How to schedule your Minnesota road test
You schedule a Minnesota road test through the Department of Public Safety's online system or by calling a local exam station directly. The state does not assign you a test date — you pick one that works for you from available slots. Most people book 2 to 4 weeks ahead, though availability varies by location and season.
You must have a valid permit in your name before you can book. The permit itself takes 1 to 2 business days to arrive by mail after you pass the written test at an exam station. Once you have the permit in hand, you can schedule the road test when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Schedule through the Department of Public Safety website (mn.gov/dvs) or by calling your local exam station — both methods show the same available dates.
- You need your valid Minnesota permit and a vehicle that passes inspection before you can book a test date.
- Road tests are offered Monday through Friday at most stations, with some locations offering Saturday hours during peak seasons.
- Bring your permit, proof of identity, and the vehicle you will test in; the examiner will inspect it before the test begins.
- If you miss your scheduled test without canceling at least 24 hours ahead, you lose your fee and must reschedule.
Scheduling online through the Department of Public Safety website
Go to mn.gov/dvs and look for the "Schedule a Road Test" link on the homepage. You will need your Minnesota driver's license number or permit number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number to log in. The system will show you every exam station in the state and the available dates at each one.
Pick the station closest to you or the one with dates that fit your schedule. The calendar shows which days have open slots — dates in gray are full. Click on an available date and time, then confirm your vehicle information (make, model, year, and license plate). The system will send you a confirmation email with your test date, time, and the address of the station.
Save this confirmation or print it. You do not need to bring it to the test, but it proves you have an appointment if there is ever a question about your booking.
Scheduling by phone at your local exam station
Call the exam station where you want to test. The Department of Public Safety website lists phone numbers for all stations by county. When you call, have your permit number, date of birth, and vehicle information ready. The staff member will tell you which dates are open and book you for one.
Phone scheduling takes about 5 minutes. Ask the station staff to email or mail you a confirmation, or write down the date, time, and station address yourself. Some stations are busier than others — rural stations often have openings sooner than those in the Twin Cities.
What your vehicle must have before test day
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before the examiner will let you take the test. The examiner checks the brakes, lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals), windshield wipers, horn, and steering. The car must have valid registration and insurance, and the license plate must be readable.
If your vehicle fails inspection, the examiner will tell you what is broken and you can reschedule once it is fixed. You do not lose your fee if the vehicle fails — you can use the same appointment slot once repairs are done, or book a new date. Bring proof of insurance and your vehicle registration to the test.
Rescheduling or canceling your test
Cancel or reschedule through the same website where you booked, or call the exam station directly. You must cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled test time. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, you forfeit your fee and must pay again to reschedule.
If you need to move your test to a different date or station, the system lets you do that without losing your money — as long as you make the change at least 24 hours ahead. If you are sick or have an emergency on test day, call the station as soon as you can and explain. Some stations will waive the fee if you have a documented reason, but this is not may provide.
What happens between scheduling and test day
After you book, you will receive a confirmation email. Check it for the correct date, time, and station address. If anything is wrong, contact the station right away to fix it. Do not assume the system has your information correct.
About a week before your test, review the road test route for your station if it is posted online — some stations publish the streets they use. Practice driving those roads if you can. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order: check all lights, brakes, wipers, and mirrors. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early on test day with your permit, proof of identity, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a road test before my permit arrives in the mail?
No. You must have the physical permit in your possession to book a test. The permit takes 1 to 2 business days to arrive after you pass the written test. Once it arrives, you can schedule when ready.
What if all the dates at my preferred station are full?
Check stations in nearby counties or cities — they may have sooner openings. You can test at any station in Minnesota, not just the one closest to you. Some stations release new dates weekly, so check back in a few days if you want to stay local.
Do I have to test in the same vehicle I practiced in?
No, but the vehicle you bring must pass the safety inspection. The examiner does not care if it is the car you learned in. Make sure whoever owns the vehicle you are using has given you permission and that insurance and registration are current.
What if I fail the road test?
You can reschedule when ready through the website or by calling the station. There is a fee each time you test. Most people who fail can book another test within 1 to 2 weeks. You keep your permit and can practice more before your next attempt.
Can someone else schedule the test for me?
No. The online system requires your permit number and personal information. You must schedule yourself or call the station and speak to staff directly. A parent or guardian cannot book it on your behalf.