How to Schedule Your Minnesota Permit Test and What to Bring

Book your permit test through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) website or by phone at 651-297-2126

Minnesota does not let you walk in for a permit test without an appointment. You must schedule one ahead of time through DVS, which runs all written tests in the state. You can book online at mn.gov/dvs under "Schedule an Appointment," or call the number above during business hours. The website usually shows available dates within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and season.

When you book, you will choose a DVS office location near you — Minnesota has offices in most counties. The appointment confirmation will show your date, time, and which office to go to. Write down the confirmation number or save the email; you will need it when you arrive.

You can take the permit test at any DVS office, not just the one closest to your home. If one location is fully booked, try another nearby. Some offices fill up faster than others, especially in the Twin Cities area.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule your permit test appointment online at mn.gov/dvs or by calling 651-297-2126; walk-ins are not accepted.
• Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
• The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices; you must answer at least 40 of 50 questions correctly to pass.
• Test appointments usually happen within two to four weeks of booking, though availability changes by location and time of year.
• If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day and schedule a new appointment.

What documents you need to bring to your appointment

Bring your Social Security number and at least one form of proof of identity. Acceptable identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or an existing state ID or driver's license. If you do not have any of these, a school ID, military ID, or tribal ID may work — call DVS ahead to confirm.

You also need proof of Minnesota residency. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance document with your name and current Minnesota address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They do not have to stay in the testing room, but they must be present to sign consent forms.

What the permit test covers and how it is scored

The Minnesota permit test is a written exam with 50 multiple-choice questions. You will sit at a computer in the DVS office and answer questions about road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. The test is based on the Minnesota Driver's Manual, which you can read free online at mn.gov/dvs.

You must answer at least 40 of the 50 questions correctly to pass — that is an 80 percent score. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You will get your result immediately after you finish.

If you pass, you will receive your instruction permit (also called a learner's permit) on the spot. This permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day and book a new appointment.

How to prepare before your appointment

Read the Minnesota Driver's Manual from start to finish. It covers everything the test asks about and is free to download from mn.gov/dvs. Focus on the sections on road signs, speed limits, parking rules, and right-of-way situations — these show up most often on the test.

Take practice tests online. Several free practice test sites mimic the real exam format and let you see which topics you need to study more. Search "Minnesota permit practice test" to find them. Many people take two or three practice tests before their appointment.

Study in short sessions over several days rather than cramming the night before. Road signs and traffic laws stick better when you review them a little at a time. If you are nervous about tests, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to calm down before you sit down at the computer.

What happens if you fail and how to retake the test

If you do not pass, you cannot take the test again the same day. You must wait at least one day, then schedule a new appointment through the DVS website or by phone. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt requires a new appointment and a new test fee.

After you fail, review the topics you struggled with. The DVS office will not tell you which specific questions you missed, but you can ask the staff which sections of the manual to focus on. Take another practice test or two before your next appointment.

Many people pass on their second or third try after studying the weak areas. Do not get discouraged — the test is designed to make sure you know the rules, not to trick you.

What to expect on the day of your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are easy to find. When you check in, the staff will verify your identity and residency documents, take your photo for the permit, and answer any last-minute questions.

You will then sit at a computer in a quiet testing area. The test is proctored, meaning staff watch to make sure you do not cheat. You cannot use your phone, notes, or any other materials during the test. You can ask the staff to clarify a question if you do not understand the wording, but they cannot help you answer it.

After you finish, you will see your score right away. If you pass, you will walk out with your instruction permit. If you fail, staff will tell you how to schedule your next attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule or cancel my permit test appointment?

Yes. Log into your account on mn.gov/dvs and cancel or reschedule your appointment. You can also call 651-297-2126. If you cancel, you will not lose your test fee — you can use it toward a new appointment. Most people can reschedule without penalty as long as they do it before their appointment date.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Call DVS at 651-297-2126 before your appointment. You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of identification instead. DVS staff can tell you what documents will work in your situation.

Do I have to take the test in English?

Minnesota offers the permit test in several languages including Spanish, Hmong, Somali, and others. When you schedule your appointment online, you can select your preferred language. If your language is not listed, call 651-297-2126 to ask about other options.

How long is my instruction permit valid after I pass the test?

Your instruction permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you must practice driving and then pass the road test (the driving test) to get your full driver's license. If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you will need to retake the written test.

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

Go to any DVS office and ask for a replacement. Bring your identity and residency documents. There is a small fee for a replacement permit, usually around $10 to $15. You do not have to retake the written test — the office will issue a new permit with the same expiration date as your original.