Minnesota permit tests are given at Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) exam stations across the state, not at third-party locations

You must take your written permit test at an official Minnesota DVS office. The state does not contract with private testing centers, driving schools, or online platforms to administer the permit exam. You walk in, show your documents, take the test on a computer terminal at the office, and receive your result the same day.

Minnesota has 27 DVS exam stations statewide. The largest are in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, and Mankato, but smaller towns have offices too. You do not need an appointment for the written test — you can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

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 several other languages, including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and Vietnamese.

Key Takeaways

  • All permit tests are administered at Minnesota DVS offices only; you cannot test at a private driving school or online.
  • You do not need an appointment for the written permit test and can walk in during regular business hours at any DVS station.
  • The test is 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass.
  • Minnesota offers the test in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, and other languages upon request.
  • You will receive your test result when ready after completing the exam at the DVS office.

Finding the DVS office nearest you

The Minnesota Secretary of State maintains a complete list of all 27 DVS exam stations on its website, organized by county. You can search by your county or city to find the office closest to you, along with its address, phone number, and hours of operation.

Most DVS offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though some have extended evening hours one or two days per week. A few offices also offer limited Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the office website if you are planning to visit on a day other than a typical weekday morning.

If you live in a rural area far from an exam station, you may be able to request a mobile testing unit. Contact your county DVS office directly to ask whether a mobile unit serves your area and when it will be scheduled next.

What documents to bring to the permit test

Bring your completed process form (Form DL 44) and two forms of identification. One must be a government-issued photo ID such as a passport, state ID, or school ID with your photo. The second can be a Social Security card, birth certificate, utility bill, or school enrollment letter.

You will also need to bring proof of your Minnesota residency if you do not already have a Minnesota ID. A utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days works for this purpose.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) — you will need it to complete your process at the office. If you do not have either, tell the DVS staff when you arrive; they can direct you to alternative documentation options.

The permit test process at the DVS office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell staff you are taking the written permit test. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, you will go to a testing station where a DVS employee will verify your identity and documents, then direct you to a computer terminal.

The test is untimed, though most people finish in 15 to 30 minutes. You can review your answers before submitting. Once you submit, the computer scores your test when ready and displays your result on the screen. If you pass, you will be issued a permit receipt that day, which serves as your temporary permit until your physical permit arrives by mail.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test. There is no waiting period between attempts at the same visit, though you will pay the test fee again. Most people who fail take the test a second time the same day.

Permit test fees and payment methods

The written permit test costs $10 in Minnesota. Payment is due when you check in at the DVS office. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — check with your specific office if you have questions about payment methods.

The $10 fee covers only the written test. If you pass and later take the driving test, that is a separate fee. Your permit itself, once issued, is valid for four years and costs an additional fee when you renew it or convert it to a full license.

Testing accommodations for people with disabilities

Minnesota DVS offers testing accommodations for people with disabilities. You can request extra time, a reader, a large-print test, or other modifications. You must request accommodations when you arrive at the office, and staff will work with you to provide them if possible.

If you use a service animal, you may bring it into the DVS office. If you have questions about a specific accommodation before your visit, call the DVS office ahead of time to confirm they can provide it.

What happens after you pass the permit test

Once you pass, you receive a permit receipt when ready. This receipt is your temporary permit and is valid for driving under the supervision of a licensed adult. Your physical permit card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

Keep your receipt safe — you will need it when you take your driving test. You cannot schedule a driving test until you have held your permit for at least 30 days and have completed a driver education course (if you are under 18) or a supervised driving period.

Your permit is valid for four years from the date it is issued. If it expires before you pass your driving test and get your full license, you will need to retake the written test and pay the fee again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online in Minnesota?

No. Minnesota requires all permit tests to be taken in person at a DVS office. There is no online option for the written test.

Do I need an appointment to take the permit test?

No appointment is required for the written permit test. You can walk into any DVS office during business hours and take the test the same day. Wait times vary depending on the office and time of day.

What if I fail the permit test?

You can retake the test when ready at the same office, though you will pay the $10 fee again. There is no mandatory waiting period between attempts. Most people who fail take the test again the same day.

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

Yes. Minnesota offers the permit test in Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Vietnamese, and other languages. Tell the DVS staff when you arrive which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language if available at that office.

How long is the permit test?

The test is 40 multiple-choice questions and is untimed. Most people finish in 15 to 30 minutes. You can review your answers before submitting, and you will get your score when ready after you finish.