Photo: Tom Fisk, Pexels
This guide is for Minnesota learners booking the Class D road test, the driving test DVS examiners give before you get a provisional or full license. It covers who can book, what to bring, what the examiner checks and the mistakes that end a test. Minnesota does not run its test as a points tally: certain errors, such as breaking a traffic law or driving dangerously, fail you on the spot.
Key facts
- Who runs it: Minnesota DVS examiners at exam stations.
- Booking: by law, DVS must offer an appointment within 14 days of your request once you are eligible, at a station in your county or a neighboring one.
- What to bring: proof of insurance for the test vehicle; under 18, your driver ed completion card and signed driving log.
- Skills: vary by station and examiner, and can include parallel parking, parking on a hill and a 90-degree backing maneuver.
- Fees (as of November 2026): $20 for each attempt after two failures in a row; $40 for a no-show or a cancellation less than 24 hours before; $20 for a cancellation 24 to 72 hours before.
When can you take the Minnesota road test?
| Applicant | Minimum permit time | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 6 months, with no moving violation, crash-related or alcohol convictions | Age 16; driver ed complete; supervised driving log (40 hours incl. 15 at night, plus 10 more hours or the parent class) |
| Age 18 | 6 months | Never licensed before |
| 19 or older | 3 months | Never licensed before |
Time on a permit from another state counts. The log rules are in Minnesota supervised driving log and parent class option.
How to book
- DVS shows the next available road test dates and times for every exam station on its website, and you can search by address to find the nearest.
- Driver ed schools cannot block-book recurring test slots, so everyone uses the same system.
Checklist: what to bring
- Your instruction permit
- A vehicle for the test whose controls you can show the examiner (lights, signals, horn, mirrors, parking brake)
- Proof the vehicle is insured
- Under 18: your signed driver education completion card and the driving log signed by your parent or guardian
- A licensed driver to come with you, or the test may be canceled
- A vehicle with doors that open from inside and outside, working seat belts, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals, and current registration or a 60-day permit. Neighborhood electric vehicles aren’t allowed. In a rental car, you must be listed on the rental agreement
- The license fee: $14.25 for a provisional license, or the Class D fee if you are 18 or older, plus a $2.25 surcharge and filing fee (as of November 2026)
What happens on the Minnesota road test
1. Vehicle check
Before you leave the lot, the examiner asks you to show features such as seat adjustment, seat belt, parking brake, headlights, hazard lights, turn signals, horn and mirrors.
2. Skills
DVS says the skills tested vary by location and examiner. The manual lists these among the areas evaluated:
- Parallel parking: your curb-side wheels should end up no more than 12 inches from the curb. You cannot use a parking assist feature.
- Parking on a hill.
- 90-degree backing: reverse into a space at a right angle.
3. On-road driving
The examiner watches observation, signaling, speed, lane position, stops, right of way and how you deal with other road users. Other states’ formats are in US road test by state.
4. Results
The examiner discusses the result with you, including any errors and how to fix them.
What fails you on the Minnesota road test
The manual lists these as immediate failures:
- disobeying a traffic law
- driving dangerously, carelessly or recklessly, including anything that could cause a crash
- being unable to control the vehicle, or to finish a maneuver without the examiner’s help
- a crash you could have avoided, even if you were not legally at fault
- not cooperating with the examiner
- getting the vehicle stuck, for example in snow
Practice mistakes many learners make nationally: common reasons people fail the US driving test.
If you fail
- The examiner may assign practice time that you must complete before the next test.
- Book again. The first two attempts have no retest fee; after two failures in a row, each attempt costs $20.
- Avoid missing the appointment: a no-show costs $40.
- After four failed tests you must complete at least six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor before testing again.
After you pass
Under 18, you get a provisional license with phone, passenger and late-night limits. Read Minnesota provisional license rules before your first solo drive.
Common questions
Is parallel parking on the Minnesota road test?
It can be. DVS says skills vary by station and examiner, and the manual lists parallel parking among the skills evaluated.
Can I use a car with a backup camera?
Yes, but the manual says the camera should not be your only way of looking when you back up. You also can’t use a parking assist feature for parallel parking. During the test there is no smoking, no phone or electronic device use and no passengers, pets or interpreters.
Can I bring a rental car?
You need proof the vehicle is insured. Check with DVS and the rental company that the vehicle and coverage are acceptable for testing.
How soon can I get a Minnesota road test appointment?
The law requires DVS to offer one within 14 days of your request once you are eligible.
What does it cost to cancel?
Nothing if you cancel more than 72 hours ahead. $20 between 24 and 72 hours, and $40 with less than 24 hours’ notice or if you do not show up.
Is the test harder in winter?
The test is the same, but if your vehicle gets stuck you fail. Practice in snow first: driving in snow, fog and rain.
Full process: learning to drive in Minnesota.
Sources
- Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, “Minnesota Statutes 2026, section 171.13 Examination” (revisor.mn.gov)
- Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, “Minnesota Statutes 2026, sections 171.04, 171.05 and 171.055” (revisor.mn.gov)
- Minnesota Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, “Minnesota Statutes 2026, section 171.06 Application for permit or license; fees” (revisor.mn.gov)
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, “Get ready for your driver’s road test” (dps.mn.gov)
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, “Road Test Study Guide: How to Prepare for Your Road Test” (dps.mn.gov)
- Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, “Minnesota Driver’s Manual” (dps.mn.gov)