Minnesota permit test: sharing the road
School buses, emergency vehicles, traffic stops, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, vulnerable road users, NEVs and commercial vehicles. 30 questions, 10 at a time, starting with ones you haven't seen.
Rules to remember10 key sharing the road rulesShow the rules
- When a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, stop at least 20 feet from it and stay stopped until the lights stop. (p. 45)
- Failing to stay stopped is a misdemeanor; if convicted you pay a fine of at least $500 and lose your driving privileges. (p. 45)
- When a student safety patrol is helping schoolmates cross, you must come to a complete stop. (p. 46)
- The Move Over Law requires moving to the lane farthest from a stopped emergency vehicle, including tow trucks, if it is safe; otherwise slow down. (p. 47)
- Accepting a citation is not admitting guilt; it acknowledges you received it and promises to appear in court if required. (p. 49)
- When passing a bicyclist, keep at least 3 feet between the side of your car and the rider. (p. 51)
- Driving in a bicycle lane is illegal except to park where allowed, to enter or leave the road, or to prepare for a turn. (p. 51)
- Crowding a motorcyclist is illegal and dangerous; never drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane. (p. 52)
- A Class D driver may operate an NEV, but only on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. (p. 54)
- A truck's rear no zone can reach 200 feet, and there is also a smaller blind area just ahead of the cab. (p. 55)
Taken from the explanations to checked practice questions; page numbers link to the official handbook.
Sample sharing the road questions
1.You have a Class D license. On which streets may you drive a neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV)?
- AAny street or highway
- BFreeways in the right lane
- COnly private roads
- DStreets with limits of 35 mph or less
Show the answer
✓ D. Streets with limits of 35 mph or less
A Class D driver may operate an NEV, but only on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less.
2.Two friends drive side by side to see whose car is faster, staying under the speed limit. Is this racing under Minnesota law?
- AOnly on a freeway
- BYes, racing does not depend on the speed limit
- COnly if a crash happens
- DNo, because they stayed under the limit
Show the answer
✓ B. Yes, racing does not depend on the speed limit
Racing means intentionally comparing or contesting speeds, whether or not the speed limit is exceeded, and counts as reckless driving.
3.You are on a divided highway with a median. A school bus on the other side of the median stops with red lights flashing. What must you do?
- AYou do not need to stop
- BStop until the lights stop
- CStop only if children cross
- DSlow to 20 mph and pass
Show the answer
✓ A. You do not need to stop
On a divided roadway, you do not have to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing on the opposite side of the divider.
4.You are passing a semi-truck. When should you move back into its lane?
- AAfter a slow count of one to three
- BWhen the truck flashes its lights
- CWhen its front shows in your mirror
- DAs soon as you are beside its cab
Show the answer
✓ C. When its front shows in your mirror
Finish passing quickly and move back only when you can see the front of the commercial vehicle in your rearview mirror.