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 requires 80% on the knowledge test. Violating the school bus stop law carries a minimum $500 fine, and certain repeat or gross-misdemeanor school-bus violations can result in revocation of driving privileges. Minnesota also requires applicants to certify by signature that they understand the school bus stop requirement and its penalties.

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 through drive.mn.gov and MyDVS. 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. come to a complete stop, wheels fully stopped, check all directions, then proceed when clear
Triangle (inverted)		Yield slow down, check traffic; if clear proceed, if not stop and wait until safe to go
Diamond		Hazard ahead; slow down, stay alert, and be ready to stop or steer
Rectangle (vertical)		Regulatory information or instruction; obey the posted requirement
Rectangle (horizontal)		Informational sign; read it and use it to navigate or plan your route
Pentagon (5-sided)		School zone ahead; reduce speed and watch for children crossing
Round (circle)		Railroad crossing ahead; slow down, look both ways, and prepare to stop
Pennant		No passing zone; do not attempt to overtake any vehicle ahead
Orange (any shape)		Construction or work zone ahead; slow down, stay alert, and obey all posted signs
Blue (any shape)		Motorist services nearby; exit if you need fuel, food, or medical care
Brown (any shape)		Park or scenic area ahead; follow directional signs to reach it

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

Regulatory signs in Minnesota carry legal force. violations can result in traffic citations, fines, and in some cases 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 and yield before proceeding

YIELD Sign

Slow down and give right-of-way; stop if needed before proceeding

Speed Limit Sign

Do not exceed this speed; adjust for road and weather conditions

Do Not Enter Sign

Entry prohibited; turn around or find an alternate route

Wrong Way Sign

You have entered a one-way road against traffic

No U-Turn Sign

U-turns are prohibited at this location

No Left Turn Sign

Do not turn left here; continue straight or turn right

No Right Turn Sign

Do not turn right here; continue straight or turn left

One Way Sign

All traffic flows one direction; do not enter going the wrong way

Keep Right Sign

Move to the right side of the island or obstruction

No Passing Zone Sign

Do not pass here; wait until the no-passing zone ends

Do Not Pass Sign

Do not overtake any vehicle ahead until passing is permitted again

No Turn on Red Sign

Wait for a green signal before turning; do not turn on red

No Left Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning left; no turn on red permitted

No Right Turn on Red Sign

Wait for green before turning right; no turn on red permitted

Turn Left Only Sign

You must turn left from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Turn Right Only Sign

You must turn right from this lane; going straight is not allowed

Straight or Turn Right Sign

From this lane you may only go straight or turn right

Minimum Speed Limit Sign

You must drive at least this speed; move right if driving slower

Slower Traffic Keep Right Sign

Move to the right lane if you are driving slower than traffic

No Parking Sign

Parking prohibited here; find a legal parking area nearby

No Trucks Sign

Trucks prohibited on this road; use an alternate truck route

No Bicycles Sign

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

Reserved Parking Sign

Park here only if you qualify; others must find a different spot

Four Way Stop Sign

Stop completely, then take turns in order of arrival

Stop Except Right Turn Sign

Stop fully before proceeding; right turns may go after stopping

Left Turn Yield on Green Sign

Yield to all oncoming traffic before completing your left turn

Lane Use Control Sign

Follow the sign; only the shown movement is permitted from this lane

Restricted Lane Ahead Sign

Check eligibility before entering; unauthorized use is a violation

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 construction and work zones. Reduced speed limits may be posted, and a work-zone speed violation carries a $300 fine under Minnesota law.

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 ahead; slow down

Sharp Right Turn

A very sharp right turn is ahead; slow down

Winding Road

Multiple curves ahead; reduce speed and stay in your lane throughout

Set of Curves (Left-Right)

Multiple curves ahead curving left then right; reduce speed

Set of Curves (Right-Left)

Multiple curves ahead curving right then left; reduce speed

Sharp Turns (Left-Right)

Successive sharp turns ahead; slow down significantly

Slippery When Wet

Wet road is slippery; reduce speed and increase following distance

Deer Crossing

Animals frequently cross here; slow down and scan both sides of the road

Pedestrian Crossing

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

School Zone / Crossing

Children may be present; slow to posted speed

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

Divided Highway Begins

Road splits ahead; keep right and stay in your lane

Divided Highway Ends

Two-way traffic resumes ahead; stay right and watch oncoming traffic

Merging Traffic

Traffic is merging from another lane; adjust speed to allow safe entry

Added Lane

A new lane is added ahead; stay in your lane and let merging traffic in

Lane Ends Ahead

Your lane ends soon; check mirrors, signal, and merge now

Lane Ends Merge Left

Your lane ends; signal and move left before the lane disappears

Left Lane Ends

Left lane ends ahead; signal and move right before it closes

Road Narrows

Road gets narrower ahead; stay centered and reduce speed

Narrow Bridge Ahead

Bridge is narrower than the road; slow down and stay centered

Low Clearance

Overhead clearance is restricted; do not proceed if your vehicle is too tall

Railroad Crossing (RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and stop if a train is coming

Hill / Steep Grade (Downgrade)

Steep hill ahead; reduce speed now and use a lower gear if needed

Bump

Speed bump ahead; slow down before reaching it

Dip

Dip in the road ahead; reduce speed to avoid bottoming out

Loose Gravel

Loose gravel on road; reduce speed and increase following distance

Pavement Ends

Paved surface ends ahead; slow down before the surface changes

Shoulder Drop Off

Edge of road drops steeply; stay away from the shoulder

Watch for Ice on Bridges

Bridge may be icy; reduce speed and avoid sudden braking or steering

Two Way Traffic Ahead

Divided road ends; move to the right and watch for oncoming traffic

Cross Road

Intersection ahead; slow down and scan left and right before crossing

Cross Traffic

Traffic crosses from both sides; slow down and be ready to yield or stop

T Intersection

Your road ends ahead; slow down and prepare to turn left or right

Side Road

A side road joins ahead; watch for vehicles entering from the right or left

Highway Intersection Ahead

A major intersection is approaching; reduce speed and be ready to yield

Road Entering Curve

A road merges on a curve ahead; watch for vehicles entering

Roundabout

Yield to traffic already in the roundabout; then enter and keep right

Truck Rollover

Trucks must slow significantly; high rollover risk on this curve

Weave Area

Lanes are entering and exiting; stay alert, check mirrors, and adjust speed

Advisory Speed

Safe speed for this curve; slow to the posted advisory speed

Traffic Signal Ahead

A traffic light is ahead; reduce speed and be ready 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

You are on this interstate highway; note the number for navigation

US Route Marker

You are on this US highway; note the number for navigation

State Route Marker

You are on this state route; note the number for navigation

Exit Sign (Exit Only)

This lane leads to an exit only; stay if you are not exiting

Mile Marker

Marks your location on the route; note it for emergency or navigation use

Services Sign

Services available at next exit; move right if you need to stop

Hospital Sign (H)

Hospital is nearby; follow signs if you need emergency care

Diesel

Diesel fuel available ahead; exit if your vehicle needs it

Park / Recreation Sign

Park or recreation area nearby; exit and follow directional signs

6. Minnesota Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow, Arrow Signals & Lane-Control Signals

What does a flashing yellow light mean in Minnesota? Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution and yield as required. Minnesota also authorizes school bus flaggers to stop and hold vehicles. drivers may not proceed until directed by the flagger or a peace officer.

Minnesota lane-control signals: a green arrow means the lane may be used; a red X means do not use the lane; a steady yellow X warns that use of the lane is ending; and a flashing yellow X permits cautious use of the lane for a left turn or passing maneuver.

Standard Traffic Lights

Steady Red

Stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection; after stopping, a right turn or qualifying one-way-to-one-way left may be allowed unless prohibited

Steady Yellow

Slow down and prepare to stop; do not speed up to beat the light

Steady Green

Proceed through the intersection; yield to pedestrians and cross traffic

Green Arrow (left)

Proceed only in the arrow direction; yield to pedestrians

Steady Yellow Arrow

The related green or flashing-yellow movement is ending; stop before entering if you can do so safely

Steady Red Arrow

Stop and wait for a signal permitting the arrow movement unless an official sign specifically permits a turn on red

Circular Green (no arrow)

Proceed straight or turn right or left unless prohibited; yield to pedestrians and to oncoming traffic when turning left

Opposing Traffic Extended Green

Oncoming traffic still has green; wait and do not turn left yet

Flashing Signals

Flashing Red

Treat as a stop sign; stop fully, then proceed when safe and clear

Flashing Yellow

Slow down, check for hazards, and proceed with caution

Flashing Red Beacon

Treat the overhead beacon as a stop sign

Pedestrian Signals

WALK / White Walking Figure & DONT WALK / Orange Hand

White figure = cross now; orange hand = do not start crossing

Flashing Orange Hand + Countdown

Crossing phase ending; finish if started, do not begin

Key test point: Flashing red = stop sign. Flashing yellow = proceed with caution and yield to vehicles and pedestrians lawfully in the intersection or crosswalk.

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 opposing traffic; never cross a solid yellow line to pass

White lines

Mark your lane boundaries; stay within the white lines

Line Types

Broken yellow line (Single)

You may pass on your side if it is safe and clear ahead

Solid yellow + broken yellow

Pass only from the broken-line side when it is safe; do not pass from the solid side

Double solid yellow lines

Passing is not allowed in either direction; stay in your lane

Broken white line

You may change lanes if it is safe; always check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line

Do not cross this line; it marks a lane edge, stop point, or crosswalk

Double solid white lines

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Center Turn Lane

For left turns only; signal, enter the lane, and turn; do not use it to travel

Center Turning Lane (sign)

For left turns only; signal, enter, and turn; do not drive through it

Pavement Symbols & Special Markings

Arrows in lane

You must follow the arrow direction from this lane

Stop line (wide white bar)

Stop completely behind this line; do not roll past it

Stop Here on Red

Stop at this painted line; do not inch forward past it

Crosswalk lines

Pedestrian crossing zone; always yield to pedestrians here

Broken white line (pavement)

You may change lanes if it is safe; check mirrors and signal first

Solid white line (pavement)

Do not cross this line; it marks a lane edge, stop point, or crosswalk

Double solid white lines (pavement)

Do not change lanes here; stay in your current lane

Railroad crossing markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead; slow down, look both ways, and be ready to stop

Diagonal yellow lines (gore area)

Do not enter or drive through this area; it is off-limits to traffic

Bicycle lane marking

Reserved for cyclists only; do not drive or park in this lane

HOV / Carpool lane diamond

Use this lane only if you have the required number of occupants

Yellow curb

No stopping or parking at any time; keep moving

Red curb

Do not stop, stand, or park here at any time

White curb

Loading and unloading only; do not park or leave your vehicle here

Key test point: Yellow center lines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.

8. Minnesota Work Zone Signs: $300 Speeding Fine, Flaggers & Zipper Merge

Orange signs mark active work and construction zones throughout Minnesota. Reduced speed limits may be posted in work zones; if no reduced limit is posted, obey the existing posted speed limit. A work-zone speed violation carries a $300 fine under Minnesota law.

Road Work Ahead

Construction zone begins ahead; reduce speed and stay alert

Flagger Ahead

A person is directing traffic; obey their signals

Workers Ahead

Road workers are present; slow down and be ready to stop

Active Work Zone

You are in an active work zone; drive with extra caution

End of Active Work Zone

Work zone ends; resume normal speed and check posted limit

Lane Closed Ahead

If traffic is backing up, stay in your lane to the merge point and take turns with other drivers

Road Closed

Road is completely closed; follow detour signs

Orange barrels / cones

Active work zone boundaries; stay within marked lanes

Channelizing devices (barricades)

Follow the barricades; do not drive through or around them

• You must obey a flaggers directions even if they conflict with existing signs or signals.
• A work-zone speed violation carries a $300 fine in addition to the statutory surcharge.
• When a lane is closed ahead and traffic is backing up, Minnesota DVS instructs drivers to stay in the current lane until the merge point and then take turns.
• In work or construction zones, reduce speed, drive with care, and always obey the posted limit.

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

9. Minnesota Railroad Crossing Signs: 10-Foot Stop Distance, 50-Foot Parking Rule & 100-Foot No-Passing Rule

How far must you stop from railroad tracks in Minnesota? When flashing warning devices are active or a train is plainly visible and in hazardous proximity, stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail. At a railroad crossing with a stop or yield sign, stop or yield within 50 feet but not less than 10 feet from the nearest track. Minnesota also prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail and passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.

Stop Line

Stop here completely when required before proceeding

RR Crossbuck Sign (X-shaped)

Located at the crossing; yield to trains

Railroad Crossing (at crossing)

You are at the crossing; stop if lights flash or gate lowers

Crossing Gates

Lower when a train is coming; never drive around a lowered gate

Pavement markings (X + RR)

Tracks ahead marked on pavement; slow down and prepare to stop

Flashing Red Lights

A train is approaching; stop and wait until fully clear

• The round yellow advance warning sign alerts you that a railroad crossing is ahead.
• When a stop is required by an active warning device or an approaching train, stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail and do not proceed until it is safe and there is room to clear all tracks.
• Minnesota prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail at railroad crossings.
• Passing is prohibited within 100 feet of a railroad crossing approach.
• Certain buses and trucks are normally required to stop at railroad crossings. An EXEMPT sign means those drivers may proceed without stopping, but they must still look in both directions for trains.

Key test point: When a railroad stop is required, the general minimum stopping distance is 10 feet from the nearest rail. Minnesota also uses a 50-foot no-parking rule and a 100-foot no-passing rule near railroad crossings.

10. Minnesota School Zone and School Bus Signs: $500 Minimum Fine, 20-Foot Stop & 2026 Red-Light Rule

Yellow or fluorescent yellow-green pentagon-shaped signs mark school zones and school crossings. Minnesota requires drivers to obey the posted school-zone speed and watch for children. Under the 2026 school-bus law, when a school bus is stopped with red lights flashing, you must stop at least 20 feet from the bus even if the stop arm does not extend. Traffic approaching from either direction must stop unless the bus is on the opposite side of a divided roadway. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500.

School Zone

School ahead; reduce speed and watch for children

School Speed Limit

Obey the reduced speed limit posted in school zones

Speed Limit Lights Flashing

Obey the posted school-zone speed when the sign indicates the reduced limit is in effect

School Crossing Ahead

School crosswalk ahead; yield to crossing guard and children

• Minnesota school-zone speed limits are posted for each zone. obey the posted reduced speed when the school-zone limit is in effect and watch for children.
• 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, stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing. The stop requirement applies even if the stop arm does not extend.
• 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. Driving privileges can be revoked for two or more misdemeanor school-bus violations within five years or for a gross-misdemeanor school-bus offense. When you apply for a Minnesota drivers license, you must certify by signature that you understand the stop requirement and penalties.
• A school bus flagger may stop and hold vehicles. do not proceed until directed by the flagger or a peace officer.

Key test point: Yellow or fluorescent yellow-green pentagon-shaped warning signs indicate that a school or approved school crosswalk is ahead.

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

Minnesota drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing at intersections and crosswalks and stop when required. Bicyclists are not required to use a bicycle lane and may leave it to turn left or avoid hazards. Pedestrian and bicycle crossing signs may be yellow or fluorescent yellow-green.

Pedestrian Crossing Sign

Crosswalk ahead; yield to any pedestrian in or entering the crosswalk

Bicycle Crossing Sign

Cyclists cross here; slow down and yield before proceeding

No Bicycles

Cyclists must not enter; use an alternate route

No Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians must not cross here; use the nearest crosswalk

• Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing at intersections and crosswalks and stop as required.
• 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.
• Pedestrian and bicycle crossing signs and school-zone signs may be yellow or fluorescent yellow-green.

Key test point: Slow down at pedestrian crossings and yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing at intersections and crosswalks.

12. Minnesota DVS Written Test: 80% Passing Score, Languages & Road Sign Study Topics

• Score 80% to pass. The Minnesota DVS written test includes multiple-choice and true/false questions available on paper or computer. Headphones are available for audio. You may take only one written test per day; after two consecutive failures, the third and subsequent tests cost $10. Complete the online pre-application through MyDVS before your appointment.
• Multiple test languages and ASL are available. Computer testing is offered in English and several other languages, and American Sign Language is available. Inquire at the exam station if you need special accommodations.
• Know Minnesota speed-limit signs. Default rules include 10 mph in alleys, 30 mph in urban districts, and 55 mph where another limit is not specified. Expressway, freeway, interstate, school-zone and locally established limits may differ and must be followed as posted. On qualifying two-lane highways, Minnesota law allows a temporary speed increase when lawfully passing.
• School bus: $500 minimum fine and 20-foot stop. Stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus when its red lights flash, even if the stop arm does not extend. The opposite-direction exception applies on a divided roadway. Repeat misdemeanor or gross-misdemeanor violations can lead to license revocation.
• Railroad: know the 10-foot stop distance. When a stop is required by an active warning device or approaching train, stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail. Minnesota also prohibits parking within 50 feet of the nearest rail and passing within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
• Work zone: $300 speeding fine. Obey posted work-zone speeds and flaggers. When traffic backs up at a lane closure, use the Minnesota zipper-merge rule and take turns at the merge point.
• 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 = proceed with caution and yield as required.
• 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 center lines separate opposing traffic. White lane lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.