Book your Minnesota permit test through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by visiting a Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office in person

Minnesota does not use an appointment system for the written permit test. Instead, you walk into any DVS office during business hours, take a number, and wait your turn to test. This means you cannot reserve a specific time slot ahead of time, but it also means you do not have to plan weeks in advance. Most DVS offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours.

The written permit test itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you are called. You will answer 40 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, though you may have to wait and pay the test fee again.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota permit tests are first-come, first-served at DVS offices; you do not need to schedule an appointment in advance.
  • Bring your completed MN Form HSMV 4-181 (the permit process), proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The written test covers 40 questions about Minnesota traffic laws and road signs, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
  • If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at most DVS offices, but you will pay the test fee again.
  • DVS offices are located throughout Minnesota; you can find your nearest office and its hours on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.

What to bring to the DVS office on test day

Before you go to any DVS office, you must complete the MN Form HSMV 4-181, which is the official permit process. You can read and print this form from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or pick up a copy at the DVS office itself. Fill it out completely and bring it with you.

You will also need to bring proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a passport, a certified birth certificate, a school ID with a photo, or a tribal ID. You must also bring proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current Minnesota address will work. Finally, have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number ready; you will need to provide it on the process.

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign your process. Some DVS offices require the parent or guardian to be present in person; others allow a notarized signature. Call your local DVS office ahead of time to find out which is required there.

Finding your nearest DVS office and its hours

Minnesota has DVS offices in most counties. The fastest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or county, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each location.

Office hours vary. Most locations are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, but some open as early as 7:00 a.m. or stay open until 5:00 p.m. A few offices offer Saturday hours, typically 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. If you work during standard business hours, calling ahead to ask which office has the latest closing time or Saturday service can save you a trip.

Wait times at DVS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you go early in the morning or mid-week, you may wait less time. Some offices post current wait times on their websites or social media pages.

What happens during the permit test

When your number is called, a DVS examiner will verify your identity and residency documents, check that your process is complete, and collect the test fee. The fee is set by the state and does not change by location. Once that is done, you will sit at a computer terminal or receive a paper test, depending on the office.

The test covers Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You will have questions about speed limits, parking, what different road signs mean, how to handle intersections, and what to do in bad weather. The questions are straightforward and based on the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which you can read free online or pick up at any DVS office.

You have a set amount of time to complete the test — usually 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the office. Once you finish, the examiner will score it when ready and tell you whether you passed. If you pass, you will receive your instruction permit (also called a learner's permit) on the spot. If you do not pass, you can pay the fee again and retake the test right away at most locations.

Retaking the test if you do not pass

If you do not answer at least 32 of the 40 questions correctly, you will not receive your permit. You can retake the test the same day at most DVS offices, but you will have to pay the test fee again. Some offices may ask you to wait a short time between attempts or may require you to come back another day, so ask the examiner what the office policy is.

Before you retake the test, spend time reviewing the Minnesota Driver's Manual, focusing on the topics you found difficult. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online — the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website offers free practice tests that are very similar to the real test. Studying the areas where you struggled will improve your chances of passing on the second attempt.

After you pass: what comes next

Once you pass the written test, you will receive your instruction permit. This permit allows you to drive on Minnesota roads with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front passenger seat. Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued.

With your instruction permit, you can begin practicing for the road test. Minnesota requires you to hold your permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. You must also complete a driver education course if you are under 18, or you can take the course at any age to reduce your insurance costs. Once you have met these requirements and feel ready, you can schedule your road test at a DVS office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule my permit test online or by phone?

No. Minnesota does not offer online scheduling or phone reservations for the written permit test. You must visit a DVS office in person during business hours. This means you can go any weekday or Saturday (where available) without an appointment, but you may have to wait.

What if I fail the permit test — how long do I have to wait before I can retake it?

At most Minnesota DVS offices, you can retake the test the same day. You will pay the test fee again and may wait a short time between attempts. A few offices may ask you to return on a different day; call your local office to find out their specific policy.

Do I need to bring the Minnesota Driver's Manual to the test?

No. You cannot bring the manual or any study materials into the testing area. The test is based on information in the manual, so study it before you go to the DVS office. Free practice tests on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website are a good way to prepare.

What if I lose my instruction permit after I pass the test?

Contact your local DVS office to request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and bring proof of identity and residency. A replacement permit is usually issued the same day or within a few days.

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

Yes. Minnesota offers the written permit test in several languages, including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. Call your local DVS office ahead of time to confirm that your language is available and to let them know you will need it.