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 begin working on the 30 hour classroom portion of drivers ed. This can be completed 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 the 30 hour class if you have not done so
- review / study for the permit test
- register for behind the wheel - the behind the wheel provider will submit an e-BLUE card to the state of MN for you. The BLUE card confirms that students have finished class and are registered to take behind the wheel. An e-BLUE card must be filed before you can take your test
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 are usually the easiest to obtain)
- 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 your lesson pacing
- log your 50 hours - 15 of which are night hours - this can be completed on one of many apps or on a paper copy of the MN Supervised Driving Log
- 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 - your instructor will file your e-WHITE card with the state of MN to confirm your completion of your 6 hours of behind the wheel training
- finish all driving log practice time (50 hours or more with 15 of those hours coming at night)
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 e-WHITE Card filed by your instructor)
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.
Nighttime and Passenger Limitations for new drivers.
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