How to book your Minnesota road test appointment

You schedule your Minnesota road test through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver and Vehicle Services division. You cannot walk in without an appointment — all road tests require advance booking. The fastest way to schedule is online through the Minnesota DPS website, where you can pick your test location and preferred date in real time. If you prefer to call, you can reach Driver and Vehicle Services at 651-297-3298 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

When you book, you will need your learner's permit number and a valid email address or phone number for confirmation. The system will show you available dates at testing locations near you. Road test appointments typically fill up several weeks in advance, especially during spring and summer, so book as soon as you are ready to test.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule your road test online at the Minnesota DPS website or by calling 651-297-3298; walk-in appointments are not available.
  • You must have a valid learner's permit before you can book a road test appointment.
  • Bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and proof of vehicle insurance on the day of your test.
  • Road test appointments fill weeks in advance, so book early if you want a specific location or date.
  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the same system at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid losing your fee.

What you need before you can book

You must have a valid Minnesota learner's permit before you schedule a road test. Your permit number will be required during booking. If you do not yet have a learner's permit, you will need to pass the written knowledge test first and receive your permit in the mail — that process takes about one to two weeks after you pass.

You also need access to a vehicle for the test. The vehicle must be registered in Minnesota, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition. You do not need to own the vehicle — a parent, guardian, or friend can provide it — but the vehicle's owner must consent and the insurance must cover a test driver.

Online booking through the Minnesota DPS website

Go to dps.mn.gov and look for the "Driver and Vehicle Services" section. Select "Schedule a Road Test" or "Book an Appointment." You will be asked to enter your learner's permit number and date of birth to verify your identity. The system will then show you all available testing locations in Minnesota, organized by region.

Choose the location closest to you or most convenient for your schedule. The calendar will display open dates and times for that location. Minnesota DPS typically offers road test appointments on weekdays and some Saturday mornings, depending on the location. Once you select a date and time, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, location address, and a list of what to bring.

Save or print your confirmation. You will need to show it on test day, along with your learner's permit and the other required documents.

Scheduling by phone

If you prefer to book over the phone, call 651-297-3298 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your learner's permit number and date of birth ready. A representative will ask which location you prefer and what dates work for you, then book the appointment and email you a confirmation.

Phone booking takes longer than online scheduling because you are working with a representative's availability, so plan for a 10- to 15-minute call. If you reach a busy line, you may be asked to call back during a less busy time or to use the online system instead.

What to bring on test day

Bring three things: your learner's permit, a valid photo ID (such as a passport or state ID), and proof of vehicle insurance. The insurance document must show the vehicle's name and current coverage — a photo of your insurance card or a printed declaration page both work. Without these documents, the examiner will not allow you to test.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The examiner will review your documents, ask you to demonstrate basic vehicle controls (lights, wipers, horn), and then take you on a 20- to 30-minute route through local streets. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your test date or location, log back into the Minnesota DPS website using your learner's permit number and select "Manage My Appointment." You can reschedule to a different date or location without penalty as long as you make the change at least 24 hours before your scheduled test time.

If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment, you will lose your test fee and have to pay again to book a new appointment. If a genuine emergency prevents you from testing, contact Driver and Vehicle Services by phone at 651-297-3298 to explain your situation; they may waive the fee in cases of documented hardship, but this is not may provide.

How long the wait typically is

Wait times for road test appointments vary by location and season. In rural areas, you may find an opening within one to two weeks. In the Twin Cities and other urban areas, appointments often fill 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially from April through August. Winter months (November through February) usually have shorter wait times because fewer people test.

If you cannot get an appointment at your preferred location, check nearby testing sites — sometimes a location 20 or 30 miles away has earlier openings. You can test at any Minnesota DPS location, not just the one closest to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else schedule my road test for me?

No. You must schedule it yourself using your learner's permit number. A parent or guardian can help you navigate the website or make the phone call, but the system requires your permit information to verify your identity and book the appointment.

What if I fail my road test — can I reschedule right away?

Yes. After you fail, you can when ready book another appointment through the same online system or by phone. You will need to pay the test fee again. Most people wait a week or two before retesting to get more practice, but you are allowed to test again as soon as the next available appointment.

Do I have to test at the location where I got my learner's permit?

No. You can test at any Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services location. If your nearest office has a long wait, you can schedule at a different location that has earlier openings.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you do not show up for your scheduled road test, you will lose your test fee. You will have to pay again and book a new appointment. If you realize you cannot make it, cancel or reschedule online at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

Can I schedule a road test if my learner's permit is about to expire?

Yes, but your permit must still be valid on the day of your test. If your permit expires before your scheduled test date, renew it before you test. You can renew your learner's permit online or at any Driver and Vehicle Services office.