How to schedule your Minnesota written test

You schedule your Minnesota written test through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) website or by visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person. Minnesota does not use a phone-based scheduling system for written tests — you must go online or walk in.

The online method is faster. Go to mn.gov/dvs, select "Schedule an Appointment," and choose the DVS office closest to you. You'll pick a date and time from available slots, usually several weeks out depending on how busy that location is. You'll need your Minnesota ID number or Social Security number to complete the booking.

If you prefer to schedule in person, visit any DVS office with your ID. Staff will book you on the spot. Walk-in testing is also available at most offices, though wait times vary — some locations accept walk-ins same-day, while others may have a wait of several hours or direct you to schedule ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule online at mn.gov/dvs or in person at any Driver and Vehicle Services office; Minnesota does not offer phone scheduling for written tests.
  • Online scheduling shows you available dates and times weeks in advance, while walk-in testing may have same-day slots or require a wait.
  • You need a valid ID and either your Minnesota ID number or Social Security number to schedule online.
  • Most DVS offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with limited or no Saturday hours depending on location.
  • If you miss your scheduled test, you can reschedule through the same online system or by visiting an office again.

What to bring when you arrive for your test

Bring a valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You'll also need proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days).

If you're under 18, bring a parent or guardian's ID as well. DVS staff will verify your documents before you sit for the test, so arriving 10 to 15 minutes early gives you time to complete that check-in without rushing.

How far in advance you should schedule

Schedule as soon as you're ready to test. Popular DVS locations in the Twin Cities and other urban areas often book 4 to 8 weeks out, especially during spring and summer. Rural and smaller-city offices typically have openings within 2 to 3 weeks.

If you need a test date sooner, check less-busy offices nearby — a 20-minute drive to a smaller location may get you in within days rather than months. The online scheduler shows real-time availability, so you can see exactly which offices have the earliest open slots.

Rescheduling or canceling your test appointment

Cancel or reschedule through the same online system where you booked, or visit the DVS office where you scheduled. If you cancel online, you'll see a list of your upcoming appointments and an option to change the date or time. Canceling frees up that slot for someone else.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you'll need to schedule again from scratch. Some offices may flag repeated no-shows, so contact them directly if you need to reschedule at the last minute.

What happens on test day

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Check in at the front desk, and staff will verify your documents and ask you to sign a form confirming you understand the test rules. You'll then be directed to a computer terminal or testing station.

The written test is administered on a computer at most Minnesota DVS offices. You'll have 40 minutes to answer 40 multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 80 percent (32 out of 40 correct) to pass. You'll know your result before you leave the office.

If you fail the written test

You can retake the test, but Minnesota requires you to wait at least one day before scheduling your next attempt. Schedule your second test through the same online system or in person. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the written test, though each attempt requires a new appointment and may involve a small fee depending on your office.

Between attempts, review the Minnesota Driver's Manual (available free on mn.gov/dvs) and focus on the areas where you struggled. Many people pass on their second or third try after studying the manual more carefully.

DVS office locations and hours

Minnesota has DVS offices in every county. The largest cities — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and Mankato — have multiple locations. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some variation by location. A few offices offer limited Saturday hours.

Check mn.gov/dvs for the full list of offices, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days, so confirm before you visit in person. If you're scheduling online, the system only shows times when that specific office is open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a test the same day I need to take it?

Walk-in testing is available at most DVS offices, but wait times vary widely. Some offices accept walk-ins same-day with a short wait; others may have a two- to three-hour wait or may direct you to schedule ahead. Call your local office or check the online scheduler to see if same-day slots are available.

What if I don't have a Minnesota ID number yet?

Use your Social Security number instead when scheduling online. You don't need a Minnesota ID to book the test — you'll get one after you pass both the written and road tests and explore for your license.

Do I need to bring the confirmation email or printout when I arrive?

It's helpful to bring it, but not required. DVS staff can look up your appointment by your name and ID number. Having the confirmation saves time at check-in, especially if the office is busy.

Can someone else schedule the test for me?

No. You must schedule yourself online or in person. A parent or guardian can accompany you to the office, but you need to provide your own ID and information to complete the booking.

What if I'm out of state and need to test in Minnesota?

You can schedule a test if you have a valid out-of-state ID and proof of Minnesota residency (such as a lease or utility bill). Some offices may require you to visit in person to verify documents before scheduling online, so call ahead if you're unsure.