Does Minnesota Require Driver Education for Teens?

Minnesota uses a graduated driver licensing process to help teenagers gain the knowledge and supervised driving experience needed to drive safely. Here's what families should know about driver education, instruction permits, behind-the-wheel lessons and practice hours.

Quick answer: Yes. To obtain a Minnesota provisional driver's license before age 18, teens generally must complete 30 hours of approved classroom driver education and six hours of professional behind-the-wheel instruction. An approved online course, including National Driver Training's Minnesota classroom program, can cover the classroom portion. The in-car training, instruction permit, supervised practice and licensing tests are separate requirements. Qualifying homeschool students may use a state-approved home-classroom pathway.

What driver education does Minnesota require for teens?

  • 30 hours of classroom instruction: An approved Class D driver education curriculum; eligible students may choose an approved online classroom option.
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training: Professional in-car or other state-approved laboratory instruction through an authorized program.
  • Instruction permit: Generally available beginning at age 15 once the applicant meets education/enrollment, testing and application requirements.
  • Supervised driving practice: Normally 50 hours, including 15 nighttime hours, or 40 hours with 15 at night if the parent or guardian completes the approved supplemental parent curriculum.
  • Provisional license: Generally requires the teen to be at least 16, hold a permit for at least six months, complete the education and practice requirements, and pass the road test.

Minnesota has special provisions for qualifying homeschool families and for students following an approved concurrent classroom/in-car program. Requirements should be confirmed with the school and Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

Six steps to meet Minnesota's teen driver education requirements

  1. Choose an approved classroom program. Confirm that the provider is authorized for Minnesota teen driver education. Classroom instruction may start as early as age 14 under state rules.
  2. Complete the required classroom instruction. A standard program includes 30 hours; some approved concurrent programs coordinate classroom and in-car phases differently.
  3. Arrange approved behind-the-wheel instruction. Teens must enroll in the required training and obtain the appropriate school certification to apply for a permit.
  4. Obtain an instruction permit. At age 15 or older, meet the necessary classroom, knowledge and vision testing, parental approval and DVS documentation requirements before practicing on public roads.
  5. Finish professional training and supervised practice. Complete the six-hour in-car requirement and log the applicable 50 or 40 supervised hours, with at least 15 at night.
  6. Apply for the provisional license. After reaching the minimum age, meeting the permit holding period and education requirements, completing the driving log and passing the road test, follow DVS licensing instructions.

Can Minnesota teens complete the classroom portion online?

Yes, when the program is approved for the student's circumstances. Minnesota recognizes approved driver education coursework that can be completed through an online classroom provider. National Driver Training's Minnesota online teen driver education offers the classroom portion. Families must separately arrange the professional in-car phase and confirm how the classroom and behind-the-wheel providers coordinate enrollment documentation.

Does the online course replace behind-the-wheel instruction?

No. Online coursework teaches rules, hazards, decision-making and traffic safety, but does not replace the required six hours of professional behind-the-wheel instruction. Supervised practice with a parent or other qualified licensed adult also does not automatically replace the approved in-car training phase.

What if a Minnesota teenager is homeschooled?

Minnesota provides a separate home-classroom driver training route for eligible full-time homeschool students using state-approved materials and the required parental certification. Homeschooling does not eliminate the permit process or required behind-the-wheel training. Families considering an online course should verify that it satisfies the particular pathway they intend to use.

How much practice driving does a Minnesota teen need?

For the provisional license, the normal minimum is 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 after dark. If a parent or guardian completes an approved supplemental parent class, Minnesota permits a reduced total of 40 supervised hours, still including 15 nighttime hours. The driving log documents these hours. These practice hours are separate from the required professional training.

What happens after driver education is completed?

Completion of classroom and behind-the-wheel driver education is one step toward licensing. A teen still needs to meet the permit holding period, minimum age, practice log, violation-history and road test requirements. For teens seeking a provisional license before 18, the usual minimum age is 16 and the permit must generally have been held for six months.

Start Minnesota Online Teen Driver Education with NDT

National Driver Training offers approved online classroom driver education for eligible Minnesota teens. Review the 30-hour course and arrange the required in-car instruction through an appropriate provider.

Explore NDT's Minnesota Online Teen Driver Education

The NDT online classroom course does not replace Minnesota's separate professional behind-the-wheel training or supervised practice requirements. Confirm eligibility and in-car arrangements before enrolling.

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota teen driver education

Is driver education required for Minnesota drivers under 18?

Yes. Teenagers seeking a Minnesota provisional license before age 18 normally must complete approved classroom and behind-the-wheel driver education. Qualifying homeschool students have a separate approved home-classroom pathway.

How many classroom hours are required for Minnesota teen driver education?

The standard Minnesota Class D program requires at least 30 hours of approved classroom instruction for students under 18.

Does Minnesota require six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction?

Yes. Minnesota requires at least six hours of approved laboratory or behind-the-wheel instruction under its driver education rules. Online classroom lessons alone do not satisfy this requirement.

Can Minnesota teens complete driver education online?

Approved online classroom programs may satisfy the classroom phase for eligible students. Students must still arrange any required professional in-car instruction and meet the remaining licensing rules.

At what age can a Minnesota teen receive an instruction permit?

Most Minnesota teenagers may apply for a Class D instruction permit beginning at age 15 after meeting the classroom education or qualifying alternative, behind-the-wheel enrollment, knowledge test and other application requirements.

How many supervised practice hours are needed for a Minnesota provisional license?

Minnesota generally requires 50 hours of supervised practice, including 15 at night. The requirement is reduced to 40 total hours, including 15 at night, if the parent or guardian completes an approved supplemental parent class.

Related Minnesota driver education resources

Official Minnesota sources

Information reviewed October 28, 2026. Confirm state approval, current DVS rules and behind-the-wheel arrangements before enrollment.