Minnesota learner's permit tests are given at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam stations across the state, not at third-party locations or online
You must take your written knowledge test in person at a DVS office. Minnesota does not offer remote testing, proctored online exams, or testing through private driving schools for the learner's permit. The test is administered on a computer at the exam station, and you receive your score when ready after completion.
DVS operates exam stations in most Minnesota counties. Some smaller counties do not have their own station, and residents there are directed to the nearest available location. The state publishes a full list of exam station addresses, hours, and which counties each one serves on the DVS website.
Key Takeaways
- All Minnesota learner's permit knowledge tests must be taken at a Driver and Vehicle Services exam station during posted business hours.
- You can find the exam station nearest you and its hours on the official DVS website by entering your county or city name.
- Exam stations are typically open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours; call ahead to confirm current hours.
- You do not need an appointment at most Minnesota DVS exam stations — walk-in testing is standard, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
- Bring your completed process form (DL 44), proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
How to find your nearest DVS exam station
The Minnesota DVS website has a location finder tool where you enter your county or city name and it returns all nearby exam stations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. This is the fastest way to confirm which station is closest to you and whether it is currently open.
If you do not have internet access, you can call the DVS main line at 651-296-6911 and ask for the exam station address and hours in your area. Staff can also tell you whether a particular station is experiencing longer wait times on specific days.
Some exam stations are located inside county sheriff's offices, licensing centers, or standalone DVS buildings. The location finder specifies which building you need to enter and where to check in once you arrive.
Exam station hours and walk-in procedures
Most Minnesota DVS exam stations are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some stations in larger cities offer Saturday hours, typically 8:00 a.m. to noon. A few rural stations have shorter hours or are open only certain days of the week.
You do not need to schedule an appointment at most stations. Walk in during posted hours, check in at the front desk, and wait your turn. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day, day of the week, and location. Mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday is typically less crowded than late afternoon or Friday.
If you want to know the current wait time before you go, call the exam station directly. Staff can tell you how many people are ahead of you and whether it is a good time to come in.
What to bring to your exam station visit
Bring your completed Form DL 44 (process for Minnesota Driver's License or Identification Card). You can fill this out at home before you go, or at the exam station, but having it completed saves time. You also need a valid form of proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card are the most common.
You must show proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Minnesota address dated within the last 60 days. A school ID or work ID alone does not count as proof of residency.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this when you check in. If you do not have either, tell the staff member at check-in — there are alternative procedures, but they take longer.
What happens during the test appointment
After you check in and your documents are verified, you will be called to a testing station. A staff member will take your photo for your learner's permit and then direct you to a computer terminal. The knowledge test is 40 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to complete it.
The test is scored when ready. You need a score of 80 percent or higher to pass — that is 32 correct answers out of 40. If you pass, you can receive your learner's permit the same day. If you do not pass, you can retake the test, but there is a waiting period between attempts that varies by location — usually at least one day.
The cost of the learner's permit is $20.50. Payment is made at the exam station when you check in, before you take the test. DVS accepts cash, check, and card payments.
Retesting if you do not pass on your first attempt
If you do not reach 80 percent on your first test, you are not locked out of retesting. You can retake the test at the same station or a different one, but you must wait before your next attempt. Most stations require you to wait at least one day, though some allow you to retake the same day if you come back later. Call your exam station to ask about their specific retesting policy.
Each retake costs another $20.50. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the fee each time. Many people study the Minnesota Driver's Manual between attempts — it covers all the material on the test and is free to read from the DVS website.
Exam stations in high-traffic areas and longer waits
The busiest exam stations are in the Twin Cities metro area, particularly the Minneapolis and St. Paul locations. These stations can have wait times of 45 minutes to over two hours during peak times, especially on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. If you live in or near the metro, consider going on a weekday morning or early afternoon to avoid the longest lines.
Rural and small-town exam stations typically have much shorter waits — often 15 to 30 minutes — because fewer people use them. If you live within reasonable driving distance of a smaller station, it may be worth the drive to avoid a long wait at a busier location.
Some exam stations temporarily close for staff training or maintenance. Before you drive to a station, call ahead or check the DVS website to confirm it is open that day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the learner's permit test at a different exam station than the one in my county?
Yes. You can test at any DVS exam station in Minnesota, regardless of which county you live in. There is no requirement to use the station closest to you or the one in your home county. Choose whichever location and time work best for your schedule.
What if I fail the test — how long do I have to wait before I can retake it?
Most Minnesota exam stations require you to wait at least one day before retaking the test. Some stations allow same-day retesting if you return later in the day. Call your exam station to ask about their retesting policy — it can vary between locations.
Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Walk-in testing is standard at Minnesota DVS exam stations. You do not need an appointment. Arrive during posted hours, check in at the front desk, and wait your turn. Wait times vary, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you choose the best time to go.
What if the exam station near me is closed or has very long waits?
You can travel to any other DVS exam station in the state. Check the location finder on the DVS website to see all stations and their hours, or call 651-296-6911 to ask about wait times at nearby locations. Rural stations are often less crowded than urban ones.
Can I take the test in a language other than English?
Minnesota offers the knowledge test in several languages including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. When you check in at the exam station, tell staff which language you need. Not all stations may have all languages available, so call ahead to confirm your exam station offers testing in your language.