Where to book your Minnesota road test appointment

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

The main ways to schedule are online through the DVS website, by phone, or in person at a DVS office. Online scheduling is the fastest route and lets you see available dates and times when ready. The phone line is 651-297-3298, and staff can book you for the next available slot in your area.

When you contact DVS, have your driver's license number or ID number ready, along with your vehicle information (make, model, year, and license plate). You will also need to know which testing station is closest to you — Minnesota has stations in most counties, and you can test at any of them regardless of where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota road tests are scheduled only through the Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services, either online, by phone at 651-297-3298, or at a DVS office in person.
  • You must bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to the test appointment.
  • Road test wait times vary by location and season, ranging from a few days to several weeks depending on demand at your testing station.
  • You can reschedule or cancel an appointment through the same method you used to book it, though cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • If you fail the road test, you can reschedule another attempt, but you must wait at least one business day before testing again at the same station.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three things to your road test appointment: your current driver's license or state ID, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. The registration and insurance documents can be physical copies or digital copies on your phone — DVS accepts both.

The vehicle you test in must match the registration you bring. If you are testing in someone else's vehicle, bring their registration and insurance documents, and they do not need to be present. The vehicle itself must pass a basic safety check — working brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and steering. DVS examiners inspect these before the test begins.

If your license or ID is expired or suspended, you cannot test. You must renew or restore it first through DVS. If you are a new resident of Minnesota or have an out-of-state license, you still need a valid ID to test — bring your out-of-state license along with any Minnesota paperwork you have received.

How long the wait typically is

Wait times for road test appointments in Minnesota vary widely by location and time of year. In rural counties, you might find an opening within a few days. In the Twin Cities area and other urban centers, waits often run two to four weeks, and during peak seasons (spring and summer) can stretch to six weeks or longer.

The online scheduling system shows you available dates at the moment you book, so you can see exactly how far out the next opening is at your chosen station. If the wait is longer than you want, you can check a different testing station — sometimes a station 20 or 30 miles away has sooner availability.

Cancellations do open up slots, and if you check the online system regularly or call DVS, you may find an earlier date. Some people reschedule after failing a test and find an opening sooner than their original appointment was.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

You can reschedule or cancel through the same method you used to book. If you scheduled online, log back into the DVS system and modify your appointment. If you booked by phone, call 651-297-3298 to make changes. If you booked in person at a DVS office, you can return to that office or call to reschedule.

Try to cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you cancel with less notice or do not show up, you may lose your slot and have to book again, which could mean waiting several more weeks. If you know you cannot make it, contact DVS as soon as possible.

If you need to reschedule because of a documented emergency or hardship, DVS may accommodate you, but this is handled case by case. Call the office where you have your appointment scheduled to explain the situation.

What happens if you fail the road test

If you do not pass the road test, you receive a written report explaining what you did not do correctly. You can reschedule another attempt, but you must wait at least one business day before testing again at the same station. Some stations have a policy of not allowing two tests on the same day.

When you reschedule after a failure, you go back into the regular queue, so your next appointment may be weeks away depending on how busy the station is. You pay the test fee again for each attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but each failure means another wait and another fee.

Between attempts, review the specific areas where you struggled — parallel parking, lane changes, stopping distance, or following instructions. Many people find it helpful to practice with an instructor or experienced driver before scheduling the next test.

Testing station locations and hours

Minnesota has DVS testing stations in most counties. The main urban stations are in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and Mankato, but there are also stations in smaller cities and towns. The DVS website has a full list of stations with their addresses and hours.

Most stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended hours or limited Saturday availability. Hours vary by location, so check the specific station's schedule before you book.

If you live far from any testing station, you can test at any station in the state — there is no requirement to test in your home county. Some people travel to a less busy station to get an earlier appointment, which can be worth the drive if the wait at your local station is very long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a road test online if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes, you can schedule online with an out-of-state license as long as it is valid and not expired. Bring the out-of-state license to your appointment along with any Minnesota paperwork you have. If you are a new Minnesota resident, you may need to provide proof of residency, so check the DVS website for your specific situation.

What if I need to reschedule my appointment but the website won't let me?

Call DVS at 651-297-3298 or visit a local DVS office in person. Phone and in-person options sometimes work when the online system is full or experiencing issues. Staff can reschedule you over the phone or at the office when ready.

Do I have to test in the same vehicle I will be driving after I get my license?

No. You can test in any vehicle that is registered and insured, even if you will drive a different car later. The test checks your driving skills, not your ability to drive a specific vehicle. The car you test in just needs to be safe and legal to drive.

How much does a Minnesota road test cost?

The road test fee varies and can change, so check the DVS website or call 651-297-3298 for the current amount. You pay the fee at the time of your test, and you pay again if you need to reschedule and test a second time.

Can someone else take the road test for me?

No. You must be the person taking the test. The examiner verifies your identity against your license or ID before the test begins. The test is designed to assess your individual driving ability.