Book your Minnesota road test through the online appointment system at mn.gov/dvs or by calling 651-297-3298

Minnesota's Department of Public Safety runs the road test scheduling system. You can reserve a test slot online at the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services website, or call the scheduling line during business hours. The online system is faster — you pick your preferred test location and date from available slots, and you get when ready confirmation. Phone scheduling takes longer but works if you need help navigating the website or have questions about what to bring.

You must have a valid learner's permit before you can schedule. The permit itself is not the same as a road test appointment — you get the permit first by passing the written knowledge test, then schedule the road test separately. Road tests are offered at DMV exam stations across Minnesota, and availability varies by location and season. Spring and summer slots fill faster than fall and winter.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule online at mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-3298; online booking shows available dates when ready and confirms your slot right away.
  • You must hold a valid Minnesota learner's permit before scheduling a road test; the permit and the test appointment are separate steps.
  • Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection.
  • Road tests are typically 30 to 40 minutes long and test basic vehicle control, traffic law knowledge, and safe driving decisions.
  • If you fail, you can reschedule when ready; there is no waiting period between attempts in Minnesota.

What you need before you book

Your learner's permit must be valid and in your possession. If your permit has expired or been suspended, you cannot schedule a test. Check the expiration date on the front of your permit card before you attempt to book.

You also need a vehicle that meets Minnesota safety standards. The car or truck must be registered in Minnesota, have current liability insurance, and pass a basic safety inspection. The inspection checks that your brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering work properly. You do not need a formal inspection certificate — the examiner checks these items at the start of your test. If the vehicle fails, your test is cancelled and you must reschedule with a different vehicle.

Bring your learner's permit, a photo ID (state ID, passport, or tribal ID), and proof that you live in Minnesota. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The address on your ID does not have to match your current address, but you must show something that proves where you live now.

How to schedule online

Go to mn.gov/dvs and look for the "Schedule a Road Test" or "Appointments" link on the homepage. You will enter your learner's permit number and date of birth to pull up your record. The system will show you all exam stations in Minnesota and the available dates at each location for the next several weeks.

Pick the location closest to you or most convenient for your schedule. Then select your preferred date and time from the open slots. The system will ask you to confirm your contact information — phone number and email — so the DMV can reach you if there are changes. After you confirm, you will see your appointment number and details on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot; you will need it if you have to reschedule or cancel.

You will also receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, test location address, and what to bring. Check your email spam folder if you do not see it within a few minutes. If you do not receive an email within an hour, call 651-297-3298 to confirm your appointment was recorded.

Scheduling by phone

Call 651-297-3298 during business hours. Minnesota DMV phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. central time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your learner's permit number and date of birth ready when you call.

Tell the representative your preferred test location and any dates that work for your schedule. They will tell you what slots are open and book one for you. Ask them to repeat your appointment number, date, time, and location before you hang up. Request that they email or mail your confirmation if you prefer a paper record.

What happens on test day

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your learner's permit, photo ID, proof of residency, and your vehicle keys. The examiner will check your documents, inspect the vehicle for safety, and then take you on a 30- to 40-minute drive through local streets. You will be tested on basic vehicle control (steering, braking, parking), following traffic laws, and responding to road hazards.

The examiner sits in the passenger seat and scores you on a standardized form. You pass if you demonstrate safe driving and follow all traffic laws. Minor mistakes do not fail you, but serious errors — running a red light, hitting a curb hard, or unsafe lane changes — will result in a failing score. If you fail, you can reschedule your next test when ready; there is no mandatory waiting period in Minnesota.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

Log back into mn.gov/dvs with your learner's permit number and date of birth. Find your scheduled appointment and select the option to reschedule or cancel. You can pick a new date and time from available slots. If you cancel more than 24 hours before your test, there is no penalty. If you cancel within 24 hours, you may lose your test fee, depending on the reason.

If you cannot access the online system, call 651-297-3298 and speak to a representative. They can reschedule you over the phone. Always reschedule as soon as you know you cannot make your appointment; slots fill quickly, especially in summer months.

Common reasons appointments are cancelled

The DMV may cancel your appointment if your learner's permit expires before your test date. Check your permit expiration and renew it if needed before your test. They may also cancel if you do not show up on test day without calling to reschedule. A no-show counts as a failed attempt in some cases and may require you to wait before booking again.

Weather emergencies can close exam stations. If severe winter weather or other emergencies close the station where you are scheduled, the DMV will contact you by phone or email to reschedule. Check your email and answer your phone on test day if weather is questionable in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I schedule a road test?

You can typically book a test 2 to 8 weeks ahead, depending on how busy the exam station is. Popular locations and times fill faster. If you need a test soon, check less busy stations or try scheduling on weekday mornings rather than afternoons or weekends.

What if I fail my road test?

You can reschedule when ready with no waiting period. Go back to mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-3298 to book your next attempt. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third try after practicing the skills the examiner noted.

Can someone else drive me to the test location?

Yes. You do not have to drive yourself to the exam station. However, you must drive the vehicle you will be tested in, and that vehicle must be registered and insured. The person who drives you there can wait in the lobby while you take the test.

What if my learner's permit expires before my test date?

Renew your permit before your test. You cannot take a road test on an expired permit. Go to any DMV office or renew online at mn.gov/dvs if you are renewing a permit you already hold. Renewal is faster than getting a new permit.

Is there a fee to schedule a road test?

Yes. Minnesota charges a test fee when you book. The fee varies but is typically around $20 to $30. You pay when you schedule online or by phone. If you cancel more than 24 hours ahead, you may be refunded; cancellations within 24 hours usually forfeit the fee.