How to book your Minnesota driver's license test
You schedule your Minnesota driver's license test through the Department of Public Safety's online system or by phone. The state does not allow walk-ins for testing—you must have an appointment. You can book your test for either the written exam (knowledge test) or the road test (driving exam), or both on the same day if you have already passed the written portion.
The online scheduling system is the fastest route. Go to mn.gov/dvs and select "Schedule an Exam" from the homepage. You will need your Minnesota ID number or Social Security number to log in. If you do not have an online account, you can create one during the booking process. The system shows you available dates and times at testing locations near you, and you can reserve a slot when ready.
If you prefer to schedule by phone, call the Department of Public Safety's Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298. Wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Have your ID number or Social Security number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Book your test online at mn.gov/dvs or by phone at 651-297-3298; walk-ins are not accepted.
- You can schedule a written test, a road test, or both on the same day if you have already passed the written exam.
- Testing locations vary across Minnesota, and the online system shows which ones have openings near you.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to your appointment, or you will be turned away.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid losing your slot.
What documents you need to bring
Bring three things to your test appointment: a current photo ID, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have all three, the testing center will not let you test, and you will lose your appointment slot.
For photo ID, bring your current passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. A school ID or work ID does not count. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and Minnesota address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.
If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also be present at the appointment. Bring their photo ID as well.
Written test (knowledge test) scheduling
The written test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any time once you have a learner's permit or are old enough to test (age 16 for a Class D license). The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
Testing locations are spread across the state at Department of Public Safety Driver Exam Stations. The online booking system shows you which stations near you have openings. Some locations fill up weeks in advance, especially in the Twin Cities area, so book early if you have a specific date in mind. Off-peak times—Tuesday through Thursday mornings—often have more availability than Friday afternoons or weekends.
You can retake the written test if you fail, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can take it.
Road test (driving exam) scheduling
The road test checks your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. You must have held a valid learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. The test lasts about 30 minutes and includes driving on city streets, highways, and parking maneuvers.
Road test appointments fill up faster than written test slots, especially during spring and summer. Book as soon as you know you will be ready. You must bring the vehicle you will be tested in to your appointment—it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle cannot have any warning lights on the dashboard, and all lights, wipers, and mirrors must work.
If you fail the road test, you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt. You can take it as many times as you need.
Testing locations across Minnesota
Minnesota has Driver Exam Stations in most counties, but the number and location of stations varies by region. The Twin Cities area (Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota counties) has the most stations and the shortest wait times for appointments. Greater Minnesota has fewer stations, so residents in rural areas may need to travel farther or wait longer for an opening.
The online scheduling system at mn.gov/dvs shows every station with current availability. You can filter by county or by distance from your ZIP code. Some stations are open Monday through Friday only; others have limited Saturday hours. Check the hours for the location you choose before you book, because some close for lunch or have afternoon-only testing.
If the nearest station has no openings for weeks, you can look at stations in neighboring counties. There is no rule requiring you to test at a station in your home county.
What happens if you miss or need to reschedule
Cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your test time through the online system at mn.gov/dvs or by calling 651-297-3298. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, you lose your appointment slot and must book a new one. Some locations may also charge a no-show fee, though this varies.
If you need to reschedule, the online system usually shows you new available times when ready. If you call, the staff member can often move you to a different date while you are on the phone. Rescheduling does not cost extra.
If you miss your appointment and want to test soon, book as early as possible the next day, because slots fill quickly. Do not assume you can walk in to a testing center without an appointment—you cannot.
Preparing for your test appointment
For the written test, study the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free on the Department of Public Safety website. It covers all the topics on the exam. Take practice tests online through the state website to get used to the question format. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
For the road test, practice driving in different conditions—city streets, highways, parking lots, and residential areas. Make sure you are comfortable with three-point turns, parallel parking, and merging. Have someone experienced ride with you to give feedback. On test day, get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast, and leave early to avoid rushing. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment time.
Bring your learner's permit to the road test. You will also need to show proof that the vehicle is insured and registered. The examiner will do a quick safety check of the vehicle before you start, so make sure all lights work, wipers are in good condition, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule both the written and road test on the same day?
Yes, if you have already passed the written test. You cannot take both on the same day if you have not yet passed the written exam. Once you pass the written test, you can book a road test appointment for the same day at the same location, or schedule them on different days.
How far in advance can I book my test?
You can book up to 60 days in advance through the online system. If you need a test sooner than what is available online, call 651-297-3298 to ask about cancellations or other options. Some testing centers may have openings that appear only when you call.
What if I fail my test—how soon can I retake it?
You must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt at either the written or road test. There is no limit to how many times you can take either test. Book your next appointment as soon as you know you want to retake it, because slots fill up quickly.
Do I need to bring my vehicle to the written test?
No. Bring your vehicle only to the road test appointment. For the written test, bring only your ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
What if I cannot find an appointment near me?
Check testing stations in neighboring counties through the online system. You can test at any station in Minnesota, not just one in your home county. If all nearby stations are full, call 651-297-3298 to ask about waitlists or cancellations, or check the online system again in a few days when new slots may open.