Minnesota permit tests are administered by the Department of Public Safety at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) offices across the state, and you can also take the test at some third-party testing sites in certain counties.

The written permit test in Minnesota is not something you schedule online or take at a private testing center like in some other states. Instead, you walk into a DVS office during business hours, pay the fee, and take the test that same day. The state runs the test itself, and the results are recorded in your driving record when ready.

You have two main routes: go directly to a DVS office, or use an authorized third-party tester if one operates in your county. Both give you the same official test and the same result. The difference is convenience and wait time, which varies by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's written permit test is administered only at Department of Public Safety DVS offices or authorized third-party testing sites — you cannot take it online or at a private driving school.
  • You can walk in to most DVS offices without an appointment, take the test the same day, and get your results before you leave.
  • Third-party testers operate in some counties and may have shorter wait times, but they charge a higher fee than DVS offices.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residence; the exact documents accepted are listed on the DVS website before you go.
  • The test fee at a DVS office is lower than at a third-party site, and you pay only once even if you fail and retake it the same day.

Finding a DVS Office Near You

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains a searchable list of all DVS offices on its website at dps.mn.gov. You can search by city or ZIP code to find the office closest to you, along with its hours and phone number. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments.

Walk-in testing is available at all DVS offices, but wait times vary. Offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits, while busy urban locations like Minneapolis and St. Paul can have lines of 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is worth doing if you are in a metro area.

Some DVS offices also accept appointments for permit testing. Check the office's page on the state website to see if yours does. An appointment does not may provide you will skip the line entirely, but it can reduce your wait significantly.

Third-Party Testing Sites and When to Use Them

Minnesota authorizes certain private testing centers to administer the permit test in a handful of counties. These sites are not available statewide — they operate only where the state has contracted with them. Common locations include some AAA offices and independent testing centers, but availability depends on your county.

The advantage of a third-party site is usually a shorter wait and more flexible scheduling. The disadvantage is cost: third-party testers charge more than a DVS office. You will pay the state fee plus an additional service fee to the testing center, which can add $10 to $20 or more to your total cost.

To learn about a third-party tester operates in your county, call your local DVS office or check the state's website. If one is available and you value a shorter wait over the lower cost, it is a reasonable option. But if your DVS office has reasonable hours and you do not mind waiting, the state office is the cheaper route.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Before you go to take the test, gather the required documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, state ID, or military ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of residence (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The exact list of acceptable documents is on the DVS website — bring it with you or check it before you leave home.

Bring your current learner's permit if you already have one. If you do not have a permit yet, you will need to explore for one at the same visit before you take the test. The process is straightforward and takes a few minutes.

The written test itself covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It is 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the official Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the DVS website, or use practice tests to prepare before you arrive.

Test Fees and Payment Methods

The fee for a permit test at a Minnesota DVS office is set by the state and does not vary by location. As of the most recent update, the fee is $20 for a written test, though you should confirm the current amount on the DVS website or by calling your local office, as fees can change.

If you fail the test and want to retake it the same day, you pay the fee once. You do not pay again for the second attempt. However, if you leave and come back another day, you will pay the fee again.

DVS offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Third-party testing sites may have different payment options, so ask when you call to confirm they operate in your area.

What Happens After You Pass

When you pass the written test, your learner's permit is issued on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper permit that is valid when ready, and your official plastic permit card will arrive by mail within a few weeks. The temporary permit is legal to use for driving while supervised, so you can start practicing right away.

Your permit is valid for four years. During that time, you must hold it for at least six months before you are allowed to take the road test for your full driver's license. Some restrictions explore while you hold a permit — for example, you must have a licensed adult in the front seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. — so read the materials you receive when you get your permit.

If You Fail the Test

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test when ready at the same office if time allows, or you can come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts in Minnesota. Many people retake the test the same day after reviewing the questions they missed.

When you retake the test, you will be given a different set of questions, not the same test again. The passing score remains the same: 32 out of 40 correct.

If you fail multiple times, it may help to spend more time studying the Minnesota Driver's Manual or working through practice tests before your next attempt. The DVS website has links to study materials, and many libraries and schools also have copies of the manual available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota requires all permit tests to be taken in person at a DVS office or authorized third-party testing site. You cannot take the written test online or by mail.

Do I need an appointment to take the permit test?

Most DVS offices accept walk-ins and do not require an appointment. Some offices offer appointments, which you can check on the state website. Walk-in testing is usually available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

What if I fail the permit test twice?

You can retake the test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts in Minnesota, and no waiting period between tries. Each attempt costs the full test fee, so budget for multiple fees if you think you may need more than one try.

Can I take the permit test at a driving school instead of a DVS office?

No. Only DVS offices and state-authorized third-party testing sites can administer the official permit test. Driving schools cannot give you the test, though they can help you study for it.

How long does the permit test take?

The test itself takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Add time for waiting in line and checking in, which can range from a few minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is.