Where to schedule your Minnesota driver's license test

You schedule your Minnesota driver's license test through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) online system or by calling their licensing office. The online system at mn.gov/dvs lets you pick your test location, date, and time without waiting on hold. If you prefer to call, the DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line can book you over the phone, though wait times vary by season.

You must have a valid Minnesota instruction permit (learner's permit) before you can schedule. The test itself happens at a DPS exam station — there are locations across the state, and you choose which one works for you when you book. Most stations offer tests on weekdays and some on Saturdays, though availability changes by location and time of year.

You cannot schedule a test more than 30 days in advance. This means you book closer to your preferred date rather than months ahead. If you need to reschedule, you can do so through the same system, though canceling and rebooking too close to your test date may limit your options.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule online at mn.gov/dvs or by phone with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety — online is faster and shows all available times at once.
  • You must hold a valid Minnesota instruction permit before booking any test.
  • Tests can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance, and you pick both your location and time slot when you book.
  • Bring your instruction permit, proof of identity, and proof of Minnesota residency to your test appointment.
  • If you fail, you can reschedule when ready through the same system, though you may need to wait a few days before retesting depending on DPS policy.

What you need before scheduling

Your Minnesota instruction permit must be valid and in your possession before you can book a test. If your permit has expired, you need to renew it first — you cannot test on an expired permit. Check the expiration date on the front of your permit card before you attempt to schedule.

You also need to know which exam station location you want to test at. The DPS website lists all active stations by city and region. Some stations are busier than others, so if you have flexibility on location, checking multiple stations may show you earlier available dates.

Have your Social Security number and Minnesota ID number (if you have one) ready when you schedule. The system will ask for these to pull up your record and confirm your permit status.

Steps to schedule online

Go to mn.gov/dvs and look for the "Schedule a Test" or "Book Your Road Test" link on the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number or Social Security number to locate your record. The system will confirm your instruction permit is active and show you which exam stations have openings.

Select your preferred location from the list of available stations. The system then displays all open time slots at that station for the next 30 days. Pick the date and time that work for you — most stations show morning and afternoon slots on weekdays, with limited Saturday availability at some locations.

Review your booking confirmation, which will include your test date, time, location address, and what to bring. Save or print this confirmation. You will need to show it or reference your booking number when you arrive for your test.

Scheduling by phone

Call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services line at the number listed on mn.gov/dvs. Have your instruction permit and Social Security number ready. A representative will confirm your permit is valid, ask which location and dates work for you, and book your test.

Phone scheduling takes longer than online booking because you are waiting for an available representative. Call times are typically shorter on weekday mornings and longer on afternoons and Fridays. If you reach a busy line, you can try again later or use the online system instead.

When you book by phone, ask the representative to email or mail your confirmation. Write down your test date, time, and location when ready after hanging up so you have it recorded.

What to bring to your test appointment

Bring your valid Minnesota instruction permit — this is required and you cannot test without it. Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or state ID card). Bring proof of Minnesota residency, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address dated within the last 60 days.

Bring your test confirmation or booking number. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in. The exam station will verify your documents and have you sign paperwork before the test begins.

Do not bring passengers into the testing area unless they are required for accessibility reasons. Leave phones and other devices in your vehicle or at home.

If you fail your test

You can reschedule when ready after failing, though Minnesota DPS policy requires you to wait a certain number of days before retesting — check the current waiting period on mn.gov/dvs or ask the exam station staff when you receive your results. You reschedule through the same online system or by phone.

You do not lose your instruction permit when you fail. Your permit remains valid, and you can take the test again as soon as the waiting period ends. Each time you test, you pay the test fee again.

Review what went wrong on your first attempt. The exam station may provide feedback on specific areas to practice. Many people find a second or third attempt successful after additional practice with a licensed driver.

Exam station locations and hours

Minnesota has DPS exam stations in most major cities and many smaller towns. The mn.gov/dvs website has a searchable map showing all active locations, their addresses, phone numbers, and current hours. Some stations are open Monday through Friday only, while others offer Saturday testing.

Hours vary by location. Urban stations typically have more time slots available than rural ones. If your nearest station is booked solid for weeks, checking a station 30 to 45 minutes away may show earlier openings.

A few stations close seasonally or for maintenance. Before you plan to test at a specific location, confirm it is currently open on mn.gov/dvs or call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a test if my instruction permit is about to expire?

You can schedule a test up to 30 days in advance as long as your permit is valid on the day you test. If your permit expires before your scheduled test date, you must renew it first. Renewing a permit is faster than the original process — you can often do it online or at a branch office the same day.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my test?

Cancel or reschedule through the same online system at mn.gov/dvs or by calling the DPS licensing office. Canceling more than a few days before your test usually has no penalty. If you cancel very close to your test date, you may lose your test fee depending on DPS policy — check the website for current cancellation rules.

How long does a road test take?

The actual driving portion typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Add 10 to 15 minutes for check-in and paperwork before the test, and a few minutes after for results. Plan to be at the exam station for about 45 minutes to an hour total.

Can I choose which examiner tests me?

No. The exam station assigns an examiner based on availability when you arrive. All examiners follow the same scoring standards and test route requirements set by Minnesota DPS.

What if the exam station I want is fully booked?

Check other nearby stations — they may have earlier openings. You can also check the same station again in a few days, as cancellations open up new slots. If you are flexible on timing, checking in off-peak seasons (late fall and winter) sometimes shows more availability than summer.