What Minnesota Tests During Your Road Test

Minnesota's road test lasts 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, traffic law knowledge shown through your driving, and your ability to handle common road situations. The examiner sits beside you and scores you on specific maneuvers and decisions — not on how nervous you are or how slowly you drive.

The test includes three main parts: basic vehicle control (starting, stopping, turning, parking), driving in traffic (following distance, lane changes, speed management), and response to traffic signs and signals. You will drive on both city streets and, depending on your location, rural roads or highways. The examiner chooses the route, which varies by testing station.

You do not need to parallel park in Minnesota, though you may need to back into a parking space or perform a three-point turn. The examiner will direct you where to go — you do not choose the route.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota's road test takes 30 minutes and tests vehicle control, traffic law compliance, and decision-making in real driving conditions.
  • You must bring your permit, proof of vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and a vehicle with working mirrors, lights, and wipers.
  • Common failures include rolling stops, improper lane changes, speeding, and failure to maintain safe following distance.
  • You can retake the test the same day if you fail, but you must pay the fee again and schedule a new appointment.
  • The examiner will give you verbal directions during the test, so listen carefully and ask for clarification if you do not understand.

Documents and Vehicle Requirements You Must Bring

Bring your valid instruction permit (not an expired one) and your Social Security number or ITIN — the examiner will verify these before the test starts. You also need proof that the vehicle is registered and insured. A current registration card and proof of insurance (a policy document, declaration page, or insurance card showing your name and the vehicle) are acceptable.

The vehicle itself must have working headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors (left, right, and rearview). The horn must work. Tires must have tread — the examiner may check this. The vehicle must start reliably and have functioning brakes. If the examiner finds a safety defect, the test will not begin and you will lose your fee.

Bring the vehicle's keys and make sure you know how to operate all the controls before you arrive. If you have never driven this particular vehicle, arrive early and spend 10 minutes adjusting the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Test

Before you drive: The examiner will ask you to show your permit and insurance. They will walk around the vehicle and check lights, wipers, and mirrors. They will ask you to demonstrate that you can operate the headlights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and emergency brake from inside the vehicle. This takes about 5 minutes.

During the drive: You will start the vehicle, adjust mirrors and seat, and begin driving. The examiner will give you directions verbally — "Turn left at the next light" or "Go straight for two blocks." Follow the speed limit unless the examiner tells you otherwise. Make complete stops at stop signs (not rolling stops). Signal before every turn and lane change. Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Maintain at least a 3-second following distance behind other vehicles.

Parking: You will perform at least one parking maneuver. This may be parallel parking (though not required), backing into a space, or a three-point turn. The examiner will tell you what to do. Take your time and use your mirrors.

After the drive: The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed before you leave the testing station. If you passed, you will receive a temporary license document. If you failed, you will receive a score sheet showing which maneuvers or decisions caused the failure.

Common Reasons for Failing the Minnesota Road Test

Rolling stops are the most common failure. A rolling stop means slowing down but not stopping completely at a stop sign or red light. You must come to a full stop — the vehicle should be motionless for at least one second. This is not a judgment call; it is a legal requirement and an automatic failure.

Improper lane changes cause many failures. You must signal at least 100 feet before changing lanes, check your mirrors and blind spot, and move smoothly into the new lane. Changing lanes without signaling or without checking your blind spot is an automatic failure.

Speeding or driving too slowly can fail you. Drive at or slightly below the posted limit. Driving 10 mph under the limit on a highway or 5 mph under on city streets suggests you are not ready. Exceeding the limit is also a failure.

Following too closely is scored strictly. Maintain at least a 3-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. In heavy traffic or at highway speeds, this matters more. Tailgating is an automatic failure.

Other common failures include failing to yield at intersections, not checking mirrors before turning, hitting the curb during a parking maneuver, stalling the vehicle, and hitting the brake suddenly or unnecessarily.

Scheduling and Retesting in Minnesota

Road tests in Minnesota are scheduled through your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office. You can book online at the Minnesota Secretary of State website, by phone at 651-296-6911, or in person at any DVS office. Testing availability varies by location — some offices have openings within days, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

The road test fee is $20 (as of 2024, though this may change). You pay when you schedule or when you arrive for the test, depending on the office. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at some locations, but you must pay the fee again and wait for the next available examiner slot — this may be hours later.

You may retake the test as many times as you need, but you must pass within one year of receiving your instruction permit. If your permit expires before you pass, you will need to renew it and start over.

How to Prepare for Your Road Test

Practice driving in the area where you will be tested if possible. Each DVS office uses a different route, and knowing the roads helps you focus on your driving rather than navigation. Practice in different weather and traffic conditions — rain, snow, and heavy traffic all appear on the actual test.

Practice the specific maneuvers: complete stops, smooth turns, lane changes with proper signaling, and parking. Have someone experienced watch you and point out habits you do not notice — drifting between lanes, not checking mirrors, or hesitating at intersections.

The night before the test, get sleep. On test day, eat something and arrive 15 minutes early. Bring all required documents. Take a few minutes to adjust the vehicle before the test begins. Listen carefully to the examiner's directions and ask for clarification if you do not understand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a vehicle I do not own for the road test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. The owner must give you permission. Bring proof of registration and insurance for that vehicle. If the vehicle is registered to someone else, bring a note from the owner saying you have permission to use it for the test.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You will receive a score sheet showing which maneuvers or decisions caused the failure. You can retake the test as soon as the next available slot at your testing station, which may be the same day or weeks later depending on demand. You must pay the fee again. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it within your permit's one-year validity.

Do I have to drive on the highway for the road test?

It depends on your testing location. Some DVS offices include highway or rural roads in their test routes; others test only on city streets. The examiner will tell you the route when you arrive. If you have not driven on highways, practice before your test.

What if I get lost during the road test?

The examiner gives you directions, so you should not get lost. If you miss a turn or go the wrong way, tell the examiner when ready and ask for the correct direction. Missing a turn is not an automatic failure — how you respond matters. Stay calm and follow the new directions.

Can I retake the road test the same day if I fail?

Some DVS offices allow same-day retesting, but it depends on examiner availability and how busy the office is. You must pay the fee again and may wait several hours for the next available slot. Call your local DVS office to ask whether same-day retesting is available at your location.