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Minnesota Permit Hours: How Many You Need and How to Track Them
Minnesota teens need 50 hours behind the wheel with a supervisor before they can get a license. 15 of those hours must be after dark.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total supervised hours | 50 |
| Night hours | 15 |
| Minimum permit age | 15 |
| Permit hold period | 6 months |
| Supervisor minimum age | 21 |
| Driver education required | Yes |
Night driving rules
Minnesota defines night as sunset to sunrise. That means the exact hours shift throughout the year. In winter, you might start logging night hours as early as 5 PM. In summer, you could be waiting until 8:30 or later. Check your local sunset time before heading out if you need night hours.
What your supervisor needs to know
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. They need to sit in the front passenger seat and be ready to take over at any time.
Driver education
You can’t skip driver’s ed in Minnesota. The state requires a certified course that covers road rules, hazard awareness, and hands-on driving with an instructor. Permit applicants under 18 must be enrolled in driver education.
Tracking your hours
Paper logs are terrible. They get lost, they’re easy to fudge, and nobody wants to do math at 10 PM after a driving session. Moda tracks your hours automatically, categorizes day vs. night, and shows you exactly how close you are to finishing Minnesota’s requirements.
How many supervised driving hours does Minnesota require?
Minnesota requires 50 total supervised driving hours, with 15 of those at night.
What counts as night driving in Minnesota?
Night driving in Minnesota is defined as sunset to sunrise (varies by season and location). You’ll need 15 hours of night driving.
How long do I need to hold my permit in Minnesota?
You’ll need to hold your learner’s permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for your license.