Minnesota permit-test flashcards

Read an existing practice question, consider its choices, then reveal the answer and explanation. This set has 20 sourced cards selected from the existing Minnesota printable sample.

A short sample of car driving questions. Read the handbook to cover the other topics you need.

Use Tab to reach a card’s answer control and Enter or Space to open it, or tap the control. This works without JavaScript. Cards do not record a score, save an attempt or change your quiz progress.

Recall the rule, then check the source

Card 1 · Signals, intersections and priority

You want to turn right at a circular red light, and no sign prohibits it. What must happen first?

  1. Stop completely, then yield and turn only when clear.
  2. Slow down and turn without stopping.
  3. Enter the crosswalk before checking for people.
  4. Wait for a driver behind you to approve the turn.
Show answer for card 1

Correct answer: Stop completely, then yield and turn only when clear.

A right turn on red is allowed only after a complete stop and when traffic is permitted in that direction. Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Traffic-control signals; p. 66; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 2 · Signals, intersections and priority

While waiting mid-intersection for a break in oncoming traffic so you can turn left, and the light changes to red. What now?

  1. Reverse back behind the crosswalk.
  2. Finish the turn once it is safe.
  3. Stay put until the next green, even with a clear path.
  4. Turn right away without checking oncoming cars.
Show answer for card 2

Correct answer: Finish the turn once it is safe.

Once you are inside the intersection, your job is to get out of it. Let any remaining oncoming vehicles clear, then complete the left turn; backing up is more dangerous.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Traffic-control signals; p. 66; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 3 · Signals, intersections and priority

The overhead lane signal changes to a steady yellow X. What should you prepare to do?

  1. Speed up because the lane has priority.
  2. Stop beneath the signal.
  3. Move safely out of that lane before it closes.
  4. Begin a U-turn in the lane.
Show answer for card 3

Correct answer: Move safely out of that lane before it closes.

A steady yellow X warns that the lane control is changing and a red X will follow. Find a safe opening into an allowed lane.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Lane use control signals; p. 68; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 4 · Signals, intersections and priority

Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time and their paths conflict. Who yields?

  1. The driver who has the other vehicle on the left.
  2. The driver with the newer car.
  3. The driver who intends to continue straight in every case.
  4. The driver who has the other vehicle on the right.
Show answer for card 4

Correct answer: The driver who has the other vehicle on the right.

At the same-time arrival, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. Still make sure the intersection is safe before entering.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Right of way and yielding; p. 43; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 5 · Signals, intersections and priority

You are ready to enter a roundabout while vehicles circulate from your left. What should you do?

  1. Yield and wait for a safe gap.
  2. Enter because arriving vehicles have priority.
  3. Expect circulating drivers to stop for you.
  4. Drive clockwise to avoid waiting.
Show answer for card 5

Correct answer: Yield and wait for a safe gap.

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and enter counterclockwise when there is a safe opening.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Roundabouts; p. 30; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 6 · Lanes, speed and maneuvers

The road is icy and the posted limit is 55 mph. What determines a safe speed?

  1. The sign requires every car to maintain 55 mph.
  2. The conditions may require driving below the posted limit.
  3. The speed of the fastest driver is the safe speed.
  4. The posted limit is safe whenever your tires are new.
Show answer for card 6

Correct answer: The conditions may require driving below the posted limit.

Minnesota requires a reasonable speed for the road, traffic and weather. A posted limit does not remove the need to slow for poor conditions.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Speed limits; p. 26; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 7 · Lanes, speed and maneuvers

How far before a turn should you begin signaling?

  1. Only after entering the intersection.
  2. At least 20 feet before the turn.
  3. At least 100 feet before the turn.
  4. Only when another driver sounds a horn.
Show answer for card 7

Correct answer: At least 100 feet before the turn.

Give a turn signal at least 100 feet in advance so other road users can anticipate the movement. Signaling does not give you priority.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Signaling; p. 27; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 8 · Lanes, speed and maneuvers

You want to cross a divided highway at a J-turn intersection. What route should you expect?

  1. Drive straight through the restricted median opening.
  2. Turn left across both directions from the side road.
  3. Reverse into the highway shoulder and wait.
  4. Turn right, then use the designated median U-turn.
Show answer for card 8

Correct answer: Turn right, then use the designated median U-turn.

A J-turn replaces the direct crossing or left turn with a right turn followed by a designated U-turn. Yield at each required point and follow the signs.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; J-turns; p. 32; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 9 · Lanes, speed and maneuvers

A car ahead is waiting to turn left. The only available space to its right is the shoulder. May you use that shoulder to pass?

  1. No; do not leave the main traveled roadway to pass.
  2. Yes, if the shoulder is paved.
  3. Yes, if you use your right signal.
  4. Yes, but only at less than 15 mph.
Show answer for card 9

Correct answer: No; do not leave the main traveled roadway to pass.

A left-turning vehicle can create a lawful opportunity to pass on the right only when the roadway and conditions allow it. The shoulder, a bicycle lane or the area off the pavement is not a passing lane.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Passing on the right; p. 34; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 10 · Lanes, speed and maneuvers

You find an unmarked parking space 6 feet from a fire hydrant. May you park there?

  1. Yes, if you will remain in the car.
  2. No; Minnesota prohibits parking within 10 feet of a hydrant.
  3. Yes, unless the curb is painted.
  4. Yes, if no fire truck is nearby.
Show answer for card 10

Correct answer: No; Minnesota prohibits parking within 10 feet of a hydrant.

A missing curb marking does not cancel the hydrant clearance rule. Keep at least 10 feet away.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Parking; p. 35; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 11 · Safe driving and road sharing

In ideal conditions with a standard-length car, what following interval does Minnesota’s manual recommend?

  1. One second at every speed.
  2. Exactly one car length.
  3. At least a three-second interval.
  4. A distance based only on the posted speed limit.
Show answer for card 11

Correct answer: At least a three-second interval.

Choose a fixed point and count after the vehicle ahead passes it. If you reach it before three seconds, ease back. Poor conditions require more space.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Three-Second Rule; p. 73; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 12 · Safe driving and road sharing

Your tires begin riding on water and lose contact with the road. What should you do with the accelerator?

  1. Press harder to push through the water.
  2. Alternate rapidly between accelerating and braking.
  3. Hold your speed until the next turn.
  4. Ease your foot off it.
Show answer for card 12

Correct answer: Ease your foot off it.

Ease off the gas when hydroplaning begins. Reduce speed before wet areas and maintain good tire tread to reduce the risk.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Hydroplaning; p. 83; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 13 · Safe driving and road sharing

The road is covered with ice. Should you use cruise control?

  1. No; keep direct control of speed.
  2. Yes, because it prevents skids.
  3. Yes, but only on bridges.
  4. Only while following a snowplow.
Show answer for card 13

Correct answer: No; keep direct control of speed.

Avoid cruise control on slippery roads. Adjust speed smoothly for the available traction.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Winter driving vehicle safety; p. 81; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 14 · Safe driving and road sharing

An oncoming vehicle is traveling toward you in your lane. Which escape direction does the manual recommend?

  1. Turn left into the opposing lane.
  2. Move to the right, leaving the road if necessary and safe.
  3. Stay centered and accelerate.
  4. Steer toward the other vehicle to signal the danger.
Show answer for card 14

Correct answer: Move to the right, leaving the road if necessary and safe.

The other driver may return to their proper lane. Avoid moving left into that path; seek room to your right and warn the driver if possible.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Vehicle approaching in your lane; p. 84; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 15 · Safe driving and road sharing

A truck ahead signals right but moves somewhat left before turning. What should you avoid?

  1. Waiting behind while it completes the turn.
  2. Watching its turn signal.
  3. Trying to squeeze between the truck and the curb.
  4. Giving the truck room.
Show answer for card 15

Correct answer: Trying to squeeze between the truck and the curb.

Large vehicles may need extra space for a right turn. The apparent gap on the right can disappear as the trailer follows the turn.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Commercial vehicles and wide turns; p. 52; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 16 · Licensing and driver responsibilities

What is the minimum age to qualify for a Minnesota instruction permit?

  1. 14 years old.
  2. 16 years old in every case.
  3. 18 years old.
  4. 15 years old.
Show answer for card 16

Correct answer: 15 years old.

You must be at least 15 and meet the education, identification, vision and knowledge requirements that apply to you.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Your instruction permit; p. 13; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 17 · Licensing and driver responsibilities

A teen’s parent has not taken the approved parent class. What supervised-driving log is normally required for the provisional license?

  1. At least 50 hours, including 15 at night.
  2. At least 15 hours, all at night.
  3. At least 30 hours with no nighttime requirement.
  4. At least 50 hours, all in daylight.
Show answer for card 17

Correct answer: At least 50 hours, including 15 at night.

Without the parent-class option, the log needs 50 supervised hours including 15 nighttime hours. The approved parent class permits the 40-hour option, still including 15 at night.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Your provisional license; p. 14; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 18 · Licensing and driver responsibilities

You are waiting in a traffic queue. May you manually read and send text messages because the car is temporarily stopped?

  1. Yes, whenever the brake pedal is pressed.
  2. No; the restriction includes being stopped in traffic.
  3. Yes, if the traffic light is red.
  4. Yes, if you can see the car ahead.
Show answer for card 18

Correct answer: No; the restriction includes being stopped in traffic.

Minnesota’s distracted-driving guidance includes texting, emailing and internet use while stopped in traffic. Do not use a traffic delay as a chance to type or read messages.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Illegal driver behaviors in Minnesota; p. 79; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 19 · Licensing and driver responsibilities

Where should the lap portion of a properly fitted belt lie?

  1. Across the soft abdomen.
  2. Across the chest only.
  3. Snugly across the hips or upper thighs.
  4. Loosely above the waist.
Show answer for card 19

Correct answer: Snugly across the hips or upper thighs.

A low, snug lap belt loads the stronger hip area rather than the abdomen. Use the shoulder portion correctly too.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Use seat belts correctly; p. 37; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

Card 20 · Licensing and driver responsibilities

What actually reduces alcohol concentration in the body?

  1. Drinking strong coffee before leaving.
  2. Taking a cold shower before driving.
  3. Exercising vigorously before getting in the car.
  4. Time for the body to eliminate alcohol.
Show answer for card 20

Correct answer: Time for the body to eliminate alcohol.

These actions do not speed alcohol elimination. Arrange a sober ride instead of relying on a trick or a rough time estimate.

Source: Minnesota Driver's Manual, June 2026; Things to know about alcohol; p. 92; checked September 21, 2026. · Original question review: 2026-09-21

These are selected learning examples, not state examination questions or complete handbook coverage. Read the original source when a condition or exception is unclear.