Book your Minnesota driving test through the Department of Public Safety website or by phone

Minnesota residents schedule driving tests through the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS), not through local offices. You can book your appointment online at mn.gov/dvs or by calling the DPS at 651-297-3298. The online system lets you pick your test location and preferred date; the phone line works if you need help navigating the booking or have questions about what to bring.

You must have a valid learner's permit (instruction permit) before you can schedule a test. The permit itself is obtained separately through the same DPS system and costs a fee that varies depending on your age and permit type. Once you have the permit in hand, you can book the driving test appointment when ready — there is no waiting period between getting the permit and scheduling the test.

Test appointments fill up weeks in advance in busy areas, especially in the Twin Cities and other urban centers. If your preferred location and date are full, you can either choose a different time or location, or call back periodically to check for cancellations. Some people find it faster to travel to a less-busy testing station outside their when ready area.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your driving test through mn.gov/dvs or by calling 651-297-3298; Minnesota does not accept appointments through local offices.
  • You must have a valid learner's permit before booking a driving test, and the permit is obtained through the same DPS system.
  • Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and the vehicle you will use for the test on your appointment day.
  • Test slots fill weeks ahead in urban areas, so book as soon as your permit arrives or check for cancellations if your preferred date is full.
  • The test itself takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, road rules, and safe driving decisions.

What documents and vehicle you need on test day

Bring your learner's permit, a photo ID (driver's license from another state, passport, or state ID card), and proof of Minnesota residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance document dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and address.

The vehicle you use for the test must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors all work before the test begins. If anything is broken or missing, the test will be rescheduled. Bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance as well — the examiner will ask to see them.

The vehicle must have a working seatbelt for both the driver and examiner. If you are using someone else's car, that person does not need to be present, but the registration must match the vehicle. Some testing stations have specific rules about vehicle size or type, so if you are planning to use an unusual vehicle (a truck with a very high step, for example), call ahead to confirm it will be accepted.

How the test is structured and what the examiner checks

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on public roads near the testing station. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches how you handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers and pedestrians. You will be asked to perform specific maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, lane changes — and to demonstrate that you understand road signs and right-of-way rules.

The examiner is looking for safe decision-making, not perfection. Minor mistakes like slightly overshooting a turn or hesitating at an intersection do not automatically fail you. Serious errors — running a red light, hitting a curb hard, failing to yield when required, or driving too fast — will result in failure. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on availability.

Before the test begins, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate that you can operate basic controls: turn on the headlights, wipers, and turn signals; honk the horn; and adjust the mirrors. This takes a few minutes and is not graded as part of the test itself, but if something does not work, the test will be postponed.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to reschedule, log into your account on mn.gov/dvs and cancel the appointment, then book a new one. You can also call 651-297-3298 to cancel and rebook. Canceling more than 24 hours before your appointment does not cost anything. If you cancel within 24 hours, you may lose your fee, depending on the testing station's policy.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will lose your fee and have to pay again to book a new test. If you are running late on the day of your test, call the testing station directly — some will wait a few minutes, but most will not reschedule you without charging another fee.

What happens after you pass the test

If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will receive a temporary driving permit that is valid for a limited time while your official license is being printed and mailed. The temporary permit allows you to drive without a licensed adult in the car — something your learner's permit did not allow.

Your official driver's license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. The address on file with the DPS is where it will be sent, so make sure your address is current before your test. If you move before the license arrives, you can update your address on mn.gov/dvs or at a local driver's license office.

If you fail the test, you will be told which areas need work — for example, "parallel parking" or "following traffic signs." You can schedule another test as soon as the next available appointment, and there is no required waiting period between attempts in Minnesota.

Testing station locations and wait times

Minnesota has testing stations in most counties, with the largest number in the Twin Cities area. Urban stations (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester) book up fastest and may have wait times of three to six weeks. Smaller towns and rural areas often have openings within one to two weeks.

When you book online, the system shows you available dates at each location, so you can see which stations have the soonest openings. If you are flexible about location, choosing a station 30 or 40 miles away can sometimes cut your wait time in half. The test itself is the same regardless of location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a test before I get my learner's permit?

No. You must have a valid learner's permit in hand before booking a driving test. The permit is a separate transaction through the DPS and takes a few days to arrive by mail after you pass the written knowledge test. Once it arrives, you can book your driving test when ready.

What if I fail the test — how soon can I try again?

Minnesota does not impose a waiting period between test attempts. You can schedule your next test as soon as an appointment is available, which could be within days or weeks depending on how busy your local station is. You will need to pay the test fee again.

Do I have to test in the county where I live?

No. You can schedule your test at any DPS testing station in Minnesota, even if it is far from your home. Some people choose stations in less-busy areas to get an earlier appointment. The test location does not affect your license once you pass.

What if the vehicle I planned to use breaks down before my test?

Call the testing station as soon as possible and ask about rescheduling. If you cancel more than 24 hours ahead, you should not lose your fee. You can use a different vehicle for your rescheduled test as long as it is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Can someone else take the test for me or sit in the car during the test?

No. You must take the test yourself, and only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during the test. The person whose car you are using does not need to be present, but they cannot sit in the car during the exam.