How to schedule your Minnesota road test
You schedule a Minnesota Class D driver's license road test through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or by calling their road test scheduling line. The state does not allow walk-ins for road tests — you must have a confirmed appointment. You can book your test online at mn.gov/dvs under the "Schedule a Road Test" section, or call 651-297-3298 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time).
When you schedule, you will need your instruction permit number (the temporary permit you received after passing the written knowledge test), your date of birth, and a choice of test location and date. Minnesota has multiple exam stations across the state — the website shows which ones have openings. Most stations book appointments 2 to 4 weeks in advance, though availability varies by location and season.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule through mn.gov/dvs online or by calling 651-297-3298; walk-ins are not accepted for road tests.
- You must have your instruction permit number and a valid temporary permit in hand before you can book an appointment.
- Bring your permit, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a vehicle that passes the pre-test safety check on the day of your test.
- Road test appointments typically open 2 to 4 weeks ahead, and cancellations can sometimes free up earlier slots if you check the website regularly.
- If you fail, you can reschedule when ready through the same system, though you may need to wait for the next available opening at your chosen location.
What you need before you can book
Your instruction permit (also called a learner's permit) must be valid and in your possession. This is the temporary document you received after passing the written knowledge test at a DPS exam station. The permit number appears on the front of the card and is required to schedule a road test.
You also need to know which vehicle you will use for the test. The vehicle must be registered in Minnesota (or a neighboring state if you live near the border) and must have current insurance. On test day, the examiner will do a brief safety check of the vehicle — headlights, brake lights, windshield wipers, horn, and seatbelts must all work. Bring proof of registration and proof of insurance with you.
Scheduling online versus by phone
The online system at mn.gov/dvs is usually faster if you know which location and date you prefer. You can see all available slots for each exam station, pick the one that works for you, and confirm when ready. The system sends you a confirmation email with your appointment details.
Calling 651-297-3298 works if you prefer to speak with someone or if you are having trouble with the website. The phone line staff can also tell you which locations have the shortest wait times or answer questions about what to bring. Wait times to reach someone can be 10 to 20 minutes during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).
How far in advance to schedule
Most Minnesota exam stations open their schedules 2 to 4 weeks ahead. This means if you call or check the website on a Monday, you will typically see openings starting 14 to 28 days out. During busy seasons (spring and summer), slots fill faster and may open only 2 weeks ahead. In slower months, you may find openings 4 weeks or more in advance.
If you do not see an opening at your preferred location, check back a few days later — cancellations happen regularly and free up slots. Some people find it useful to check the website every few days in the week before their target test date, as cancellations often appear 3 to 7 days ahead.
What to bring and what to expect on test day
Bring your instruction permit (the physical card), your proof of vehicle registration, and your proof of insurance. The examiner will verify these documents before you start. You do not need to bring your Social Security card, passport, or other ID — your permit is sufficient.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The examiner will do a quick safety check of the vehicle (lights, wipers, horn, brakes, seatbelts), then take you on a 15- to 20-minute drive through local streets. You will be asked to perform basic maneuvers: parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The test is pass or fail — there is no partial credit. If you pass, you will receive your Class D license on the spot (or a temporary one if the permanent card needs to be mailed). If you fail, you can reschedule for another attempt.
Rescheduling if you need to cancel or fail
If you need to cancel your appointment, log back into mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-3298 to cancel at least 24 hours before your test. Canceling frees up the slot for other people and lets you rebook at a different time without penalty.
If you fail the road test, you can reschedule when ready through the same system. There is no waiting period between attempts in Minnesota, but you will need to find an available slot at an exam station. Some people fail and book their next attempt within a few days; others wait a week or two to practice more. Each attempt is treated as a new appointment, so you go through the scheduling system again.
Exam station locations and wait times
Minnesota has exam stations in the Twin Cities metro area, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, and several other cities. The mn.gov/dvs website shows all active locations and their current availability. Urban stations (Minneapolis, St. Paul) tend to fill up faster than rural ones, so if you are flexible on location, checking a station 30 to 60 miles away may show earlier openings.
Some people are willing to travel to get a sooner appointment. For example, a test slot in a smaller city might be available 10 days out while the nearest metro station shows 4 weeks. The choice depends on how soon you need to test and how far you are willing to drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a road test if my instruction permit is expired?
No. Your permit must be valid on the day of your test. If it has expired, you will need to renew it at a DPS exam station before you can schedule a road test. Renewal is usually quick and costs a small fee.
What if I do not have proof of insurance on test day?
You will not be allowed to take the test. Proof of insurance is required by law. Bring a current insurance card, a printed declaration page from your insurer, or a digital copy on your phone that shows your name, vehicle, and policy dates.
Can someone else take the road test for me?
No. You must be the person taking the test. The examiner will verify your identity against your instruction permit before you begin. The test is designed to assess your individual driving skills.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You receive a written explanation of what you did wrong. You can reschedule for another attempt right away through mn.gov/dvs. There is no limit on how many times you can test, though you will pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after more practice.
Do I need to use the same vehicle for every test attempt?
No. You can use a different vehicle as long as it is registered, insured, and passes the safety check. Some people borrow a different car for their second attempt if they felt uncomfortable with the first vehicle.