Schedule your Minnesota written test through the DVS website or by visiting a driver's license exam station in person

Minnesota allows you to book your written knowledge test online through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or by walking into any exam station without an appointment. The online system lets you pick your preferred location and time slot up to 30 days in advance. If you prefer to schedule in person, you can visit any of Minnesota's driver's license exam stations during business hours and book on the spot.

You do not need to schedule ahead to take the test — you can show up during operating hours and take it the same day if space is available. However, online scheduling guarantees you a seat at your chosen time and location, which is useful if you have a specific important date or prefer a particular exam station.

Key Takeaways

  • Book online at the DPS website up to 30 days in advance, or walk in to any exam station during business hours without scheduling.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your learner's permit or instruction permit to the test.
  • Exam stations are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours — check your local station's schedule before you go.
  • The test costs $10 and you pay at the exam station when you arrive, whether you scheduled online or walked in.
  • If you fail the test, you must wait at least one business day before you can retake it at the same or a different location.

How to schedule online through the DPS website

Go to the Minnesota DPS website and select the option to schedule a written test. You will need to enter your name, date of birth, and the type of license you are testing for (Class D for a standard driver's license, Class A or B for commercial, or motorcycle). The system will show you available exam stations within your region and the time slots open for the next 30 days.

Choose your preferred location and time, then confirm your booking. You will receive a confirmation number — write it down or take a screenshot. Bring this confirmation number with you to the exam station on your scheduled date. You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through the same website up to 24 hours before your test time.

The online system is fastest during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon on weekdays). If all slots at your preferred location are full, try a different exam station or check back the next day — cancellations open up regularly.

Walk-in testing without scheduling ahead

You can take the written test at any Minnesota exam station during operating hours without booking in advance. Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and your learner's permit or instruction permit. Arrive early in the day if possible — exam stations typically have shorter wait times in the morning and may reach capacity in the afternoon.

Wait times for walk-in testing vary by location and time of day. Urban exam stations (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester) tend to be busier than rural locations. If you walk in and the station is at capacity, staff will tell you when the next available slot is, which may be later that day or the next day.

Exam station locations and hours

Minnesota has exam stations in most counties. The main locations are in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Mankato, and St. Cloud, but smaller stations operate in many other cities. All stations are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours (typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Some locations offer Saturday testing — check the DPS website or call ahead to confirm your local station's schedule.

You can take your test at any exam station in the state, not just the one closest to you. If your local station has a long wait or limited hours, you can travel to a nearby city with more availability. The test itself is the same at every location.

What to bring to your scheduled test

Bring your current valid ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and your learner's permit or instruction permit. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian's ID as well — they do not need to be present during the test, but their ID must be on file.

Do not bring study materials, phones, or other devices into the testing room. You will not be allowed to use them during the test. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in, especially if you scheduled online.

Test fees and payment

The written knowledge test costs $10 in Minnesota. You pay this fee at the exam station when you arrive, whether you scheduled online or walked in. Payment is cash or card — ask the station which methods they accept when you arrive. The fee is non-refundable if you do not show up for your scheduled test or if you fail and need to retake it.

If you schedule online and then cannot make your appointment, cancel through the website at least 24 hours before your test time to avoid wasting your $10 fee. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up, you forfeit the payment.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you scheduled online, log back into the DPS website using your confirmation number and cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your test time. If you cancel more than 24 hours in advance, you can use your $10 fee toward a new test date. If you cancel within 24 hours or miss your appointment, the fee is forfeited.

If you need to reschedule a walk-in test, straightforward show up at a different time or location — there is no formal cancellation process. If you paid for a test and did not take it, that fee does not transfer to a future test.

What happens after you pass or fail

If you pass the written test, you will receive a score report on the spot. You can then move forward with the road test or other steps required for your license type. If you fail, you must wait at least one business day before you can retake the test. You can schedule your next attempt online or walk in to any exam station — you will pay the $10 fee again.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test in Minnesota, but each attempt costs $10. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the driver's manual between attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a test if I do not have a learner's permit yet?

No. You must have a valid Minnesota learner's permit or instruction permit before you can take the written knowledge test. If you do not have one, you need to get it first by passing a vision screening and paying the permit fee at an exam station.

What if I miss my scheduled appointment?

If you miss a scheduled test, your $10 fee is forfeited and you cannot use it toward a future test. You will need to pay $10 again to schedule or take another test. To avoid this, cancel online at least 24 hours before your appointment if your plans change.

How long does the written test take?

The test itself takes 20 to 30 minutes, but plan for 45 minutes to an hour total when you include check-in and waiting. Arrive early, especially during busy times, to avoid feeling rushed.

Can I take the test in a language other than English?

Yes. Minnesota offers the written test in multiple languages including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. When you schedule online or arrive at the exam station, let staff know which language you need and they will provide the test in that language.

What if my exam station is closed on the day I want to test?

Check the DPS website for your station's holiday schedule and hours. If your preferred location is closed, schedule at a different exam station or wait until it reopens. Many stations have limited Saturday hours as an alternative to weekday closures.