How to book a retest appointment after failing the Minnesota knowledge test

If you did not pass the written driving knowledge test in Minnesota, you can schedule a retest through the same system you used for your first attempt. You book through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling your local Driver and Vehicle Services office. There is no waiting period between attempts — you can retest the same day if an appointment slot is open, though most people schedule within a few days to study more.

The retest costs the same as the original test: $10.25 for the written knowledge test. You will need to bring the same documents you brought the first time — your current ID, proof of residency, and your test receipt or confirmation number showing you took the first exam. The test itself is identical in format and length to what you took before, with 40 multiple-choice questions covering Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your retest through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling your local Driver and Vehicle Services office — the same place you booked your first test.
  • You can retest when ready or wait weeks; there is no mandatory waiting period between attempts in Minnesota.
  • Bring your original ID, proof of residency, and your first test receipt or confirmation number to your retest appointment.
  • The retest fee is $10.25, the same as the original test, and you must pass with a score of 80 percent or higher.
  • If you fail a second time, you can schedule another retest right away, but many people take a longer break to study the Minnesota Driver's Manual more thoroughly.

Booking your retest through the online appointment system

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety operates an online appointment booking system at mn.gov/dvs. Go to the "Schedule an Appointment" section and select "Knowledge Test" as the service type. The system will show you available dates and times at Driver and Vehicle Services offices near your zip code. Slots fill quickly in urban areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul, so check multiple office locations if your preferred time is full.

When you book online, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, and office location. Print this confirmation or save it to your phone — you will need to show it when you arrive. The online system lets you cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment without penalty. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your fee and have to book again.

Calling to schedule by phone

If you prefer to book by phone or the online system is not working, call your local Driver and Vehicle Services office directly. The main number for Minnesota DVS is 651-296-6911, but you can also search for your nearest office on the state website and call that location. Phone lines are busiest on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons, so calling mid-week usually means shorter wait times.

When you call, have your driver's license number or ID number ready, along with your first test receipt if you have it. The staff member will ask which office location you prefer and what days and times work for you. They will give you an appointment time on the phone and may email or mail a confirmation. Write down the date, time, and office address before you hang up.

What to bring to your retest appointment

Bring the same documents you brought to your first test: a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. You should also bring your first test receipt or confirmation number if you have it — this helps the staff pull up your record and confirm you are retesting rather than taking the test for the first time.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. The office will verify your identity, collect your fee, and direct you to a testing station. Bring a pen if the office allows it, though most testing stations provide one. Do not bring your phone, notes, or study materials into the testing area — these are not permitted and will result in your test being canceled.

Understanding the retest format and passing score

The Minnesota knowledge test is the same whether you are taking it for the first time or retesting. You will answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the testing station. The questions cover Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete the test, though most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes.

You must score at least 80 percent to pass, which means getting 32 out of 40 questions correct. Your score appears on the screen when ready after you finish. If you pass, you will receive a printed certificate or receipt showing your passing score — keep this for your records and bring it when you explore for your driver's license. If you do not pass, the staff will tell you your score and you can schedule another retest right away or come back later.

How long retest appointments typically take

Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes at the Driver and Vehicle Services office for your retest appointment. This includes 10 to 15 minutes for check-in and document verification, 30 minutes for the test itself (though you may finish faster), and a few minutes to receive your results and any paperwork. During busy times, check-in may take longer if there is a line ahead of you.

Appointment times are usually scheduled 30 minutes apart, so if your appointment is at 2:00 p.m., you should plan to be done by 2:45 p.m. If you are running late, call the office when ready — some offices will still see you if you arrive within 15 minutes of your scheduled time, but others may cancel your appointment and charge your fee.

What to do if you fail the retest

If you do not pass your second attempt, you can schedule another retest when ready. There is no limit to how many times you can retest in Minnesota, and no mandatory waiting period between attempts. However, failing twice in a row usually means you need more study time. The Minnesota Driver's Manual is available free on the DVS website and covers everything on the test in detail.

Many people find it helpful to take a week or two between retests to study specific topics they struggled with. You can also ask the staff at the testing station which sections of the test you missed most — they cannot tell you the exact questions, but they can point you toward the chapters in the manual you should focus on. Some Driver and Vehicle Services offices offer study sessions or can recommend local driving schools that offer classroom instruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I retest the same day I fail?

Yes, if an appointment slot is open at your office. You can ask the staff at the testing station whether same-day retesting is available, or you can check the online appointment system right after you get your results. Same-day retests are rare in busy urban offices but more common in smaller towns.

Do I have to pay the fee again for each retest?

Yes, each retest costs $10.25, the same as your first test. There are no discounts for retesting, and you must pay the fee at each appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours, you may be able to use your fee for a future appointment, but policies vary by office.

What if I lose my first test receipt?

You do not need it to retest, though it helps. Bring your ID and proof of residency, and the staff can look up your first test in the system using your name and driver's license number. If they cannot find it, you may be charged as if you are taking the test for the first time, so try to locate your receipt before your appointment.

Can I retest at a different office than my first test?

Yes, you can retest at any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. The test results are recorded in the state system, so any office can see that you took the test before. Choose whichever office location is most convenient for your schedule.

What happens if I pass the retest?

You will receive a printed certificate or receipt showing your passing score. Keep this document — you will need to bring it when you explore for your driver's license at a Driver and Vehicle Services office. The certificate is valid for one year, so you have 12 months to complete your license process after passing the knowledge test.