Minnesota Driver’s Manual - New Laws and Information - A Message from the Commissioner of Public Safety

Sep 29, 2026

Minnesota Driver’s Manual summarizes Minnesota driving laws, rules, and safe driving techniques and explains that the guidance updates each year as laws change. The commissioner’s message emphasizes driving as a responsibility: buckle up, obey speed laws, and never drive under the influence. The manual highlights new information on diverging diamond interchanges, including safety benefits and navigation basics, as well as school bus flagger duties under M.S. 169.06 and the definition and operation requirements for autocycles under M.S. 169.011, plus preparation checklists for knowledge and road tests.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages102

Reading Time4 h 17 min

AccessFree to download

New Laws and Information

Improving Interchange Safety: Diverging Diamond Interchange

Navigating a Diverging Diamond Interchange

School Bus Flagger (M.S. 169.06)

Autocycle (M.S. 169.011)

Knowledge Test Checklist

Road Test Checklist

MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division [dvs.dps.mn.gov](dvs.dps.mn.gov) Minnesota Driver’s Manual A Message from the Commissioner of Public Safety The Minnesota Driver’s Manual provides a summary of state laws, rules, and techniques to follow in order to drive safely and legally in Minnesota. State laws and rules change periodically, so each year’s manual contains new information. Driving is a privilege and also a responsibility. Please remember to buckle up, obey speed laws and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Respect for traffic laws and respect for other drivers will keep us all safe on the road. Sincerely, Commissioner Ramona Dohman Minnesota Department of Public Safety Minnesota Driver’s Manual New Laws and Information Improving Interchange Safety: Diverging Diamond Interchange A diverging diamond interchange is when traffic lanes crossover at each end of the bridge to eliminate left-hand turns across opposing traffic. Instead of making a sharp left turn, drivers veer to the left for access. These interchanges improve traffic safety and mobility and cut overall traffic delays up to 60 percent. Safety benefits of diverging diamond interchanges include: • Fewer conflict points. • Conflict points are spread out throughout the interchange. • Better sight distance at turns. • Wrong way entry to ramps is extremely difficult. • Pedestrian crossings are shorter. Navigating a Diverging Diamond Interchange Traffic crisscrosses at either end of the bridge, so instead of making hard left turns, drivers veer to the left for access. Pedestrians cross to the middle of the bridge and walk in the middle between traffic lanes with protective barriers on either side. Minnesota Driver’s Manual New Laws and Information, continued. School Bus Flagger (M.S. 169.06) A school bus flagger is a person who may stop and hold vehicles on a street or highway to allow school buses to leave school property. A driver may not proceed after being stopped by a school bus flagger until directed to do so by the flagger or a police officer. (See page 39.) Autocycle (M.S. 169.011) An autocycle is a motorcycle that: • has three wheels in contact with the ground; • is designed with seating that does not require operators or any occupants to straddle or sit astride it; • has a steering wheel; • is equipped with anti-lock brakes; and • is originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for motorcycles in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571, and successor requirements. A person may operate an autocycle with a valid driver’s license. A motorcycle endorsement or a three-wheel motorcycle restriction is not required. Persons riding within an enclosed cab autocycle are exempt from wearing protective headgear and eye-protective device. A properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the autocycle is so equipped, shall be worn by the driver and any passengers. Examples of Autocycles Enclosed cab Non-enclosed cab Minnesota Driver’s Manual Table of Contents Knowledge and Road Test Checklists..................................................I-II Chapter 1 Your License to Drive.............................................................. 1 Chapter 2 Your Vehicle ........................................................................... 18 Chapter 3 Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation .................................... 22 Chapter 4 Sharing the Road ...................................................................38 Chapter 5 Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings ............................. 49 Chapter 6 Driving Conditions ................................................................ 67 Chapter 7 Your Driving Privileges ........................................................83 Chapter 8 Impaired Driving.................

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Minnesota Driver’s Manual?

It provides a summary of Minnesota state laws, rules, and driving techniques to help drivers drive safely and legally. The content updates yearly as laws change.

How do drivers navigate a diverging diamond interchange?

Drivers veer to the left for access instead of making hard left turns across opposing traffic. Pedestrians cross toward the middle of the bridge and walk between traffic lanes using protective barriers.

What are the key rules for operating an autocycle in Minnesota?

An autocycle must meet specific design and safety requirements, and it can be operated with a valid driver’s license. A motorcycle endorsement or a three-wheel motorcycle restriction is not required.

Sep 29, 2026

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