Minnesota permit tests are given at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam stations across the state, not at third-party locations or online

You take your written permit test in person at a DVS exam station. Minnesota does not offer remote testing, and private driving schools cannot administer the official test. The state runs about 90 exam stations statewide, including locations in most county seats and larger cities. You cannot take the test at a Secretary of State office or at a DMV — Minnesota's licensing agency is DVS, which is part of the state Department of Public Safety.

The test itself is the same regardless of which station you visit. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to score at least 32 correct (80 percent) to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes once you sit down, though you should plan to arrive early and allow time for check-in.

Key Takeaways

  • DVS exam stations are the only places to take the official Minnesota permit test, and you must go in person with a valid ID and proof of residence.
  • Minnesota has about 90 exam stations statewide; you can find the nearest one and check its hours on the DVS website or by calling ahead.
  • You must pass a vision screening at the station before taking the written test, so arrive with time to spare.
  • The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws and road signs, requires a score of at least 80 percent, and takes roughly 30 minutes to complete.
  • Some stations accept walk-ins, but many require you to book a time slot in advance, so check your local station's policy before you go.

How to find the DVS exam station nearest you

Go to the Minnesota DVS website and use the "Find a DVS Office" tool. Enter your city or zip code, and the tool will show you all nearby stations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours. The website also lists which stations are currently open and whether they are accepting new test-takers, since some stations occasionally close for staffing or maintenance.

Call the station directly before you go. This is the fastest way to confirm whether they take walk-ins or require an appointment, what their current wait time is, and whether they have any temporary closures. Many stations are busier on certain days of the week — typically Mondays and Tuesdays see longer lines — so calling ahead can help you pick a less crowded time.

What you need to bring to the exam station

Bring a valid photo ID and proof of your current address. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card counts as photo ID. For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. A cell phone bill or insurance document also works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You do not need to bring study materials or notes — you cannot use them during the test anyway. Do not bring your phone into the testing room. Bring your Social Security number if you know it, though the station can look it up if you do not have it memorized.

The vision screening before your written test

Before you sit down to take the written test, a DVS staff member will give you a quick vision screening. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. This is not a full eye exam — it is a pass-or-fail check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the station.

If you fail the vision screening, you cannot take the written test that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed, and bring it back to the station. Some eye doctors can fill out the form on the spot; others mail it to you. Ask your eye doctor how long the process takes before you schedule your next station visit.

Appointment versus walk-in policies vary by station

Some DVS stations take walk-ins only. Others require you to book a time slot online or by phone. A few stations use a hybrid system — they hold some slots for appointments and keep some open for walk-ins. Check your specific station's website or call to find out which system they use.

If your station requires appointments, you can usually book one to two weeks in advance through the DVS website or by calling. If you prefer to walk in, go early in the day or mid-week to avoid the longest waits. Even at walk-in stations, you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times.

What happens after you pass the written test

If you pass, the DVS staff will print your permit on the spot. Your permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. You can start driving with a licensed adult in the car right away — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.

Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. It is a physical card, not a digital document. If you lose it, you can get a replacement at any DVS station, though you may have to pay a small fee. Your permit is also your proof that you passed the written test, so do not leave it at home.

What to do if you do not pass on your first try

You can retake the test the same day at most stations, though some require you to wait a few hours or come back another day. There is usually a small fee each time you take the test. You can take it as many times as you need until you pass.

Between attempts, review the areas where you struggled. The Minnesota Driver's Manual is free on the DVS website and covers everything on the test. Many people find it helpful to take a practice test online or on paper to see which topics need more study before their next attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test at a different DVS station than the one closest to me?

Yes. You can go to any DVS exam station in Minnesota, regardless of where you live. Some people choose a station with shorter wait times or more convenient hours, even if it is farther away. Call ahead to confirm the station is open and check their appointment or walk-in policy.

Do I have to take the test in English?

Minnesota offers the written permit test in several languages, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and others. Call your local DVS station to ask which languages they offer and whether you need to request a translated test in advance. Some stations have translated tests available when ready; others may need a day or two notice.

What if I fail the vision screening but do not wear glasses?

You will need to see an eye doctor to find out whether you need vision correction. Bring the eye doctor's form back to the DVS station, and you can retake the vision screening. If the doctor says your vision is fine without correction, ask them to write that on the form so you can show it to DVS.

How long does the whole process take from arrival to leaving with my permit?

Plan for one to two hours total. This includes check-in, the vision screening, the written test, and processing your permit card. Walk-in stations during busy times may take longer. Appointment slots are usually faster because you skip the waiting room.

Can someone else pick up my permit if I cannot go back to the station?

No. You must be present to receive your permit card. The card is printed on the spot after you pass, and you need to sign it. If you cannot make it back to the station on the day you pass, you will need to arrange a time to pick it up in person.