages.
If you purchase a vehicle, you will need to register it, pay a tax, and get your license plates and vehicle "tabs" (small stickers that show how long your registration is valid). You will need to renew your tabs every year.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a valid, unexpired passport issued by a foreign country and a valid, unexpired U.S. visa accompanied by a Form I-94 as documentation of the applicant’s most recent lawful admittance into the US. If the Form I-94 is endorsed with a "DS", then you will also need a Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or Form I-551. You must also provide one document proving your social security number. If you are an F-1 student, you can simply bring your passport and I-20.
There are two types of driver’s licenses available in Minnesota for international students: a Standard Drivers License for All and a Real ID. The Real ID is mainly for domestic US flights and to enter federal facilities. If you have a passport, a Real ID is not necessary.
You will need to take a written test and a road skill exam. You will also need to take a vision test.
