How to schedule a Minnesota driver's license road test
Minnesota's Department of Public Safety runs the road test scheduling system. You book your test through their online portal at mn.gov/dvs or by calling the exam station nearest you. The state does not mail test dates to you — you choose the date and time yourself from available slots, which fill weeks or months ahead depending on the station and season.
Before you schedule, you need a valid permit (either a learner's permit or instruction permit) and proof you have completed a driver education course if you are under 18. The road test itself costs a fee that varies slightly by station but is typically around $20 to $30. You pay when you arrive for the test, not when you book.
Key Takeaways
- Book your road test online at mn.gov/dvs or by phone to the exam station in your county — Minnesota does not assign you a date automatically.
- You must have a valid learner's permit or instruction permit before you can schedule, and anyone under 18 must show proof of driver education completion.
- Test slots fill quickly, especially in spring and summer, so book as soon as you are ready rather than waiting until your permit is about to expire.
- Bring your permit, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that passes the safety inspection on test day, or you will not be allowed to test.
- If you fail the test, you can reschedule when ready through the same online system, though available dates may be weeks away.
Finding your county exam station and phone number
Minnesota has exam stations in most counties, but not every location offers testing every day. The Department of Public Safety website lists all active stations with their phone numbers and hours. Some rural counties share a station or contract with a nearby county, so confirm which station serves your address before calling.
The station closest to you geographically may not be the one assigned to your county. Check the official station list on mn.gov/dvs to find the correct location. Once you have the phone number, you can call during business hours to ask about current wait times and available dates — this gives you a sense of how far out you will need to book.
Booking online versus calling the exam station
The online system at mn.gov/dvs shows all available test dates and times for your chosen station. You enter your permit number, select a date, and receive a confirmation number when ready. This method is fastest if you know which station you want and have your permit information ready.
Calling the station directly works if you prefer to speak with someone or if the online system is not responding. The staff can tell you what dates are open, answer questions about what to bring, and book you over the phone. Either way, you receive a confirmation — write it down or save the email, because you will need to show it on test day.
What to bring and vehicle requirements
On test day, bring your valid permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you are testing in, and a photo ID if you have one. The vehicle itself must pass a safety check: working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and a functioning horn. The examiner will walk around the car before the test begins and will not let you proceed if anything is broken or missing.
The vehicle must also be registered and have current plates. If you are borrowing someone else's car, make sure the insurance card you bring lists you as an authorized driver or shows that the policy covers any driver. Some stations are stricter about this than others, so call ahead if you are unsure.
How far in advance to book and seasonal wait times
Book as soon as you are ready to test. In spring and summer, available slots can be 6 to 12 weeks out, especially in the Twin Cities metro area and other high-population counties. In fall and winter, wait times are usually shorter — sometimes 2 to 4 weeks. If your permit is expiring, do not wait until the last month to schedule, because you may not find an open slot before it expires.
If you cannot find a date that works at your preferred station, check whether a neighboring county's station has earlier openings. You can test in any county in Minnesota, not just your home county, as long as you have a valid Minnesota permit. Some people drive an hour to a less busy station to test weeks earlier.
What happens if you fail and need to reschedule
If you do not pass the road test, you can reschedule when ready through the same online system or by calling the station. You do not have to wait any set amount of time before retesting — you can book another date the same day if slots are open. However, the next available date may still be weeks away depending on how busy the station is.
You do not pay a new fee to reschedule after a failure. When you return for your second attempt, you pay the same test fee as you did the first time. Your permit remains valid as long as it has not expired, so focus on practicing the skills the examiner noted and book your next test when you feel ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a road test if my permit is about to expire?
You can schedule a test, but you must complete it before your permit expires. If your permit expires before your test date arrives, you will need to renew your permit first. This is why booking early matters — if you wait until your permit has only a few weeks left, you may not find an open slot in time.
What if I need to cancel or change my test date?
You can cancel or reschedule through the online system using your confirmation number, or by calling the station. Most stations allow changes up to a certain number of days before your test. Call your station to ask about their cancellation policy if you need to move your date.
Do I have to test at the station in my county?
No. You can test at any Department of Public Safety exam station in Minnesota as long as you have a valid Minnesota permit. Some people choose a different county's station if it has shorter wait times or more convenient hours.
What if the online system shows no available dates?
Call the station directly — sometimes phone staff can access dates that do not appear online, or they can tell you when new slots will open. You can also check back on the website every few days, as cancellations create new openings regularly.
Is there a fee to reschedule after I fail?
No. You only pay the test fee when you take the test itself. Rescheduling through the online system or by phone is free. You pay again when you show up for your next attempt.