Minnesota permit test fees and what they cover

Minnesota's written permit test costs $10 when you take it at a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. This fee covers the test itself — the written exam that checks your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You pay this amount once per test attempt, so if you do not pass on your first try, you pay $10 again to retake it.

The $10 fee is separate from other costs you will encounter when getting your license. If you pass the permit test and later take the road test (the driving portion), that costs an additional $10. Your actual permit card or license also has its own fee, which varies depending on how long you want it valid — typically $20 to $30 for a permit that lasts a few years.

You cannot take the permit test online in Minnesota. You must go in person to a DVS office, bring the required documents, and take the test there. The office will collect your $10 fee at that time, whether you pass or fail.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's written permit test costs $10 per attempt at any Driver and Vehicle Services office.
  • You must pay the $10 fee each time you retake the test if you do not pass on your first try.
  • The permit test fee is separate from the $10 road test fee and the $20–$30 permit card fee.
  • You take the test in person at a DVS office; there is no online option for the written exam.

What documents and fees you need to bring

When you go to take your permit test, bring your $10 fee in cash or card — DVS offices accept both. You will also need to bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax document), and proof of your Minnesota address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).

If you are under 18, you may need additional documents depending on your situation. Bring whatever identification you have. The DVS staff will tell you on the spot if something is missing, and you can usually go home and come back with it rather than losing your $10 fee.

Do not assume you can pay online or by mail. The $10 must be paid at the office when you show up to take the test. If you do not have the fee with you, the office will not let you test that day.

How to find a DVS office and schedule your test

Minnesota does not require you to schedule an appointment for the permit test at most DVS offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices have started using appointment systems, so check the Minnesota Secretary of State website or call your local DVS office before you go. This takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

To find the DVS office nearest you, go to the Secretary of State website and use their office locator tool. Enter your city or zip code, and it will show you the address, phone number, and hours for every office in your area. Call ahead if you are unsure whether they take walk-ins or require appointments.

DVS offices are typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days a week. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Plan to spend 30 to 60 minutes at the office, including waiting time.

What the permit test covers and how it is scored

The written permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass — that is 80 percent. The test is based on the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which you can read free online or pick up at any DVS office.

The test is not timed, so you can take as long as you need to answer each question. You will sit at a computer terminal in the DVS office and answer the questions on screen. The computer tells you when ready whether you passed or failed.

If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or come back another day — your choice. Each retake costs another $10. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the manual between tries.

Retake fees and limits on how many times you can test

Minnesota does not limit how many times you can retake the permit test. You can take it as many times as you need, paying $10 each time. There is no waiting period between attempts — if you fail in the morning, you can retake it in the afternoon at the same office or a different one.

However, if you fail the test three times in a row, some DVS offices may ask you to wait a few days or suggest you study more before your next attempt. This is not a rule; it is staff discretion. Call your local office if you are concerned about this.

Keep in mind that each retake costs $10, so if you take the test five times, you will pay $50 in test fees alone. Spending a few hours studying the Minnesota Driver's Manual before your first attempt is much cheaper than paying for multiple retakes.

How long your permit is valid after you pass

Once you pass the written permit test, you receive a instruction permit (sometimes called a learner's permit). This permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

If you do not take your road test within that year, your permit expires and you have to retake the written test. You would pay another $10 for the written test and another $10–$30 for a new permit card. This is why it is worth scheduling your road test within a few months of passing the written test.

If you pass the road test before your permit expires, you receive your full driver's license. The license fee depends on how long you want it valid — typically $20 to $30 for a four-year license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test at a different DVS office than the one near my home?

Yes. You can take the test at any DVS office in Minnesota, regardless of where you live. The test is the same everywhere, and the $10 fee is the same. If one office is more convenient than another, go there.

What happens if I fail the permit test?

You receive your results when ready on the computer screen. The DVS staff will give you a paper showing which questions you missed. You can retake the test the same day or another day — each retake costs $10. There is no limit on how many times you can try.

Do I have to pay the $10 fee if I do not show up for my test?

If you walk in without an appointment and decide not to test, you do not pay anything. If you scheduled an appointment and do not show up, policies vary by office — call ahead to ask. Most offices do not charge a no-show fee, but some may.

Can I use my phone or notes during the permit test?

No. The permit test is proctored, meaning a DVS staff member watches while you take it. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any outside materials. You answer the questions on a computer at the DVS office with no outside help.

Is the $10 permit test fee the same for everyone?

Yes. The $10 fee applies to all first-time permit test takers and anyone retaking the test. There are no discounts or reduced fees based on age, income, or other factors.