Minnesota offers the written test in Spanish, but the road test is only in English
You can take the written knowledge test in Spanish at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam station. The road test — where you actually drive with an examiner — is only given in English, and the examiner will speak to you in English throughout the drive.
This matters because you need to pass both tests to get your license. If you are more comfortable reading Spanish, you can use the Spanish version for the written part. But you will need to understand English driving commands and safety instructions for the road test itself.
Minnesota does not provide Spanish-language examiners or interpreters for the road test. If you do not speak English well enough to understand basic driving directions, you may want to wait until your English improves, or consider whether a licensed interpreter can sit in the vehicle — though DVS rules on this are strict and you should call ahead to ask.
Key Takeaways
- The written test is available in Spanish at any DVS exam station, but you must schedule an appointment and bring your documents.
- The road test is only conducted in English, with no interpreter provided, so you need to understand English commands like "turn left," "stop," and "merge."
- You pass the written test first, then schedule the road test separately — they are not on the same day.
- Call your local DVS office before your road test if you have concerns about the English-only format, because accommodations are limited.
How to request the Spanish-language written test
When you schedule your appointment at a DVS exam station, tell the staff you want to take the written test in Spanish. You can do this by phone, online through the Minnesota DVS website, or in person. Have your Minnesota ID number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Bring the same documents you would bring for an English-language test: a valid ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of your legal name if it differs from your ID. The language of the test does not change what you need to bring.
The Spanish test covers the same material as the English version — road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. It has the same number of questions and the same passing score. You will take it on a computer at the exam station, and the results are when ready.
What to expect on the road test in English
After you pass the written test, you schedule the road test separately. This is where an examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive a set route in your area. The examiner will give you directions in English only: "Turn right at the next light," "Merge onto the highway," "Pull over and parallel park."
You must understand these commands well enough to follow them safely. If you do not understand a direction, you can ask the examiner to repeat it, but the test will continue. The examiner is assessing your driving skills, not your English, but you do need enough English to know what they are asking you to do.
The road test usually lasts 30 to 40 minutes. You will be tested on basic maneuvers like parking, turning, stopping at signs, and merging. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting a set period — usually a few days to a week.
Preparing for the English-language road test
If you are worried about understanding English commands during the road test, spend time practicing with a friend or family member who speaks English. Have them sit in the passenger seat and give you driving directions in English while you practice. This will help you get used to hearing commands while you are focused on the road.
Learn the key English words you will hear: left, right, stop, go, turn, merge, park, pull over, speed up, slow down, and highway. Listen to YouTube videos of road test simulations in English so you hear the accent and pace an examiner might use.
Call your local DVS office before your test and ask if they have any resources for non-English speakers. Some offices may have written instructions or diagrams you can review ahead of time. Be honest about your English level — DVS staff cannot change the test format, but they can tell you what to expect.
What happens if you do not pass the road test
If you fail the road test, you will get a score sheet that explains what you did wrong — for example, "failed to signal," "improper lane change," or "did not follow directions." You can retake the test after a waiting period, which varies by reason for failure but is usually three to seven days.
You do not have to retake the written test. Your passing score stays on record, so you only need to schedule another road test appointment. The same English-only format will explore on the second attempt.
If you fail multiple times, consider taking an English conversation class or working with a driving instructor who can teach you both driving skills and the English you need to understand test commands. Some community colleges in Minnesota offer low-cost driving instruction.
Finding a DVS exam station near you
Minnesota has DVS exam stations in most counties. You can find the one closest to you on the Minnesota Secretary of State website by entering your city or zip code. Not all stations offer road tests — some only handle written tests — so check before you go.
Exam stations are often busy, especially in urban areas. Schedule your appointment as far in advance as possible. If you cannot get an appointment in your area, you may be able to travel to a less busy station in a neighboring county.
Hours vary by location, but most are open weekdays during business hours and some offer Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours and to ask about the Spanish-language written test — while it is available statewide, it is good to confirm your specific station has it ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring an interpreter to the road test?
Minnesota does not routinely allow interpreters in the vehicle during the road test. The examiner needs to hear you and assess your driving without a third person present. Call your local DVS office before your test to ask about their specific policy — some offices may make exceptions in rare cases, but you cannot count on it.
Is the Spanish written test harder than the English version?
No. Both versions cover the same material, have the same number of questions, and use the same passing score. The only difference is the language. If you read Spanish better than English, the Spanish version may actually be easier for you.
What if I fail the written test in Spanish?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days. You can take it in Spanish again, or switch to English if you prefer. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though each attempt costs a fee.
Do I need to speak English to get a Minnesota driver's license?
You need to understand English well enough to follow the examiner's directions during the road test. The written test can be in Spanish, but the road test cannot. If your English is very limited, you may want to wait and study more before scheduling the road test.
Where can I study for the written test in Spanish?
The Minnesota DVS website has a study guide in Spanish. You can also find practice tests online and at your local library. Many community colleges offer free or low-cost driver education classes in Spanish that include test preparation.