Ask A Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow

Question: Can a parent with a revoked license still accompany a permit driver?

  Answer: No, they cannot. A permit holder may drive under the supervision of a parent, guardian or other licensed driver 21 or older occupying the seat beside them.

• The permit holder must have the permit in possession to drive.

• It’s illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, whether handheld or hands-free, except to call 911 in an emergency.

  It takes a commitment by parents and many hours to prepare teen drivers to get behind the wheel. But that doesn’t end when a teen gets their license.

  A common mistake by parents is thinking their teen is ready for the road as soon as they pass the road test. For example, teens shouldn’t be driving alone the first time they hit the road when it snows. Parents should practice with their teens in different types of scenarios before their teen hits the road solo.

  A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).