Minnesota permit tests are administered at your local Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office, not at third-party testing centers

You must take your written permit test in person at a Minnesota DVS office. There is no online option, no testing at schools, and no private testing centers. The state runs all permit testing directly through its network of DVS locations across Minnesota.

You cannot take the test at a driving school, even if you are enrolled in one. Driving schools can teach you the material and prepare you, but the actual test must happen at a DVS office during their operating hours. This applies whether you are testing for a Class D (standard car) permit, a motorcycle permit, or a commercial permit.

Key Takeaways

  • All Minnesota permit tests are given at DVS offices only; you must go in person during business hours.
  • You can find your nearest DVS office and check its hours on the Minnesota Secretary of State website or by calling 651-297-3298.
  • Bring your completed MN Form HSMV 4-181 (process for Minnesota Driver's License or Permit), proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • Test results are available when ready after you finish, and you can retake the test the same day if you fail, though some offices may have limits on same-day retakes.

How to find your nearest DVS office and check hours

The Minnesota Secretary of State maintains a searchable office locator on its website at mn.gov/dvs. Enter your city or ZIP code to see all DVS offices within your area, their full hours, and their phone numbers. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended evening hours or limited Saturday service.

Call your local office directly before you go. Hours change seasonally, and some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days. The statewide DVS phone line is 651-297-3298, and staff can tell you which office is closest to you and whether walk-ins are accepted or if you need an appointment. Some busy locations now require appointments for permit testing to manage wait times.

What documents you must bring to the test

Bring your completed MN Form HSMV 4-181 (process for Minnesota Driver's License or Permit). You can fill this out at home before you go, or at the DVS office. You will also need one document proving your identity—a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Bring one document proving your Minnesota residence, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready. If you do not have either, tell the DVS staff when you arrive; they can direct you to alternative verification methods. Bring your current driver's license if you have one, even if it is expired. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.

What the written permit test covers and how it is scored

The Minnesota permit test is a written exam with 40 multiple-choice questions. The test covers road signs and their meanings, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. You have 30 minutes to complete it. The questions come from the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DVS website.

You must score at least 80 percent to pass, which means getting 32 out of 40 questions correct. The test is given on a computer at the DVS office. You will see your score when ready after you finish. If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day, though some offices limit same-day retakes to one additional attempt. If you fail twice in one day, you may have to wait until the next business day to test again.

Retaking the test if you do not pass on your first attempt

If you do not pass, ask the DVS staff whether you can retake the test when ready. Most offices allow at least one same-day retake at no extra cost. Some offices have a waiting period of 10 to 15 minutes between attempts; others let you go again right away. A few high-volume offices may limit same-day retakes or ask you to come back another day.

There is no fee for retaking the test. You do not need to bring new documents or fill out a new process form for a retake on the same day. If you fail and want to test again on a different day, you can return to any DVS office during business hours. Many people study the Minnesota Driver's Manual between attempts and come back within a few days.

Differences for motorcycle and commercial permits

Motorcycle permit tests are also given at DVS offices and follow the same in-person requirement. The motorcycle test has 40 questions and covers motorcycle-specific rules, handling, and safety. You must score 80 percent to pass. The test is based on the Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free on the DVS website.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) permit tests are more complex and are given only at certain DVS offices, not all locations. Call 651-297-3298 to find a CDL testing site near you. CDL tests are longer and cover vehicle-specific knowledge. You will also need to pass a medical examination before you can take a CDL permit test. Check the DVS website for the full list of CDL testing locations and their hours.

What to expect on the day of your test

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to find. The DVS staff will check your documents, verify your identity, and have you sign your process form. They will then direct you to a computer station where you will take the test.

The test environment is quiet and monitored. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any reference materials during the test. You will have 30 minutes to answer all 40 questions. Once you submit your test, your score appears on the screen. If you pass, the staff will give you your permit, usually on the same day. If you fail, ask about retaking it when ready or schedule another visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the permit test online or at a driving school?

No. Minnesota requires all permit tests to be taken in person at a DVS office. Driving schools can teach you and prepare you for the test, but they cannot administer it. You must go to a DVS location to take the actual exam.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on the office. Some DVS locations accept walk-ins, while others now require appointments for permit testing. Call your local office before you go to find out their policy. You can also check the office locator on mn.gov/dvs for appointment availability.

What happens if I fail the test twice in one day?

Most offices allow one same-day retake. If you fail a second time, you will need to return on another day to test again. There is no fee for retakes. Use the time between attempts to study the Minnesota Driver's Manual and review the questions you missed.

Can I take the motorcycle permit test at any DVS office?

Yes. Motorcycle permit tests are offered at all DVS offices that administer regular permit tests. The test is the same length and format as the car permit test, but the questions cover motorcycle-specific rules and safety. You must score 80 percent to pass.

How long does the whole process take on the day of the test?

Plan for 30 to 60 minutes total. Document check and process review usually take 10 to 15 minutes. The test itself is 30 minutes. If you pass, getting your permit printed takes another 5 to 10 minutes. Wait times vary by office and time of day; busy offices may take longer.