Resources for Navigating the GDL
Understanding the Graduated Drivers License System
The Graduated Drivers License (GDL) system is a process used to ease inexperienced drivers into the driving task through a series of steps. These steps help to ensure that the driver is ready for each part of the process before they move on to the next step. This can be confusing so we have laid out the process below.
NOTICE: It is illegal to drive a vehicle on public roads without a valid MN permit or drivers license.
Sample timeline for completing the entire process and being a licensed driver by the time you are 16
3 months before your 15th birthday....
- Sign up for and take the 30-hour classroom portion of drivers ed. This can be done in person, through teleconference, or completely online in a self-paced course. (Select Driving School only offers the self-paced online course at this time.)
1 month before your 15th birthday....
- Make a permit test appointment with the state of MN for your 15th birthday
This must be made for a date on or after your 15th birthday
In the weeks before the 15th birthday....
- finish class if you have not done so
- review / study for the permit test
- register for behind the wheel and obtain a BLUE Card from your instructor. The BLUE Card confirms that students have finished class and are registered to take behind the wheel.
On your 15th birthday (day of the appointment)....
- take and pass your state permit test
- complete and file your permit application (remember to take the correct ID - original birth certificate and social security card)
- begin driving with a licensed driver that is 21 years old or older! (log time behind the wheel)
During the year after your passed permit test....
- spread out your lessons over the next year to ensure time to learn and practice your skills (see Driving Lessons link for more information)
- your instructor will help you plan this out
- log your 50 hours - 15 of which are night hours
- drive in all kinds of situations (night, day, snow, rain, in town, country roads, etc)
1 month before your 16th birthday....
- make a road test appointment with the state of MN for your 16th birthday
This must be made for a date on or after your 16th birthday
- finish all driving lessons and obtain the WHITE Card from your instructor
- finish all driving log practice time
Week of your driving test...
- make sure the car used on the test is working properly (check lights, signals, horn, climate controls, windshield wipers, etc)
- make sure to collect all needed documents (insurance, permit, printed driving log, and WHITE Card)
On your 16th birthday (day of appointment)....
- take and pass your state driving test
- complete and file your license application (remember to take the correct documents)
After the passed driving test....
- You are now ready to drive without a supervisor!
This can be scary at first so take it slow and steady until you get used to being on your own.
Need more help?
The links below from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website provide additional information and resources.
MINNESOTA DRIVER'S MANUAL (PDF)
MINNESOTA DRIVER'S MANUAL (LINK TO AUDIO FILES)
Download the Minnesota Drivers Manual for the Minnesota rules and laws in written form. This manual does not follow our online course curriculum, but it is the same information and an excellent resource.
MINNESOTA PRACTICE PERMIT TEST
MINNESOTA ROAD TEST STUDY GUIDE