How to book a road test appointment in Minnesota
In Minnesota, you schedule a road test appointment through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver and Vehicle Services division. You can book online at mn.gov/dvs, by phone at 651-297-2126 (Twin Cities area) or 1-888-646-6961 (statewide), or in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office. The online system is fastest — you select your preferred location, date, and time from available slots, and you receive a confirmation number when ready.
Road tests are offered Monday through Friday at most locations, with some offices offering Saturday appointments. Wait times vary by location and season; rural areas often have shorter waits than the Twin Cities. You must schedule at least a few days in advance, though during peak periods (spring and summer) you may need to book further ahead to get your preferred date.
When you book, have your driver's license number or state ID number ready. You will also need to know which vehicle you plan to test in — the vehicle's registration and VIN help the system confirm it meets Minnesota requirements. If you do not yet have a vehicle, you can still schedule the appointment and bring a borrowed or rented vehicle on test day, as long as it is registered and insured.
Key Takeaways
- Book online at mn.gov/dvs, by phone at 651-297-2126 (Twin Cities) or 1-888-646-6961 (statewide), or in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office.
- Road tests are available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday slots; book several days in advance, especially during spring and summer.
- You need your driver's license or state ID number and the vehicle's registration and VIN to complete the booking.
- Bring your confirmation number, valid ID, and proof of insurance on test day; the vehicle must pass a pre-test safety inspection.
What documents and vehicle requirements you need before the appointment
Bring your valid Minnesota driver's license or state ID to the appointment. You will also need proof of insurance for the vehicle you are testing in — this can be a printed card, a digital image on your phone, or a letter from your insurance company. The insurance must be active on the day of the test.
The vehicle itself must pass a basic safety check before the road test begins. The examiner will verify that all lights work (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights), wipers function, mirrors are present and find, tires have adequate tread, and the horn sounds. The vehicle must have a valid registration and current inspection sticker if Minnesota requires one for your vehicle type. Seat belts must work for all occupied seats.
If you are testing in a borrowed or rental vehicle, bring the owner's permission in writing or have the owner present. Some rental companies charge extra for road test use, so check your rental agreement first. The vehicle does not need to be new or in perfect condition, but it must be safe and roadworthy.
Canceling or rescheduling your appointment
You can cancel or reschedule online through mn.gov/dvs using your confirmation number, or by calling the same numbers you used to book (651-297-2126 for Twin Cities, 1-888-646-6961 statewide). If you cancel more than 24 hours before your appointment, you can reschedule for another date without penalty. Cancellations within 24 hours may result in a fee or loss of your appointment slot, depending on the office.
If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will lose your fee and must book again. Some offices have a no-show policy that may affect future bookings, so contact them as soon as possible if an emergency prevents you from attending.
What to expect on road test day
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. The examiner will review your license, insurance, and vehicle registration, then conduct the safety inspection. This takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The road test itself typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic driving maneuvers, turns, stops, and highway driving if applicable.
You will be tested on your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, use mirrors and signals, and respond to road conditions. The examiner is assessing whether you drive safely and legally, not whether you are a perfect driver. Minor mistakes do not automatically fail you; the test focuses on whether you pose a safety risk.
After the test, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. If you pass, you will receive documentation that day. If you fail, you can reschedule another attempt; there is no waiting period between attempts in Minnesota, though you must pay the fee again.
Fees and what they cover
The road test fee in Minnesota is set by the state and covers the examiner's time and the use of the testing facility. Fees vary slightly by location but are typically in the range of $15 to $20 for a standard road test. You pay when you book online or when you arrive for an in-person appointment. Payment methods vary by location — online booking accepts credit and debit cards, while in-person offices may accept cash, check, or card.
The fee is non-refundable if you cancel within 24 hours or if you do not show up. If you reschedule more than 24 hours in advance, you typically do not pay again; the fee is transferred to your new appointment. If you fail the test, you must pay the full fee again to reschedule.
Different road test locations and their typical wait times
Minnesota has Driver and Vehicle Services offices in most counties. The Twin Cities area (Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota counties) has the most locations but also the longest wait times, especially in spring and summer. Rural and smaller metro areas like Rochester, Duluth, and St. Cloud typically have shorter waits and more flexible scheduling.
You can choose any location in the state when you book online, so if your local office is booked solid, you may find an earlier appointment 30 or 60 miles away. The online system shows all available times across all locations, so you can compare wait times before deciding. Some people find it worth the drive to get an appointment weeks sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reschedule my road test online?
Yes. Go to mn.gov/dvs, enter your confirmation number, and select a new date and time. If you reschedule more than 24 hours before your appointment, you do not pay again. Within 24 hours, you may be charged a fee or lose your slot.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can reschedule when ready with no waiting period. You must pay the test fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake the test in Minnesota, though some people find it helpful to take additional driving lessons before the next attempt.
Do I need to bring the vehicle's owner if I am testing in a borrowed car?
Not required, but it helps. Bring written permission from the owner, or have them present. Some rental companies require you to notify them before using the vehicle for a road test, so check your rental agreement first.
Can I book a road test appointment for someone else?
No. The person taking the test must book their own appointment or have someone book it in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office with their permission and ID number. Online booking requires the test-taker's information.
What if I need an interpreter for the road test?
Contact your local Driver and Vehicle Services office directly at least one week before your appointment to request an interpreter. They can arrange one for many languages, though availability varies by location. Call 651-297-2126 (Twin Cities) or 1-888-646-6961 (statewide) to make the request.