How to book a road test appointment in Minnesota

You schedule a Minnesota road test through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) online appointment system or by calling the exam station directly. You cannot walk in without an appointment — all road tests require advance booking. The system opens appointments roughly 30 days in advance, and popular times fill quickly, especially in urban areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Before you book, you must have passed your written knowledge test and hold a valid instruction permit (also called a learner's permit). You also need a vehicle that meets Minnesota safety requirements and a licensed supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat during the test.

The road test itself takes about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — starting the vehicle, turning, backing, parking, stopping at signs, and merging — while they observe and score your performance. You need a score of at least 80 percent to pass.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your road test through the Minnesota DPS online system or by calling your local exam station; appointments open about 30 days in advance and fill quickly in cities.
  • You must hold a valid instruction permit and have passed your written test before you can schedule a road test.
  • The vehicle you use must have valid registration, insurance, and working safety equipment; the supervising driver must be at least 21 and hold a valid license.
  • Road tests take about 30 minutes and you need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day before booking another appointment.

Finding your nearest exam station and opening hours

Minnesota has exam stations in most counties, but not every location offers road tests every day. The DPS website lists all active stations and their hours. Larger cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, and Duluth typically have multiple stations with more frequent availability. Rural counties may have only one station, and it may only be open certain days of the week.

Call ahead or check the online system to see which stations have openings on dates that work for you. Some stations are busier than others — a station in a smaller town may have same-week appointments available while a city station is booked out two weeks. If your nearest station is full, checking a station 20 or 30 miles away sometimes reveals earlier openings.

Steps to book online through the DPS system

The Minnesota DPS online appointment system is the fastest way to book. Go to the DPS website, select "Schedule a Road Test," and enter your driver's license number or instruction permit number. The system will show you available dates and times at stations near your zip code.

Select a date and time that works for you. The system will ask you to confirm the vehicle you plan to use (make, model, year, and license plate) and the supervising driver's name and license number. Double-check this information — the examiner will verify it matches what you bring on test day. After you confirm, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number and bring it with you.

If the online system shows no available appointments, call the exam station directly. Some stations hold back a small number of slots for phone bookings, or staff can tell you when the next batch of appointments will open.

What documents and vehicle requirements you need

Bring your instruction permit, a photo ID (passport or state ID), and proof of vehicle insurance. The vehicle itself must have a current registration, valid license plates, and working safety equipment: headlights, taillights, brake lights, windshield wipers, and a functioning horn. The vehicle must also pass a basic safety inspection — the examiner will check these items before the test begins.

The supervising driver must bring their valid driver's license. They do not need to take a test, but they must be present and seated in the front passenger seat for the entire road test. If the supervising driver is not there or does not have a valid license, the examiner will cancel the test and you will lose your appointment slot.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all documents with you — examiners will not start the test if you are missing your permit or ID. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the station may cancel your appointment and charge a no-show fee.

What happens if you fail or need to reschedule

If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day before booking another appointment. This waiting period gives you time to practice the skills the examiner noted as weak. When you are ready, book your next appointment through the same online system or by phone.

If you need to reschedule before your test date, cancel your current appointment through the online system or call the station. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance usually do not carry a fee. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, you may be charged a cancellation or no-show fee, and you will need to book a new appointment.

Some stations allow you to reschedule directly when you call to cancel. Others require you to cancel first, then book a new slot through the online system. Ask the station staff which process they use.

Common mistakes that delay or cancel your appointment

The most common mistake is arriving without your instruction permit or photo ID. The examiner cannot start the test without these documents, and you will lose your appointment. The second most common is showing up with a vehicle that does not meet safety requirements — broken lights, expired registration, or no proof of insurance. Check your vehicle the day before your test.

A third mistake is arriving without the supervising driver or with a supervising driver who does not have a valid license. The examiner will verify the supervising driver's license before the test starts. If it is expired or suspended, the test will be cancelled.

Finally, some people book an appointment but do not understand that they must have already passed the written knowledge test. If you show up without a passing written test score on your record, the examiner will turn you away. Check your permit or call the station to confirm your written test passed before you book the road test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I book a road test in Minnesota?

The online system typically opens appointments about 30 days ahead. In busy areas, slots fill within days of opening. If you do not see availability online, call the exam station — some hold slots for phone bookings or can tell you when the next batch opens.

Can someone other than a parent or guardian supervise my road test?

Yes. The supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license, but they do not have to be a parent or relative. A friend, instructor, or other adult with a valid license can supervise.

What if I fail my road test — how soon can I retake it?

You must wait at least one business day before booking another appointment. You can book your next test as soon as that waiting period ends. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt may carry a fee.

Do I need to bring the vehicle's title or registration to the road test?

You do not need the title, but the vehicle must have current registration and valid license plates. The examiner will check the registration and insurance before the test starts. Bring proof of insurance in the vehicle.

What if my supervising driver cannot make it on the day of my appointment?

You must reschedule. The supervising driver must be present and in the front passenger seat for the entire test. If they do not show up, the examiner will cancel the appointment. Reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee.