Schedule your Minnesota permit test through the DVS website, by phone, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office

Minnesota requires you to pass a written knowledge test before you can get your learner's permit. You schedule this test directly with the state's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division. You have three ways to book: online through the DVS website, by calling the DVS appointment line, or by walking into a DVS office during business hours. The online method is fastest and lets you pick your exact date and time slot. Phone and in-person scheduling work if you prefer to talk to someone or need same-day availability.

The test itself costs $7 and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (like a passport or state ID), and proof of Minnesota residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days). If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your permit test online at mn.gov/dvs, by phone at 651-297-3298, or at any DVS office during regular hours.
  • Bring your Social Security number, a valid ID, and proof of Minnesota residency dated within 30 days.
  • The test costs $7, lasts about 30 minutes, and covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test when ready or schedule a new appointment; there is no waiting period between attempts.
  • DVS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering extended hours or Saturday appointments.

Schedule online through the DVS website

The DVS website (mn.gov/dvs) has a scheduling tool that shows available test dates and times at every DVS office in Minnesota. Go to the "Schedule an Appointment" section, select "Permit Test," and enter your zip code or choose the office closest to you. The system displays open slots for the next several weeks. Pick your preferred date and time, enter your email address, and you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.

Online scheduling is available 24 hours a day. You do not need to create an account or log in. The confirmation email includes the office address, what to bring, and what to expect on test day. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so through the same website up to 24 hours before your appointment.

Call the DVS appointment line

You can call 651-297-3298 to schedule your permit test by phone. A DVS representative will ask for your name, date of birth, and preferred office location and date. They will tell you what times are open and book you into a slot. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Wait times vary; calling early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter holds.

When you call, have your Social Security number ready. The representative will confirm your appointment over the phone and may mail you a confirmation letter, though email confirmation is faster. If you cannot reach anyone or the line is busy, the online scheduling tool is a faster alternative.

Walk in to a DVS office

You can show up at any DVS office without an appointment, though wait times depend on how busy the office is that day. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering Saturday hours. A few high-traffic offices in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester stay open until 6 p.m. on certain weekdays. Check the DVS website for your nearest office's exact hours before you go.

Walk-in service means you may wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and office location. If you want to avoid the wait, scheduling ahead online or by phone is more reliable. However, if you need to test the same day or have a flexible schedule, walking in works.

What to bring to your permit test appointment

Bring three things: your Social Security number (written down or memorized), a valid photo ID, and proof of Minnesota residency. Valid photo IDs include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

Proof of residency must show your current Minnesota address and be dated within the last 30 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus your own ID.

Do not bring your phone, smartwatch, or any other electronic device into the testing room. Bring a pen or pencil only if the office requires it; most provide them. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to check in.

What happens if you fail the permit test

If you do not pass, you can retake the test when ready at the same office, the same day. There is no waiting period or fee for a retest on the same day. You straightforward tell the staff you want to retake it, and they will schedule you into the next available slot, usually within an hour. You do not need to bring your documents again if you are testing the same day.

If you leave and want to retake the test another day, you schedule a new appointment through the same methods: online, by phone, or in person. You will pay the $7 fee again. Minnesota does not limit how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before you can move forward with your learner's permit.

Permit test content and passing score

The Minnesota permit test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass (80 percent). The test is given on a computer at the DVS office. You have 30 minutes to complete it, though most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes.

The test covers information in the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DVS website. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any DVS office. Study guides and practice tests are also available on the website. Taking a practice test before your appointment is the best way to prepare and know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a permit test if I am under 16?

Yes. Minnesota allows you to get a learner's permit at age 14 if you have completed a driver's education course or are enrolled in one. You can schedule the permit test at any age, but you must meet the age and education requirements to receive the permit itself after you pass.

What if I do not have proof of Minnesota residency?

You must show proof of residency dated within 30 days to get a permit. If you just moved to Minnesota and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or the person you live with, plus your ID. Some offices accept a lease agreement even if it has not been signed yet by both parties.

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

Yes. The DVS offers the permit test in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Vietnamese. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, select your preferred language. If you need an interpreter for a different language, call 651-297-3298 to discuss options.

How long is my permit test appointment?

Plan for 30 to 45 minutes total, including check-in and the test itself. The test itself takes about 30 minutes, but you should arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete paperwork and check in. If you fail and retake the same day, add another 30 minutes.

What if I miss my scheduled appointment?

If you miss your appointment, you lose the $7 fee and must schedule a new test. You can reschedule online or by phone without penalty. If you know you cannot make it, cancel at least 24 hours ahead through the DVS website to free up the slot for someone else.