(a) For purposes of this section, “relative” means the applicant’s grandparent, parent, sibling, or legal guardian, including adoptive, half, step, and in-law relationships.

Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 171.042

  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
  • verified: when used in reference to writings, means supported by oath or affirmation. See Minnesota Statutes 645.45

(b) Notwithstanding any provisions of section 171.04, relating to the age of an applicant, the commissioner may issue a driver’s license to a person who has attained the age of 15 years but is under the age of 16 years, who, except for age, is qualified to hold a driver’s license and who needs to operate a motor vehicle because of:

(1) personal medical reasons;

(2) medical reasons of a relative; or

(3) a disabled relative who has a disability that makes it difficult to drive or who does not have a driver’s license due to a disability.

(c) The applicant is not required to comply with the six-month instruction permit possession provisions of sections 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (2), and 171.05, subdivision 2a, or with the 12-month provisional license possession provision of section 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (1), item (i).

(d) Applicants must apply to the commissioner for the license on forms prescribed by the commissioner. The application must be accompanied by written verified statements from the applicant’s relative or a doctor setting forth the reason the applicant is qualified for the license. The commissioner in issuing such license may impose such conditions and limitations as in the commissioner’s judgment are necessary to the interests of the public safety and welfare.