(PRESS RELEASE) – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) is discontinuing class D knowledge tests on a first-come-first served basis and will require appointments beginning Monday, July 13.
“There is a high demand for knowledge tests, because DVS exam stations were closed for eight weeks,” Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Director Emma Corrie said. “People have had to adjust their lives and schedules in order to arrive at exam stations early to try to take the knowledge test. We want to make things easier for Minnesotans and reduce the time they need to spend at exam stations.”
What to expect
Minnesotans will need to book appointments online at drive.mn.gov. The appointment-scheduling tool will be available beginning Friday, July 10. Beginning July 13, DVS exam stations will not accept walk-ins for class D knowledge tests; an appointment will be required.
Commercial knowledge testing and the motorcycle knowledge test will continue to be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
Appointment information
DPS-DVS will offer an average of 790 class D knowledge test appointments daily at 14 regional exam stations statewide. These locations are open: St. Paul, Arden Hills, Anoka, Eagan, Plymouth, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, Willmar, Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud, Duluth, Grand Rapids, and Bemidji. Exam stations are only offering a certain number of knowledge tests at one time in order to maintain social distancing in light of COVID-19.
To schedule an appointment:
Go to drive.mn.gov.
Select Schedule or Reschedule an Exam.
Follow the prompts.
Anyone who cannot keep an appointment should cancel their appointment online at drive.mn.gov with as much notice as possible so that appointment can be opened up for someone else.
Come prepared
Minnesotans will be required to complete a wellness screening before entering the exam station and should come prepared.
Wear a face mask (required).
Bring required documents.
Know your social security number.
Bring check, cash or money order to pay the instruction permit fee and the retesting fee, if applicable.
There is a $10 test fee for third or subsequent knowledge tests after failing the first two.
If you are younger than 18:
You must be at least 15 years old.
Bring your certificate of enrollment (blue card) proving that you completed classroom instruction and are signed up for behind-the-wheel instruction, or bring your certificate of enrollment (pink card) proving that you are currently enrolled in a concurrent driver education course and have completed the first 15 classroom hours of the curriculum.
A parent, court-appointed guardian, county-appointed foster parent or the director of the transitional living program you reside in will need to come with to sign and approve your application.
If completed, bring the supplemental parental curriculum completion certificate.
Knowledge test statistics
Based on 2019 data, DPS-DVS estimates more than 50,000 knowledge tests were delayed during the eight weeks exam stations were closed due to the COVID-19 stay at home order.
Since reopening 14 exam stations for knowledge testing on May 19, DPS-DVS has administered 39,594 knowledge tests.
In 2019, DPS-DVS administered 282,333 class D knowledge tests.
How to stay updated
DPS-DVS answers frequently asked questions related to how COVID-19 is affecting DVS services on the DVS COVID-19 FAQ webpage.
The DPS-DVS Facebook page and Twitter page will have information.
About the Minnesota Department Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About Driver and Vehicle Services
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) is responsible for driver testing, driver licensing and maintenance of driver records; driver evaluation and compliance; motor vehicle title and registration; commercial vehicle registration; motor vehicle dealer licensing and regulation; and enforcement of no-fault insurance requirements.
2019 Statistics:
1.6 million driver’s license and ID cards issued.
1.74 million titles issued.
7.23 million vehicles registered.
DVS’ Public Information Center handled more than 1.4 million phone calls and 106,000 email correspondences.
