20 questions from the Minnesota driver handbook. Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1. Which of the following is a valid exception to the midnight-to-5-a.m. driving restriction for a provisional license holder during their first six months?
Answer: Driving between home and work. The handbook lists driving between home and work as a specific exception to the nighttime driving restriction, whereas general errands or social visits are not listed.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 22: “During the first six months, you must not drive from midnight to 5 a.m. unless: ○ Accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years old. ○ Driving between home and work.”
2. What is the rule for crossing double solid yellow lines?
Answer: You must not pass, regardless of which side of the line you are driving. The handbook clearly defines double solid yellow lines as a strict no-passing zone for traffic moving in both directions.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 82: “Double Solid Yellow Lines: You must not pass, regardless of which side of the line you are driving.”
3. What is the maximum prison sentence for fleeing a police officer if a death occurs?
Answer: Up to 10 years. The handbook specifies that causing a death while fleeing results in a sentence of up to 10 years.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 59: “If a death occurs: You may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison, fined up to $20,000, or both.”
4. Which behavior is prohibited for drivers under age 18 holding an instruction permit or provisional license?
Answer: Using a handsfree cell phone. Young drivers with permits are banned from using cell phones, including handsfree devices, except for emergency calls.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 93: “Drivers under age 18 with an instruction permit or provisional license are prohibited from using a cell phone, whether handheld or handsfree, except to call 911 in an emergency.”
5. According to the handbook, what is the maximum speed limit increase allowed when lawfully passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or higher?
Answer: 10 mph. The handbook states that the speed limit increases by 10 mph under these specific conditions.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 43: “However, on two-lane highways with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or higher, the speed limit increases by 10 mph when you are lawfully passing another vehicle in the same direction.”
6. When passing a bicyclist, what is the minimum distance a driver must keep between their vehicle and the bicyclist?
Answer: At least three feet. The manual states that a minimum of three feet of clearance is required when passing a bicyclist.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 60: “You must keep at least three feet between the side of your car and the bicyclist.”
7. How far from a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm must a driver stop?
Answer: At least 20 feet from the bus. The handbook specifies a minimum distance of 20 feet for stopping behind a school bus with active warning lights and stop arm.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 53: “When you see a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet from the bus.”
8. Which of the following is a valid exception to the rule requiring drivers to stay in the right-hand lane when available?
Answer: When preparing to exit an expressway, freeway, or interstate highway on the left side. The handbook lists preparing to exit on the left side as one of the specific exceptions to the right-hand lane travel rule.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 43: “When preparing to exit an expressway, freeway, or interstate highway on the left side.”
9. When two drivers arrive at an intersection without traffic lights or signals at the same time, who must yield?
Answer: The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. The handbook states that in uncontrolled intersections, the driver positioned on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 55: “When you reach an intersection at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield to the one on the right.”
10. When is a driver permitted to make a right turn on red?
Answer: After stopping, when the intersection is clear, if traffic is permitted to travel in that direction. The handbook outlines the specific conditions for a right turn on red: stopping first, ensuring the intersection is clear, and checking traffic permission.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 79: “After stopping, you may make a right turn when the intersection is clear, if traffic is permitted to travel in that direction.”
11. During the first six months of holding a provisional license in Minnesota, how many passengers under age 20 are permitted if the driver is not accompanied by a parent or guardian?
Answer: Only one passenger under age 20. The handbook limits the number of passengers under age 20 to one during the initial six-month period unless a parent or guardian is present.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 22: “During the first six months, you may have only one passenger under 20 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.”
12. Under which circumstance will penalties for an alcohol-related license revocation be more severe?
Answer: Having a child younger than 16 years of age in the vehicle. The handbook lists having a child younger than 16 in the vehicle as a specific condition that increases the severity of penalties.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 111: “Penalties will be more severe if you: • Have prior DWI arrests. • Have an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or above. • Have a child younger than 16 years of age in the vehicle at the time of the stop. • Are under age 21. • Refuse a pre-arrest breath test.”
13. What is the correct procedure when approaching a J-turn on a divided highway?
Answer: Come to a complete stop, turn right, then use the median opening for a U-turn. The handbook outlines a specific three-step process: stop, turn right, and then complete a U-turn via the median opening.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 42: “At a J-turn, drivers on the side street approaching the divided highway always make a right turn. To cross the highway or make a left turn from the side street: 1. Come to a complete stop. 2. Turn right onto the highway. 3. Enter the designated left-turn lane that leads to the median opening and complete a U-turn.”
14. Which vehicle type is excluded from requiring a test or license for operation on an electric-assist bicycle basis?
Answer: Electric-assist bicycle. The handbook distinguishes electric-assist bicycles from mopeds, stating that no test or license is required for the former.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 24: “An electric-assist bicycle is not considered a moped, and you do not need a test or a license to ride one.”
15. What is the maximum gross vehicle weight allowed for a trailer towed by a vehicle with a Class D license if the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 26,000 pounds?
Answer: The trailer must weigh 10,000 pounds or less. If the combined weight exceeds 26,000 pounds, the trailer itself must not exceed 10,000 pounds to remain compliant with Class D restrictions.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 25: “It has a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, or • It has a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, but the combined gross vehicle weight of the vehicle and trailer is 26,000 pounds or less.”
16. Why does the handbook advise slowing down on gravel or dirt roads?
Answer: It takes longer to stop, and it is easier to skid when turning. The handbook cites increased stopping distance and higher skid risk as the specific reasons for slowing down on unpaved surfaces.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 35: “On gravel or dirt roads, you need to slow down, because it takes longer to stop, and it is easier to skid when turning.”
17. When parallel parking, what is the maximum distance your vehicle's wheels closest to the side of the road should be from the curb?
Answer: No more than 12 inches. The handbook states that the wheels closest to the curb must be within 12 inches when parallel parking.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 44: “When you parallel park, your vehicle’s wheels closest to the side of the road should be no more than 12 inches from the curb.”
18. What is the default speed limit on urban or town roads unless otherwise indicated by signs?
Answer: 30 mph. The handbook lists 30 mph as the specific speed limit for urban or town roads under ideal conditions.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 34: “• 30 mph — on urban or town roads”
19. Under what condition must you wait until the light is green to make a right turn?
Answer: If there is a "No Turn on Red" sign posted. The handbook specifies that a "No Turn on Red" sign requires the driver to wait for a green light before turning.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 39: “If a "No Turn on Red" sign is posted, wait until the light is green to turn.”
20. What action does the handbook recommend taking immediately if your tires begin to hydroplane?
Answer: Take your foot off the gas pedal. The handbook advises removing foot pressure from the accelerator to help the tires regain contact with the road surface.
Minnesota driver handbook, page 98: “If your tires begin to hydroplane, take your foot off the gas pedal.”