Where to schedule your Minnesota road test

You schedule your Minnesota road test through the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. You cannot schedule through a third-party website or testing center — all road tests are administered by DVS examiners at state testing locations.

The main ways to schedule are online through the DVS website, by phone at the DVS customer service line, or in person at a local DVS office. Online scheduling is fastest and shows you available dates and times when ready. Phone scheduling requires waiting for a representative, but works if you need help or have questions about what to bring.

You must have a valid instruction permit (also called a learner's permit) before you can schedule. If you do not yet have one, you will need to pass the written knowledge test first at a DVS office or testing location.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule through the official DVS website, by phone, or at a DVS office — no private testing companies handle Minnesota road tests.
  • You need a valid instruction permit before scheduling; if you do not have one yet, pass the written test first.
  • Road test availability varies by location and season, so check multiple nearby testing sites if your first choice is full.
  • Bring your instruction permit, proof of identity, and proof of vehicle insurance on test day, or your test will be cancelled.
  • Test slots fill quickly in spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you are ready rather than waiting.

Online scheduling through the DVS website

Go to mn.gov/dvs and look for the "Schedule a Road Test" or "Road Test Appointment" link. You will enter your instruction permit number, date of birth, and the county or city where you want to test. The system will show you all available dates and times at testing locations in that area.

Select a date and time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation number and an email or text confirmation (depending on how you set it up). Save this confirmation — you will need it on test day. The online system typically shows openings two to three months ahead, though this varies by location and demand.

If no times appear for your preferred location, try searching nearby counties. Some testing sites fill faster than others, and you may find an opening 20 or 30 minutes away that is sooner than your first choice.

Scheduling by phone or at a DVS office

Call the DVS customer service line to speak with a representative who can check availability and book your test. Wait times are longest during spring and early summer. If you call, have your instruction permit number and a list of dates that work for you ready before you call.

You can also walk into any DVS office and schedule in person. This works well if you are already there for another reason (such as renewing your ID) or if you prefer to talk through your options with someone face-to-face. Bring your instruction permit and proof of identity.

What to bring on your road test day

Bring your instruction permit, a valid photo ID (such as a passport or state ID), and proof of vehicle insurance. The vehicle you use for the test must be insured in your name or the name of a household member. A screenshot of your insurance card on your phone is acceptable, but a physical copy is safer in case your phone dies.

The vehicle itself must be in safe working condition: brakes, lights, wipers, and steering must all work. The examiner will do a brief safety check before the test starts. If anything is broken or missing, your test will be cancelled and you will lose your appointment slot.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you may forfeit your appointment. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out any paperwork on site.

How far in advance to schedule

Schedule as soon as you have your instruction permit and feel ready to test. In Minnesota, road test slots can fill weeks or months ahead, especially from March through August. If you wait until you think you are "ready," you may find that the nearest opening is two months away.

Scheduling early does not lock you in — if you need to reschedule, you can usually cancel or move your appointment through the DVS website or by calling. Most locations allow you to cancel up to 24 hours before your test without penalty.

Rescheduling or cancelling your test

If you need to move your test to a different date or time, log into the DVS website with your confirmation number and reschedule. You can also call to reschedule. Cancelling with less than 24 hours notice may result in losing your slot, though policies can vary by location.

If you fail your road test, you can schedule another test right away. There is no waiting period between attempts in Minnesota, but you must pay the test fee again. Many people schedule their second attempt while still at the testing location so they do not lose a good time slot.

Testing locations and wait times by region

Minnesota has DVS testing locations in most counties, but availability is not equal everywhere. The Twin Cities metro area (Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota counties) fills up fastest and often has the longest waits. Rural and smaller metro areas typically have more open slots and shorter wait times.

If you live in a busy area and cannot find an opening for weeks, check testing sites in neighboring counties. You do not have to test in the county where you live. Some people find an opening 30 or 40 minutes away that is available much sooner than their home county.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule my road test before I get my instruction permit?

No. You must have a valid instruction permit in hand before you can book a road test. If you do not have one yet, you need to pass the written knowledge test at a DVS office first. Once you pass, you receive your permit when ready and can schedule your road test right away.

What happens if I miss my road test appointment?

If you do not show up, you lose your appointment slot and your test fee. You will need to reschedule and pay again. If you know you cannot make it, cancel through the DVS website or call as soon as you know, so you do not lose the fee.

Can someone else schedule my road test for me?

Online, no — you need your own instruction permit number and date of birth to book. By phone or in person, a parent or guardian can help, but you will still need to provide your permit information. The test itself must be taken by you alone.

How long does a Minnesota road test take?

The actual driving portion usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Add 10 to 15 minutes for paperwork and the vehicle safety check before you start. Plan to be at the testing location for about 45 minutes to an hour total.

Can I use someone else's car for my road test?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is insured and the insurance is in your name or the name of a household member. The car must be safe and in working condition. You cannot use a rental car or a vehicle insured under someone else's name who does not live with you.