How to Schedule Your Minnesota Permit Test

How to Schedule Your Minnesota Permit Test

To schedule your Minnesota permit test, you contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in your county and book an appointment. You cannot take the test without scheduling first — walk-ins are not accepted. The appointment system lets you choose a date and time that works for you, usually within one to three weeks of when you call or book online.

Minnesota has two ways to schedule: by phone or through the online appointment system on the DVS website. The phone route is faster if you have questions about what to bring or which office is nearest you. The online system works if you already know which location you want and can navigate the booking form.

Key Takeaways

• Contact your county's DVS office by phone or use the online appointment system at the Minnesota Secretary of State website to book a permit test date.
• You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency to your appointment.
• The written permit test costs a fee that varies slightly by county, typically between $10 and $15.
• Test appointments fill up during peak seasons, so scheduling several weeks ahead increases your chances of getting your preferred date and time.

Scheduling by Phone with Your County DVS Office

Call the DVS office in the county where you live. You can find the phone number by searching "Minnesota DVS [your county name]" or by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State website and using their office locator. When you call, have your Social Security number ready — the staff member will need it to create your appointment record.

Tell them you want to schedule a permit test (also called a knowledge test or written test). They will ask you what dates and times work for you and will show you what slots are open. Most offices have appointments available on weekdays during business hours, and some offer limited evening or Saturday slots. Once you pick a time, they will give you a confirmation number and tell you exactly what documents to bring.

If you are under 18, ask whether a parent or guardian needs to be present at the appointment. Rules vary slightly by county, so confirming this by phone saves a wasted trip.

Using the Online Appointment System

Go to the Minnesota Secretary of State website and look for the DVS appointment booking system. You will enter your county, then see a calendar of available dates. Click on a date that works for you, select a time slot, and follow the prompts to confirm. The system will ask for your name, date of birth, and contact information.

The online system shows you availability in real time, so you can see exactly which days have openings before you commit. This is useful if you have a flexible schedule and want to find the soonest available slot. After you complete the booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and a list of documents to bring.

If the online system is not working or you cannot find your county listed, call the DVS office directly instead. Technical issues are rare, but phone scheduling is always an option.

What Documents to Bring to Your Appointment

Bring an original or certified copy of your Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or school ID), and proof that you live in Minnesota. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or school enrollment letter — it must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a Social Security card, bring your Social Security number written down and a birth certificate or passport instead. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.

Bring your confirmation number or appointment email. While staff can look up your appointment by name and date of birth, having the confirmation number speeds the check-in process.

The Permit Test Itself

The Minnesota permit test has 40 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass (an 80 percent score). The test is taken on a computer at the DVS office, and you will get your results when ready after you finish.

If you pass, you will receive your permit on the spot. If you do not pass, you can schedule another test appointment, usually within a few days. There is no waiting period between failed attempts in Minnesota, though you do pay the test fee again.

The test is offered in English and several other languages. When you schedule, let the office know if you need an interpreter or a test in a language other than English.

Test Fees and Payment

The permit test fee is set by Minnesota state law and is the same across all counties. The current fee is $10.50 for the written test. Payment is due at your appointment — bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Some offices may have a preference, so ask when you schedule.

If you fail the test and need to retake it, you pay the fee again at your next appointment. There is no refund if you pass on your first try or if you need to reschedule your appointment.

Rescheduling or Canceling Your Appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, contact the DVS office as soon as you know. You can call the office or, if you booked online, check whether the system allows you to modify your appointment directly. Most offices will reschedule you at no extra charge if you give at least 24 hours notice.

If you cancel without rescheduling, you lose your test fee. If you need to cancel because of a genuine emergency, call the office and explain — some offices may refund or credit your fee, but this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a permit test online, or do I have to call?

Minnesota offers both. The online system at the Secretary of State website is faster if you know your county and preferred dates. Calling your county DVS office works if you have questions or if the online system is not working. Both methods book the same appointments.

How far in advance should I schedule?

Schedule at least two to three weeks ahead, especially during spring and summer when more people are testing. If you schedule only a few days before, you may find all nearby slots full and have to travel to a different county or wait several weeks.

What if I fail the permit test?

You can schedule another appointment when ready — there is no waiting period in Minnesota. You pay the test fee again. Most people who fail can retake the test within a few days if they study the material and schedule quickly.

Do I need a parent or guardian at my appointment if I am under 18?

Requirements vary by county. Some counties require a parent or guardian to be present; others do not. Ask when you schedule so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

What happens after I pass the permit test?

You receive your permit when ready at the DVS office. Your permit is valid for one year and allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car. You can then schedule your road test (driving test) once you have held the permit for the required time and met any other conditions your county has.