Minnesota permit tests happen at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam stations across the state

You take your written permit test at a DVS exam station, not at a regular license branch office. Minnesota has exam stations in most counties, but not every town has one. The state runs these stations specifically for testing — written tests for permits and endorsements, and road tests for licenses.

You cannot take the permit test online in Minnesota. You must show up in person with your documents, take the test on a computer at the exam station, and get your results the same day. If you pass, you walk out with a permit. If you fail, you can retake it, but there are rules about how soon.

The test itself is 40 multiple-choice questions about Minnesota traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need 32 correct answers to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages, including Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Lao.

Key Takeaways

  • DVS exam stations are the only place to take your permit test; you must go in person and cannot test online.
  • Most Minnesota counties have at least one exam station, but you should check the DVS website to find the one nearest you and confirm its hours.
  • You need to bring a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Minnesota address before you can test.
  • The written test has 40 questions and you must answer 32 correctly to pass; results are available when ready after you finish.
  • If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt.

Finding the exam station closest to you

The Minnesota DVS website has a searchable map of all exam stations. Go to state.mn.us/dvs, look for the "Find an exam station" tool, and enter your city or ZIP code. The map shows you the address, phone number, and hours for each station.

Some exam stations are open only certain days of the week or have limited hours. A few are open evenings or Saturdays, but most operate during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Call ahead or check the website before you drive there, because hours change and some stations close for holidays or maintenance.

If you live in a rural area or a small town, the nearest exam station might be 30 to 60 minutes away. Plan for that travel time when you schedule your test. You cannot reserve a specific time slot online — you show up during business hours and wait your turn, though wait times are usually short.

What documents you need to bring

Bring three things: a valid ID, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Minnesota address. A valid ID means a passport, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A school ID or work ID does not count.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For proof of your Minnesota address, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government letter (like a tax notice or court document) that shows your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Minnesota address works.

If you are under 18, you may need additional documents. Check the DVS website or call your local exam station to confirm what your age group needs to bring.

How the test works and what happens if you fail

When you arrive at the exam station, you check in at the front desk and show your documents. A staff member will verify your information and take your photo for the permit. You then sit at a computer and take the 40-question test. The computer shows you one question at a time, and you have as much time as you need to answer each one — there is no overall time limit.

When you finish, the computer scores your test when ready. If you pass, you are done. The staff member prints your permit and you leave. If you fail, you get a score report that shows which topics you missed most questions on. You can retake the test the next day or any day after that.

There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs money. In Minnesota, the permit test fee is currently around $10 to $15, though the exact amount varies slightly by exam station. Ask the staff member what the fee is when you check in.

Preparing before you go to the exam station

Minnesota publishes a free study guide called the Minnesota Driver's Manual. You can read it online at state.mn.us/dvs or pick up a printed copy at any exam station, library, or DVS office. The manual covers all the topics on the test: road signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and safe driving practices.

The test questions come directly from the manual, so reading it is the best way to prepare. Many people also use online practice tests, which are available free through the DVS website and through third-party websites. Practice tests help you get used to the computer format and show you which topics you need to study more.

You do not need to take a driver's education course to take the permit test, though some people do. A course is required only if you want to reduce your permit holding period or get an insurance discount — it is not required to test.

Special situations: testing in another language or with accommodations

If English is not your first language, the permit test is available in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Lao. Tell the staff member when you check in which language you want to test in. The test content is the same; only the language changes.

If you have a disability or a condition that affects your ability to take a computer-based test, you may be able to request accommodations. Examples include a reader for someone who is blind, extra time for someone with a learning disability, or a large-print version of the test. Contact your local exam station or the DVS office at least two weeks before your test date to request accommodations. You may need to provide documentation of your disability.

What to do after you pass and get your permit

Once you pass the written test, you hold a instruction permit (also called a learner's permit). This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but it comes with restrictions: you cannot drive alone, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all other traffic laws.

You must hold your permit for a certain amount of time before you can take the road test for your license. In Minnesota, that holding period is usually 30 days, but it can be shorter if you complete a driver's education course. After you have held your permit long enough, you schedule a road test at a DVS exam station and take that test with an examiner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test at a regular license branch office instead of an exam station?

No. Minnesota requires all permit and license tests to happen at DVS exam stations. Regular license branch offices handle renewals and ID cards, but not testing. You must go to an exam station.

What if I fail the test — how soon can I retake it?

You can retake the test the next day or any day after that. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each attempt costs a fee, and you must bring your documents again.

Do I need to make an appointment to take the permit test?

No. You show up during exam station hours and take the test on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times are usually short, but you may have to wait 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the station is.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Contact your local DVS exam station or the main DVS office before you go. They can tell you what documents you can bring instead. You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof of identity.

Can someone else take the test for me or help me during the test?

No. You must take the test yourself, and no one can help you or be in the testing area with you. The test is proctored, meaning staff members watch to make sure the test is fair and honest.