The Minnesota road test covers basic vehicle control and traffic law knowledge

Minnesota's road test has two parts: a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. The written test asks about traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. You take this test at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office on a computer. The driving test happens after you pass the written portion — an examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive a set route in your local area, watching how you handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic situations.

You need to score at least 80 percent on the written test to move forward. The driving test is pass or fail based on the examiner's observation of your vehicle control and decision-making. If you fail either part, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days before your next attempt.

Key Takeaways

  • The written test covers traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The driving test is an on-road evaluation where an examiner watches you handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Common reasons people fail the driving test include rolling stops, improper lane changes, and not checking mirrors and blind spots.
  • You can take practice tests online through the Minnesota DVS website to prepare for the written portion.

What the written test covers

The Minnesota written test draws from the Driver's Manual, a free booklet you can pick up at any DVS office or read online. The test includes questions about traffic signs (what a yield sign means, what a red arrow means), right-of-way rules (who goes first at a four-way stop), speed limits in different zones, and safe driving behavior (safe following distance, how to handle skids, what to do if your brakes fail).

Questions are multiple choice. You answer them on a computer at the DVS office. The test has 40 questions total. You need to answer at least 32 correctly to reach the 80 percent passing score. The test is not timed, so you can take as long as you need to read and think through each question.

The manual covers everything the test asks about. Many people study the manual for a few weeks before taking the test. Some DVS offices also have study guides or practice materials available in the waiting area.

What the driving test covers

The driving test lasts about 15 to 20 minutes. You and the examiner start at the DVS office, and the examiner directs you along a route that includes residential streets, busier roads, and sometimes a highway or freeway. The examiner watches how you accelerate, brake, turn, change lanes, and park. They also observe whether you check your mirrors, look over your shoulder before changing lanes, and follow traffic signals and speed limits.

The examiner is looking for smooth, safe vehicle control and good decision-making. They want to see that you can handle normal driving situations without putting yourself or others at risk. You do not need to be perfect — minor mistakes like slightly overshooting a turn or taking a moment to find the right gear are not automatic failures. What matters is that you drive safely overall.

You must bring your own vehicle for the test. The car needs to be in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and steering all working properly. If the examiner finds a safety problem during the pre-test vehicle check, you will not be allowed to take the test that day.

Common reasons people fail the driving test

The most frequent failure reason is a rolling stop — coming to a near-stop instead of a complete stop at a stop sign or red light. Examiners watch for this closely because it is a safety violation. Other common failures include not checking mirrors or blind spots before changing lanes, turning too wide or too narrow, and speeding or driving too slowly for conditions.

Hitting a curb during parking, failing to use a turn signal, and not adjusting speed when entering a curve also lead to failures. Nervousness is normal, but if it causes you to freeze, forget to signal, or make unsafe decisions, the examiner will mark it as a failure. Some people also fail because they do not follow the examiner's directions clearly — if the examiner says "turn left at the next light" and you turn right, that is a failure.

The good news is that most of these mistakes are preventable with practice. Spending time driving with a licensed adult before your test, focusing on smooth stops and careful mirror checks, helps build the habits the examiner is watching for.

How to prepare for the written test

Start by reading the Minnesota Driver's Manual from beginning to end. It is available free on the Minnesota DVS website and covers every topic the test asks about. Read it once to get familiar with the material, then go back and focus on sections that feel unclear.

After reading, take practice tests. The Minnesota DVS website offers free practice tests that mimic the real test format. Take these under test-like conditions: sit at a computer, do not use the manual, and time yourself if you want to. When you finish, review the questions you missed and look up the answers in the manual.

Many people take the practice test several times, aiming to score 90 percent or higher before taking the real test. This builds confidence and helps you spot weak areas. If you struggle with reading, ask the DVS office whether they offer tests in other languages or formats.

How to prepare for the driving test

Practice driving with a licensed adult in your vehicle on a variety of roads: quiet residential streets, busier roads with traffic lights, and if possible, a short highway stretch. Focus on the basics: coming to complete stops, checking mirrors before every lane change, using turn signals, and parking smoothly. Practice in different weather and times of day if you can, since these affect how you drive.

Ask your practice driver to watch for the same things the examiner will: smooth acceleration and braking, proper mirror checks, and safe decision-making. If you tend to roll stops or forget to signal, practice those specific actions until they feel automatic. The goal is to build habits, not just memorize a route.

On test day, arrive early so you are not rushed. Bring your permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Make sure your vehicle is clean and in good working order. Take a few deep breaths before the test starts. Remember that the examiner is not trying to trick you — they want to see that you can drive safely.

What happens if you fail

If you fail the written test, you can retake it. Most DVS offices let you schedule another attempt within a few days. Review the questions you missed, study those topics in the manual, and try again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

If you fail the driving test, you can also retake it. You will need to schedule another appointment, which may be a week or two out depending on how busy your local DVS office is. Between attempts, practice the specific skills the examiner noted as problems. If the examiner said you were not checking mirrors, focus on that. If you rolled stops, practice complete stops on every test drive.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, so failing is not permanent. Most people who retake the test after focused practice pass the second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone or GPS during the driving test?

No. You cannot use your phone, GPS, or any device during the test. The examiner will give you verbal directions. If you are not sure where to go, ask the examiner to repeat the direction — that is better than guessing or looking at your phone.

What if I get lost during the driving test?

Tell the examiner you are unsure of the route and ask them to repeat the direction. Getting lost is not an automatic failure, but how you handle it matters. Stay calm, do not panic or make unsafe turns, and follow the examiner's new directions. Safe driving is more important than knowing the route perfectly.

Do I have to pass the written test before I can take the driving test?

Yes. You must pass the written test first. Once you pass, you can schedule the driving test. Some people take both on the same day if they pass the written test in the morning, but you cannot take the driving test without passing the written test first.

How long is the driving test route?

The route is usually 15 to 20 minutes of driving. It includes a mix of street types — residential, busier roads, and sometimes highway — so the examiner can see how you handle different situations. The exact route varies by location and examiner.

What if my vehicle breaks down during the test?

If your vehicle has a mechanical problem during the test, the test will be stopped and rescheduled. This is not a failure — it is a circumstance beyond your control. Schedule a new test once your vehicle is repaired and in safe working condition.