Minnesota Road Signs: DVS 80% Test, $500 Bus Fine & Signature Rule

Why does Minnesota require you to sign your driver license application to acknowledge the school bus stop law? What is the minimum fine for passing a school bus in Minnesota? Does DVS require 80% to pass the Minnesota knowledge test? The Minnesota DVS at dvs.mn.gov requires 80% on the knowledge test. Violating the school bus stop law carries a minimum $500 fine with automatic license withdrawal. DVS added the application signature requirement because violations were common.

Table of Contents

1. Why Minnesota Makes You Sign That You Understand the School Bus Stop Law

Minnesota roads connect Minneapolis I-35W/I-94 urban freeway network, Saint Paul downtown corridors, Duluth I-35 terminus on Lake Superior, Rochester US-52 medical corridor, and the remote two-lane highways through the Boundary Waters, Iron Range, and Red River Valley. Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) administers the written test. a score of 80% is required to pass. The test has multiple-choice and true/false questions available on paper or computer, with headphones for audio. Materials and online pre-application are available at dvs.mn.gov. When you apply for a drivers license in Minnesota, you must certify by signature that you understand the school bus stop laws.

2. Minnesota DVS Written Test: Multiple Choice and True/False Sign Questions on Paper or Computer

The Minnesota DVS written test includes both multiple-choice and true/false questions on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving. On Minnesota high-speed rural highways and winter-reduced-visibility roads, shape and color identify signs before text is legible. Master this table before your driver examination station visit.

Shape	Diagram	Meaning	Example Sign
Octagon (8-sided)		STOP. always and only
Triangle (inverted)		Yield to other traffic
Diamond		Warning - hazard ahead
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory - rules of the road
Rectangle (horizontal)		Guide or informational
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone or crossing - exclusively
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing advance warning - exclusively
Pennant		No passing zone - exclusively
Orange (any shape)		Construction and work zone warnings
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services - gas, food, lodging, hospitals
Brown (any shape)		Recreation areas, parks, and scenic routes

3. Minnesota Regulatory Signs: DVS Violations and the School Bus Stop Certification Requirement

Regulatory signs in Minnesota carry legal force. violations can result in fines, points, and license suspension or revocation by DVS. Minnesota uniquely requires that every drivers license applicant certify by signing their application that they understand school bus stop laws. White rectangular signs, prohibitory signs, and lane-control signs are all tested on the DVS written test.

STOP Sign

Come to a full stop; yield to all traffic and pedestrians before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way to cross traffic or pedestrians

Speed Limit Sign

Maximum legal speed under ideal conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

You are going the wrong way; do not proceed

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road going against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Left turns are not allowed

No Right Turn Sign

Right turns are not allowed

One Way Sign

Traffic moves in one direction only

Keep Right Sign

Stay to the right of an island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Passing is forbidden in this stretch. pennant-shaped sign

Do Not Pass Sign

Passing prohibited. do not overtake vehicles ahead

No Turn on Red Sign

No turns permitted on a red light at this intersection

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Left turn on red is prohibited here

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Right turn on red is prohibited here

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane

Straight or Turn Right Sign

You may go straight or turn right from this lane

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed on this road

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Slower vehicles must use the right lane

No Parking Sign

Parking is prohibited in this area

No Trucks Sign

Commercial trucks are prohibited on this road

No Bicycles Sign

Bicycles are not permitted on this road

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here

Reserved Parking Sign

Parking reserved for designated users (e.g., accessible parking)

Four Way Stop Sign

All four directions must stop at this intersection

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

All traffic must stop except those turning right

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic on green

Lane Use Control Sign

Indicates which movements are permitted or prohibited from a specific lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

An upcoming lane has restrictions on who may use it

4. Minnesota Warning Signs: Moose Crossing on Northern Routes, Winter Grade Warnings & Lake Country Hazards

Diamond-shaped warning signs flag hazards ahead. on Minnesota roads that means moose and deer crossing warnings on northern US-2 and US-61 corridors, sharp curve warnings on Iron Range routes, railroad grade crossings on rural lines, and lake-approach intersections across the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Orange signs mark work zones where speed must be reduced. Additional fines are charged for driving 20 mph or more over the limit.

Left Curve

A curve to the left is ahead; reduce speed

Right Curve

A curve to the right is ahead; reduce speed

Sharp Left Turn

A very sharp left turn is coming; slow down significantly

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is coming; slow down significantly

Winding Road

Series of curves ahead

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving left then right

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead, first curving right then left

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead. left then right

Slippery When Wet

Road surface becomes slick in rain; reduce speed

Deer Crossing

Wildlife frequently cross here. Minnesota has high deer and moose collision rates, especially on northern routes through the Arrowhead region and rural highways near the Boundary Waters

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; watch for foot traffic

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists frequently cross here; slow down and yield to bikes

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present. reduce speed when children are present in Minnesota school zones; school bus violation = minimum $500 fine + automatic license withdrawal

School Crossing Ahead

A school crosswalk is approaching; watch for children and crossing guards

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits into two one-way sections; keep right

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes

Merging Traffic

Another lane of traffic is joining yours

Added Lane

A new lane is being added ahead. merging traffic does not need to yield

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends ahead. merge safely into the adjacent lane

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends. move to the left lane

Left Lane Ends

The left lane ends ahead. merge right

Road Narrows

The road becomes narrower ahead; stay alert

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge ahead is narrower than the road. proceed carefully

Low Clearance

Bridge or overhead obstruction with limited height clearance

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; look and listen for trains

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Downgrade ahead; trucks should check brakes

Bump

A raised bump or speed hump is ahead; slow down

Dip

A dip in the road is ahead; reduce speed

Loose Gravel

Road surface has loose gravel. reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved road ends ahead; expect gravel or dirt surface

Shoulder Drop Off

Road shoulder drops off steeply. avoid driving on the edge

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridges freeze before road surfaces. reduce speed in cold weather

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends. two-way traffic begins ahead

Cross Road

An intersection with a crossing road is ahead

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses your path ahead. be prepared to yield

T Intersection

The road ends at a T. you must turn left or right

Side Road

A side road enters the highway ahead at an angle

Highway Intersection Ahead

A highway intersection is approaching; be prepared to yield or stop

Road Entering Curve

A road enters from the side on a curve ahead. watch for merging traffic

Roundabout

A roundabout is ahead. yield to circulating traffic and travel counterclockwise

Truck Rollover

High risk of truck rollover on this curve or ramp. trucks reduce speed significantly

Weave Area

Traffic is entering and exiting simultaneously. expect lane changes and merging

Advisory Speed

Recommended safe speed for a curve or hazard. not legally enforced but strongly advised

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead. be prepared to stop

5. Minnesota Guide & Informational Signs: Navigating I-35, I-94, US-61 North Shore & the Iron Range Routes

Guide signs do not regulate driving. they show destinations, distances, and services. Green = highway navigation. Blue = motorist services. Brown = parks and recreation.

Interstate Route Marker

Identifies the interstate number (e.g., I-35, I-94, I-90, I-35W, I-35E)

US Route Marker

Marks US highways (e.g., US-61 North Shore Drive, US-2 Iron Range, US-10, US-169)

State Route Marker

Identifies Minnesota state routes (e.g., MN-1 Arrowhead Trail, MN-23, MN-200, MN-61 Lake Superior)

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

Shows upcoming freeway exit and distance

Mile Marker

Indicates distance from the state line or route origin

Services Sign

Points to nearby gas, food, lodging, or medical facilities

Hospital Sign (H)

Indicates direction to the nearest hospital

Diesel

Indicates diesel fuel is available at the next service area

Park / Recreation Sign

Directs to state parks, campsites, and scenic areas

6. Minnesota Traffic Signals: School Bus Flagger Authority and What the DVS Written Test Covers

Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. The Minnesota DVS written test covers all signal types: standard lights, arrow signals, flashing signals, and pedestrian signals. Minnesota also authorizes school bus flaggers to stop and hold vehicles. drivers may not proceed until directed by the flagger or a peace officer.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Come to a complete stop behind the stop line. Wait until green.

Steady Yellow

Prepare to stop. the light is about to turn red. Do not speed up to beat it.

Steady Green

Proceed if the intersection is clear. You must still yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

Green Arrow (left)

You may proceed only in the direction of the arrow. Oncoming traffic is stopped.

Yellow Arrow (no left)

The protected turn is ending. Prepare to stop or yield if you have not yet entered the intersection.

Red Arrow (no left)

Do not turn in the direction of the arrow. Wait for a green arrow or green light.

Green. no left arrow

Proceed straight or right. left turn not permitted on this phase.

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic has an extended green phase. wait before turning left.

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a STOP sign, come to a complete stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Yellow

Treat as a YIELD sign, slow down, look carefully, and proceed with caution.

Flashing Red Beacon

Overhead flashing red beacon. treat as a stop sign. Come to a full stop, then proceed when safe.

Flashing Green Arrow

You may turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White walking figure = pedestrians may cross. Orange hand = do not start crossing; if already crossing, finish quickly.

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase is ending. Pedestrians who have started may finish; others should not begin.

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = yield. This is one of the most reliably tested signal questions on the Minnesota DVS written exam.

7. Minnesota Pavement Markings: Lane Lines, No-Parking Zones Near Rail & Passing Rules on Two-Lane Highways

Yellow lines separate opposing traffic. White lines separate same-direction traffic. The Minnesota DVS written test covers lane lines, road arrows, curb markings, and pavement symbols. including the no-parking zone within 50 feet of the nearest rail at railroad crossings, and Minnesota unique 10-mph passing speed increase rule on two-lane highways.

Line Colors

Yellow lines

Separate traffic moving in opposite directions

White lines

Separate traffic moving in the same direction, or mark the edge of the road

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

Passing allowed when safe on your side

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Passing allowed only on the broken-line side

Double solid yellow lines

No passing in either direction

Broken white line

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Center Turn Lane

Shared left-turn lane. used to begin or complete a left turn only

Center Turning Lane (sign)

Overhead or posted sign marking a shared center left-turn lane

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

Indicate which direction(s) you may travel from that lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop your vehicle completely behind this line at red lights and stop signs

Stop Here on Red

Painted instruction on pavement. stop at this marked line on red

Crosswalk lines

Mark the pedestrian crossing area. yield to pedestrians within these lines

Broken white line (pavement)

Lane changes permitted when safe

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross. lane edge, crosswalk, or stop line

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes. often used near intersections or toll areas

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Advance warning of tracks ahead. painted on pavement before the crossing

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not drive in this area. marks a traffic island or diverging zone

Bicycle lane marking

White painted lane reserved for cyclists. do not drive or park in it

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Lane restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during posted hours

Yellow curb

No parking or stopping at any time

Red curb

No stopping, standing, or parking. fire zone

White curb

Passenger loading/unloading only. brief stops permitted

Key test point: Yellow lines always separate opposing traffic. White lines always separate same-direction traffic. This is a foundational rule that appears on nearly every DMV exam.

8. Minnesota Work Zone Laws: Additional Fines for 20 mph Over the Limit and Six-Month Revocation at 100+ mph

Orange signs mark active work and construction zones throughout Minnesota highway network. Minnesota law imposes additional fines for driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit. Driving in excess of 100 mph results in a minimum six-month revocation of driving privileges. In work and construction zones, reduce speed and drive with care. always obey the posted limit.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead. reduce speed and be alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic. obey their signals immediately

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present. slow down and be prepared to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone. fines doubled, drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends. normal speed and rules resume

Work Zone Headlights

Headlights required in this work zone

Lane Closed Ahead

A travel lane ends ahead. merge early and do not pass in the closed lane

Road Closed

Road is completely closed. do not enter, follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Mark lane boundaries and closures in active work zones

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Direct traffic around obstacles or closed areas

• You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
• Minnesota imposes additional fines for driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit. in work zones, this compounds quickly.
• Driving over 100 mph in Minnesota results in a minimum six-month revocation of driving privileges.
• In work or construction zones, reduce speed, drive with care, and always obey the posted limit. conditions change constantly.

Key test point: Orange always means construction or work zone. If you see orange, reduce speed and increase following distance immediately.

9. Minnesota Railroad Crossings: 50-Foot No-Parking Zone and the 100-Foot No-Passing Rule

Minnesota prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at railroad crossings and prohibits passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing. Buses and school buses must stop before crossing. be prepared for those stops when following them on rural Minnesota routes.

Advance Warning Sign

Railroad crossing ahead. the first sign you see. Begin slowing down.

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing itself. yield to trains. Treat as a yield sign if no gates or lights.

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

Marks the exact railroad crossing location

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming. never drive around or under a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Painted on the road surface before the crossing as an advance warning

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching, stop and wait. Do not proceed until lights stop and it is fully clear.

Stop Line

Stop here before the tracks. Minnesota prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail and passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing

• The round yellow advance warning sign is always the first sign you see approaching a crossing.
• Never stop on the tracks. ensure there is room on the far side before starting to cross.
• Minnesota prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at railroad crossings.
• Passing is prohibited within 100 feet of a railroad crossing approach.
• Buses, school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop before every Minnesota railroad crossing.

Key test point: Minnesota railroad no-parking zone is 50 feet from the nearest rail; no-passing zone is 100 feet from the crossing. Both rules are tested on the Minnesota DVS written exam.

10. Minnesota School Zone and School Bus Laws: Minimum $500 Fine, License Withdrawal & the Separated Roadway Exception

Pentagon-shaped, fluorescent yellow-green signs mark school zones. Minnesota requires reducing speed in school zones when children are present. When a school bus stops with red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet from the bus. both oncoming traffic and traffic behind the bus must stop. Violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $500 and withdrawal of driving privileges.

School Zone

School ahead. be alert for children, reduce speed

School Speed Limit

Reduce speed in Minnesota school zones when children are present; school bus red lights + stop arm = stop at least 20 feet away; violation = minimum $500 fine + license withdrawal

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Speed limit applies only when the flashing lights are active

School Crossing Ahead

Crosswalk used by schoolchildren ahead. yield to crossing guard and students

• Reduce speed when children are present in Minnesota school zones. obey any posted school zone speed limit.
• Flashing yellow lights on a school bus activate at least 100 feet before a stop in a 35 mph or less zone, and at least 300 feet before a stop in a faster zone. prepare to stop.
• It is illegal to pass on the right side of a school bus while it is displaying red or yellow flashing lights.
• When the red lights flash and stop arm extends, stop at least 20 feet from the bus. both directions must stop until the arm retracts and red lights stop flashing.
• Exception: You are not required to stop for a school bus on the opposite side of a separated roadway.
• Violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $500 and withdrawal of driving privileges. When you apply for a Minnesota drivers license, you must certify by signature that you understand this law.
• A school bus flagger may stop and hold vehicles. do not proceed until directed by the flagger or a peace officer.

Key test point: The pentagon shape is used exclusively for school signs. No other sign category uses this shape. making it one of the easiest shapes to identify on the exam.

11. Pedestrian & Bike Signs in Minnesota: Yield at Crosswalks, Bicycle Lane Rules & Sharing Trails in the Twin Cities

Pedestrians have right-of-way at all crosswalks. marked or unmarked. Minnesota requires yielding the right of way to a school bus stop arm and any pedestrian in a crosswalk. Bicyclists are not required to use a bicycle lane and may leave it to turn left or avoid hazards. Both sign types use fluorescent yellow-green and are tested on the Minnesota DVS written exam.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

A marked crosswalk is ahead. watch for pedestrians crossing

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists frequently cross here. reduce speed and yield to bikes

No Bicycles

Bicycles are prohibited on this road or path

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here

• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks. yield and stop as necessary.
• Bicyclists are not required to use a bicycle lane. they may use the travel lane or leave the bike lane to turn left or avoid hazards.
• Yield the right of way to any pedestrian or bicycle user at crosswalks and intersections, just as you would to a vehicle.
• Minnesota extensive off-road trail network means cyclists and pedestrians may enter roadways from trail crossings. watch for these marked crossing points.
• Fluorescent yellow-green is used for both school and pedestrian/bike signs. the shape distinguishes between them.

Key test point: Pedestrians always have right-of-way at crosswalks. marked or unmarked. This rule appears on virtually every state DMV exam.

12. How to Score 80% on Minnesota DVS Written Test in Spanish, Somali or English

• Score 80% to pass. The Minnesota DVS written test requires 80%. It includes multiple-choice and true/false questions available on paper or computer. Headphones are available for audio. Pre-apply at dvs.mn.gov before visiting a driver examination station.
• Available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. Inquire at the exam station if you need special accommodations or a test in another language.
• Know Minnesota default speed limits. Alleys: 10 mph. Urban/town roads: 30 mph. All other locations: 55 mph. School zones: reduce speed when children are present. On two-lane highways with a 55 mph or higher limit, you may increase speed by 10 mph when lawfully passing.
• School bus: $500 minimum fine + license withdrawal. Stop at least 20 feet from the bus when red lights flash and stop arm extends. both directions must stop. Exception: separated roadway. You must certify by signature when applying for your license that you understand this law.
• Railroad: 50-foot no-parking, 100-foot no-passing. Both distances are tested. Never stop on the tracks. Buses must stop at every crossing.
• Work zone: additional fines at 20 mph+ over the limit. Driving over 100 mph triggers a minimum six-month revocation. Reduce speed in all work and construction zones.
• Two-lane passing: 10 mph increase is legal. Minnesota allows a 10 mph speed increase above the posted 55 mph+ limit when lawfully passing on a two-lane highway. but only for the duration of the pass.
• Flashing signals. Flashing red = full stop, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow = slow and yield.
• School bus flaggers have full authority. A school bus flagger may stop and hold all vehicles. do not proceed until directed by the flagger or a peace officer.
• Yellow vs white lines. Yellow = opposing traffic. White = same-direction traffic. Always tested on the DVS written exam.

Minnesota DVS Driver License