The Minnesota road test

By the end of this topic you can

• You can book a Minnesota road test and gather everything you need.
• You can prepare a vehicle that meets the test rules.
• You can perform the skills the examiner may ask for.
• You can name the actions that end the test immediately.

What you need to know and understand

• Book online through DVS or by phone; state law says DVS must offer an appointment within 14 days of your request.
• Bring your valid permit, current proof of insurance and a licensed driver to accompany you.
• Under 18, also bring your White Card, your signed supervised driving log and a parent or guardian to sign the application.
• Skills can include parallel parking, parking on a hill and a 90-degree backing maneuver into a 10-foot space.
• After two failed tests in a row, each further test costs $20.
• A no-show or cancellation less than 24 hours ahead costs $40; cancelling 24 to 72 hours ahead costs $20.
• After four failures you need at least six hours of behind-the-wheel lessons with a licensed instructor.

Getting the vehicle ready

During the test there are no passengers, pets or interpreters, no phone or electronic device use, and you cannot use parking assist for parallel parking. A backup camera is allowed, but you must still look behind you.

• Doors open from inside and outside.
• Seat belts, headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals all work.
• Registration is current or the vehicle has a 60-day permit.
• Proof of insurance is with you; a rental is allowed only if you are on the rental agreement.
• No neighborhood electric vehicles.
• The car is smoke-free and loose objects are removed.

What the examiner checks

1. Safety equipment: show the seat adjustment, seat belt, parking brake, high and low beams, hazard lights, horn, wipers, defroster, mirrors and fuel gauge. Failing this part ends the test for the day.
2. Vehicle control: skills such as parallel parking, parking on a hill and backing at 90 degrees.
3. On-road driving: turns, lane use, signals, response to signs and traffic, observation at intersections, and care for pedestrians and other drivers.

Instant fails and what happens next

If you fail, the examiner assigns practice time to complete before your next attempt. When you pass, you receive a temporary paper license until the card arrives by mail. Our Minnesota road test explained guide covers each part in more depth.

• Disobeying a traffic law.
• Driving dangerously, carelessly or recklessly.
• Being unable to control the vehicle or finish a maneuver without the examiner's help.
• An avoidable crash, even if you are not legally at fault.
• Not cooperating with the examiner or refusing instructions.

Common mistakes

• Arriving without a licensed driver. The test can be canceled.
• Not knowing where the defroster or hazard switch is. Practice the equipment check at home.
• Relying only on the backup camera. Turn and look while reversing.
• Rolling a stop or creeping over the stop line. Breaking a traffic law is an instant fail.

Test yourself: The Minnesota road test

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Minnesota Road Test Explained
• Learning to Drive in Minnesota
• Minnesota Hands-Free Law for New Drivers