How to book a road test appointment in Minnesota

In Minnesota, you book your road test through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) online system or by phone. You cannot walk in without an appointment — all road tests are by reservation only. You must have a valid instruction permit (not a learner's permit) before you can schedule, and you need to book at least a few days in advance, though wait times vary by location and season.

The easiest route is the online system at mn.gov/dvs, where you can see available dates and times at your chosen test station when ready. If you prefer to call, the DPS phone line is available during business hours, but you will wait longer and have fewer time slots to choose from. Either way, you will need your instruction permit number and a valid email address or phone number to receive your appointment confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold a valid Minnesota instruction permit before booking a road test; a learner's permit does not may have access to.
  • Book online at mn.gov/dvs to see all available appointment times, or call the DPS phone line during business hours if you prefer to book by phone.
  • Road test appointments fill up faster in spring and summer, so book as soon as you are ready to test rather than waiting.
  • Bring your instruction permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and a vehicle that passes the safety inspection on test day.
  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid losing your fee.

What you need before you can book

Your instruction permit must be valid and in your possession. If your permit has expired, you will need to renew it before the DPS system will let you schedule a test. Check the expiration date on the front of your permit card — it is usually good for four years from the date it was issued.

You also need proof that you have completed the required supervised driving hours. Minnesota requires at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night, before you can take the road test. When you book online or by phone, you will be asked to confirm that you have met these requirements. Lying about this will not prevent you from booking, but if the examiner suspects you lack experience, they can fail you on the test itself.

Have your email address or phone number ready — the DPS will send your confirmation and any updates to one of these. If your contact information has changed since you got your permit, update it before you book.

Booking online versus calling

The online system at mn.gov/dvs is faster and shows you every open slot at every test station in your area. You can filter by location, date, and time of day, and you see the results when ready. Once you choose a slot, you get an when ready confirmation number. This method takes about five minutes.

Calling the DPS phone line takes longer — you will wait on hold, and the person who answers can only see a limited number of appointment slots. However, if you do not have reliable internet access or prefer to speak to someone, calling is still an option. The phone number and hours are listed on the DPS website. Be ready with your permit number and the test station location you prefer.

Test station locations and wait times

Minnesota has test stations in most counties, but not every town. The DPS website lists all active stations and their current wait times. Urban areas like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester tend to fill up faster — you may see a two- to four-week wait in summer. Rural stations often have shorter waits, sometimes just a few days.

If your local station is booked out, you have the option to travel to a station in a nearby county. Some people do this to get an earlier appointment. The test itself is the same no matter which station you use, so location is purely about convenience and availability.

What to bring and prepare on test day

Bring your instruction permit (the physical card), proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must pass a safety inspection — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors before the test begins. If anything is broken or missing, the test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.

Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Bring a pen in case you need to sign paperwork. Do not bring passengers other than the examiner — Minnesota law requires that only the examiner and the test-taker be in the vehicle during the road test.

The test itself lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. You do not need to memorize anything — the examiner is watching how you drive in real conditions.

Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to cancel or move your appointment, do it through the same system where you booked — online at mn.gov/dvs or by phone. You must cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice, or if you do not show up, you will lose your test fee and have to pay again to book a new appointment.

If you cancel with proper notice, your fee is usually held and can be applied to a new appointment. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation important date and instructions.

What happens if you fail or pass

If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will receive your driver's license in the mail within one to two weeks. If you fail, you can book another test when ready — there is no waiting period in Minnesota. You pay the test fee again, but you do not have to retake the written test or get a new permit.

Most people who fail are allowed to retake the test within a few days if a slot is open. Some test stations have cancellations, so checking the online system frequently can get you in sooner than the standard wait time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can book the test, but it must be scheduled before your permit expires. If your permit expires before your test date, you will need to renew it and rebook. It is better to schedule your test at least a week before your permit expiration date to avoid this problem.

What if I do not have a vehicle to use for the test?

You must provide a vehicle that is registered, insured, and passes the safety inspection. If you do not own one, you can borrow a friend's or family member's car. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must have valid insurance and working equipment.

Can I reschedule my test if I get sick?

Yes. Cancel your appointment through mn.gov/dvs or by phone as soon as you know you cannot make it. As long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled time, you will not lose your fee. You can then book a new appointment whenever you are ready.

How long does it take to get results after I pass the road test?

The examiner tells you whether you passed or failed when ready after the test. Your physical driver's license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. You can use your test pass receipt as a temporary license if needed.

What if the test station cancels my appointment?

The DPS occasionally cancels appointments due to examiner absence or weather. If this happens, you will be notified by email or phone, and your fee will be held for a future appointment. You can rebook online or by phone at no additional cost.