Minnesota motorcycle permit tests are offered at any Deputy Registrar office across the state

You can take your motorcycle permit test at any Deputy Registrar location in Minnesota, not just the main Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Deputy Registrars are private businesses licensed by the state to handle driver and motorcycle licensing transactions. There are over 100 Deputy Registrar offices scattered throughout Minnesota's cities and rural areas, so you can usually find one within a reasonable drive.

The test itself is the same no matter which location you choose. You will answer 20 multiple-choice questions about motorcycle safety, road rules, and handling. You need 16 correct answers to pass. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you sit down at the computer or with the examiner.

You do not need an appointment at most Deputy Registrar offices, but some locations do require one or have walk-in hours only during certain times of day. Before you drive to a specific office, call ahead or check their website to confirm their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or appointments.

Key Takeaways

  • Deputy Registrar offices throughout Minnesota administer the motorcycle permit test; you are not limited to one location.
  • The test is 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 16 correctly to pass.
  • Call or check the office website before visiting, because hours and appointment policies vary by location.
  • You will need to bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to take the test.
  • The test fee is part of the permit fee, which varies slightly by Deputy Registrar but is set by the state.

How to find a Deputy Registrar office near you

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains an online locator tool on its website where you can search for Deputy Registrar offices by city or ZIP code. Enter your location and the tool will show you the nearest offices, their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to call, you can contact the Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services line at 651-297-3298 and ask for Deputy Registrar locations in your area. They can also tell you which offices handle motorcycle tests, though most do.

Some Deputy Registrars are located inside grocery stores, pharmacies, or car insurance offices. Others operate as standalone licensing businesses. The location does not affect the test content or passing score.

What documents you need to bring

Bring your current Minnesota driver's license or state ID card. If you do not have one yet, bring a valid passport or passport card. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form works.

Bring one document that proves you live in Minnesota: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Your name and address must match what you provide on the test process.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They will need to sign your permit process in person.

The written test format and what to expect

The motorcycle permit test is a written exam administered on a computer at most Deputy Registrar offices, though some locations still use paper tests. You will sit in a private testing area or at a desk where the examiner can see your screen or paper. The test is not proctored in the sense that someone watches you constantly, but staff monitor to prevent cheating.

The 20 questions cover motorcycle-specific topics: how to brake and turn safely, what to do in emergency situations, how to handle different road conditions, and Minnesota traffic laws as they explore to motorcycles. You can study the official Minnesota Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free and available online through the DPS website, to prepare.

You have no time limit to complete the test, though most people finish in 15 to 20 minutes. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most locations, though you may have to pay the test fee again. Check with your specific Deputy Registrar office about their retake policy.

Fees and what happens after you pass

The motorcycle permit fee in Minnesota is $20, which includes the cost of the written test. This fee is the same at all Deputy Registrar offices. You pay when you explore, before you take the test. If you fail and retake the test at the same visit, you do not pay again.

When you pass, the Deputy Registrar will issue your motorcycle instruction permit on the spot. This is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you ride. Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. You can use this time to practice riding under the restrictions of your permit — you must ride with a licensed motorcycle instructor or an experienced rider, and you cannot ride at night or on highways.

After you have ridden for the required time and feel ready, you will take the motorcycle skills test (the riding test) at a separate location. The Deputy Registrar can tell you where skills tests are offered in your area.

Deputy Registrar office hours and appointment policies

Most Deputy Registrar offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some open earlier or stay open later. A few locations offer Saturday hours. Hours vary widely, so check before you go.

Some offices accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. A few use a hybrid system where they reserve certain hours for appointments and other hours for walk-ins. This information is usually posted on the office's website or available when you call.

If you cannot find an appointment slot at your preferred location, try offices in nearby towns. The test is the same, and you can take it anywhere in the state.

What to do if you fail the test

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the test when ready at most Deputy Registrar offices. You will need to pay the test fee again unless the office waives it for same-day retakes — ask the staff before you leave after failing.

You have no limit on how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt costs $20. If you fail multiple times, spend more time studying the Minnesota Motorcycle Operator Manual before your next attempt. The manual covers every topic on the test and is the best study resource available.

There is no waiting period between attempts at the same office, but if you want to try at a different Deputy Registrar location, you can do that too. Your previous test results do not follow you — each office treats each test as a new attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the motorcycle permit test at the main DPS office instead of a Deputy Registrar?

Yes. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety office in St. Paul administers motorcycle permit tests, but you must make an appointment. Most people find it faster and more convenient to use a Deputy Registrar office near their home or work, since there are over 100 locations statewide and many do not require appointments.

Do I need to bring my motorcycle to take the permit test?

No. The permit test is a written exam only. You do not need a motorcycle, and you do not ride during this test. The riding test (skills test) comes later, after you have practiced on your own motorcycle or a borrowed one.

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

No. Most Deputy Registrar offices let you retake the test the same day if you fail. You will pay the $20 fee again unless the office has a same-day retake waiver. Call ahead to ask about your specific office's policy.

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

Yes. Minnesota offers the motorcycle permit test in several languages including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. Call the Deputy Registrar office you plan to visit and tell them which language you need. Some offices may ask you to come on a specific day when an interpreter is available, or they may direct you to a different location.

What if the nearest Deputy Registrar office is very far away?

Call the Minnesota DPS at 651-297-3298 and ask about offices in your area, including any that might be in a neighboring county or town. You can also take the test at the main DPS office in St. Paul if you are willing to travel there, though you must book an appointment in advance.