How to Book a Minnesota Road Test Appointment

You schedule a Minnesota road test through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver and Vehicle Services division. The only way to book is online at mn.gov/dvs or by phone at 651-297-3298. You cannot walk in to a testing station without an appointment — all road tests are by appointment only.

Before you call or go online, you need your learner's permit number and a valid email address or phone number. The system will ask you to choose a testing station location and a date and time that works for you. Appointment slots fill quickly in urban areas like Minneapolis and St. Paul, so book as soon as you are ready to test.

The state does not charge a fee to schedule the appointment itself, but you will pay a $20 road test fee when you arrive at the testing station on the day of your test. Bring cash, debit, or credit card — the testing station will collect this before the examiner takes you out.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your road test online at mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-3298; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • You must have a valid Minnesota learner's permit before you can schedule a road test appointment.
  • Road test appointments fill quickly, especially in the Twin Cities area, so book early if you have a specific date in mind.
  • Bring your learner's permit, proof of vehicle insurance, and $20 in cash or a card to pay the test fee on the day of your appointment.
  • If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the same online system or by phone at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

What Documents You Must Bring to Your Appointment

Bring your valid learner's permit — this is non-negotiable. The examiner will not test you without it. You also need proof of vehicle insurance for the car you will be driving during the test. This can be a printed insurance card, a digital image on your phone, or a letter from your insurance company showing your name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and current coverage dates.

Bring the vehicle registration for the car you are testing in. This should be in the glove compartment or with the owner. The examiner will check that the registration matches the vehicle and that the vehicle is insured before you start the test.

Bring a valid form of photo identification — a passport, state ID card, or school ID with your photo. If your learner's permit is your only ID, that is acceptable. Do not rely on a digital copy alone; bring the physical card or document.

Scheduling Timelines and Availability

Minnesota does not publish a statewide waiting list or average wait time for road test appointments. Availability depends entirely on which testing station you choose and how far ahead you book. In the Twin Cities metro area, appointments may be booked out two to four weeks or longer during peak seasons (spring through early fall). In rural areas, you may find openings within one to two weeks.

Testing stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with some variation by location. Saturday and evening appointments are not available. If you have a school or work schedule conflict, book early and choose a time that works for you, because rescheduling slots are also limited.

The online booking system shows you available dates and times in real time. If you see an opening that works, take it — the same slot may not be available if you wait. You can reschedule once you have booked, but you must do so at least 24 hours before your appointment through the same online system or by phone.

What Happens if You Miss or Cancel Your Appointment

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you forfeit the $20 test fee and lose your appointment slot. You will have to book a new appointment, which means waiting for the next available opening at your chosen testing station. There is no refund for a missed test.

To cancel or reschedule, log into the online booking system at mn.gov/dvs or call 651-297-3298 at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time. If you cancel with at least 24 hours' notice, you can reschedule without losing your fee. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, you lose the $20.

If an emergency prevents you from making your appointment and you cannot reach the phone line in time, contact the testing station directly. The station phone numbers are listed on the mn.gov/dvs website next to each location. Examiners have some discretion in rare circumstances, but do not count on a refund or waived fee — it is your responsibility to cancel on time.

Testing Station Locations and How to Choose One

Minnesota has road testing stations in most counties. The largest and busiest are in Hennepin County (Minneapolis area), Ramsey County (St. Paul area), and Dakota County (south metro). Smaller stations operate in Rochester, Duluth, Mankato, and other regional centers. The full list of testing stations and their addresses is on the mn.gov/dvs website under "Road Test Locations."

Choose a testing station based on where you live or where you can easily get to on the day of your test. Do not assume the closest station has the shortest wait — sometimes a station 20 minutes away has more open slots than one in your neighborhood. Check availability at multiple stations before you book.

The test route itself varies by station, but all routes include residential streets, at least one main road or highway, and a mix of turns, stops, and parking. You cannot request a specific route or examiner. The examiner assigned to your time slot will conduct your test in the vehicle you bring.

Preparing Your Vehicle for the Road Test

Your vehicle must be in safe working condition. The examiner will do a quick safety check before the test begins: checking that all lights work (headlights, brake lights, turn signals), that windshield wipers function, that mirrors are adjusted, and that the vehicle has a valid inspection sticker. If any of these fail, the examiner will not conduct the test and you will lose your $20 fee.

Make sure your vehicle has a working seatbelt for both the driver and passenger seats. The examiner will sit in the passenger seat and needs a functioning belt. Check that your horn works and that your tires have adequate tread — bald or nearly bald tires can result in an automatic test cancellation.

Clean the windshield and windows so the examiner can see clearly. Bring the vehicle with a full or nearly full fuel tank — you do not want to run out of gas during the test. Arrive at least 10 minutes early so you have time to park, gather your documents, and calm your nerves before the examiner calls you in.

What to Do After You Pass or Fail

If you pass, the examiner will give you a Certificate of Road Test Completion before you leave the testing station. Take this certificate to your local Driver and Vehicle Services office to exchange it for your full driver's license. You do not need to schedule another appointment — you can walk in during business hours with your certificate, your learner's permit, and your $20 license fee.

If you fail, the examiner will give you a written score sheet explaining what you did wrong. You can retake the test, but you must schedule a new appointment and pay another $20 fee. There is no limit on how many times you can test, but each attempt requires a new appointment and a new fee. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing the skills the examiner noted.

You do not have to wait a set number of days between attempts. You can book your next appointment as soon as you finish your first test, though you will likely need to wait for the next available slot at your testing station. Use the time between tests to practice the specific maneuvers or road situations where you struggled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else schedule my road test appointment for me?

Yes, a parent, guardian, or friend can schedule your appointment online or by phone if they have your learner's permit number and a contact phone number or email. However, you must be the one who shows up and takes the test — the examiner will verify your identity against your learner's permit before beginning.

What if I need to reschedule my appointment but the online system is not working?

Call 651-297-3298 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to reschedule by phone. You must reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid losing your fee. Have your learner's permit number and your current appointment details ready when you call.

Can I take my road test in a different vehicle than the one I practiced in?

Yes, but the vehicle must be safe and properly registered and insured. The examiner does not care what car you use as long as it passes the safety check. If you switch vehicles, make sure you know how the new car handles — different steering, brake feel, and visibility can affect your performance.

What if my learner's permit expires before my road test appointment?

You cannot take the road test with an expired learner's permit. Renew your permit before your test date. If your permit is expiring soon, reschedule your road test to a date after your renewal is complete, or renew your permit first and then book your test appointment.

Is there a way to get a faster appointment if I am in a hurry?

No. All appointments are scheduled through the same online system and phone line on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot pay extra for a faster slot or request priority scheduling. Book as far in advance as you can and check multiple testing station locations for the earliest available opening.