Driving Tests

Minnesota Road Test: What to Expect, Automatic Fails and What to Bring

informational·how to guide·Published July 31, 2026

What is on the Minnesota road test, and what makes you fail it?

The Minnesota road test has three parts: a safety equipment demonstration, vehicle control skills and a driving test. You fail if you lose more than 20 points, make more than three perceived risk errors, cause a crash you could have prevented or break a traffic law. Book online at dps.mn.gov/mydvs. Bring your permit, a licensed driver and your own insured vehicle.

Where the Minnesota road test facts come from

The test parts, vehicle rules and checklists come from the Minnesota Driver’s Manual (June 2026). The fail rules come from Minnesota Rule 7410.5320. The fees and the 14-day appointment limit come from Minnesota Statutes 171.13, and the four-fail rule from Minnesota Statutes 171.04. Other facts come from Minnesota Rules 7410.4920, 7410.5100 and 7410.5340, the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) new driver pages, the DVS road test study guide and two Department of Public Safety news posts. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs) before you drive.

Part one: the safety equipment check

Before you leave the parking lot, the examiner has you show the seat adjustment, seat belt, emergency brake, headlights, hazard lights, turn signals, horn, wipers, defroster and fan, mirrors and fuel gauge.
If your headlights are fully automatic, you must still turn on the high and low beams yourself.
If you miss three or more items, the test stops at once and counts as a fail. You cannot finish the road test that day.
Before test day, learn where each control is in your own vehicle and how it works.

Parts two and three: vehicle control and driving

The skills vary by location and examiner. They may include parking on a hill, parallel parking, driving on one-way roads and reading road signs. The 90-degree backing maneuver is also on the list. It simulates backing into a driveway or parking space that is 10 feet wide.
The examiner gives you instructions at least one block before a turn or other maneuver. Drive as if other traffic is present at all times, also when you back up.

Automatic fails on the Minnesota road test

Automatic fails on the Minnesota road test
Fail	What it covers
Points	You lose more than 20 points
Perceived risk errors	You make more than three
Crash	Contact with another vehicle, a pedestrian, a fixed object or a parking flag that you could have prevented, even if another driver is at fault
Traffic law	A violation that could get a driver a ticket or an arrest
Dangerous driving	You drive over a curb or onto a sidewalk, stop on a railroad track, turn from the wrong lane where lanes are clearly marked, or force another driver or a pedestrian to react to avoid a crash
Examiner help	The examiner must take control of the vehicle or help you to avoid a crash
No cooperation	You do not cooperate, or you refuse a maneuver
Test not finished	Vehicle failure, illness or weather stops the test, or your vehicle gets stuck

Common driving errors to avoid

Turn signal late. Turn it on at least 100 feet before the turn. Our free question on the turn signal distance covers this rule.
Rolling past the line. Stop before the painted stop line, or before the crosswalk if there is no line.
No blind spot check. Look over your shoulder before a lane change. Try our free question on checking the blind spot.
Backing without looking. Drive as if traffic is present, also in reverse.

When and how to book a Minnesota road test

You can test after you hold your instruction permit for 180 days if you are under 19, or for 90 days if you are 19 or older. Under 18, you must also be at least 16. For the details by age, see the Minnesota permit rules.
Book online at dps.mn.gov/mydvs. By law, DVS must offer an appointment within 14 days of your request if you are eligible. DVS posts appointments up to 30 days ahead.
A no-show, or a cancellation less than 24 hours before the test, costs $40. A cancellation 24 to 72 hours before costs $20.

What to bring to the Minnesota road test

Your valid instruction permit. It is also your proof that you passed the Class D knowledge test.
Current proof of insurance for the test vehicle. The test date must fall on or between the issue date and the expiration date on it.
A licensed driver who comes with you. Without one, the test may be canceled.
Your glasses or contact lenses, if you have them.
Under 18: a supervised driving log, the White Card (certificate of course completion) and the parent certificate of completion, if it applies to you. For the log, see our guide to the supervised driving log and parent class.

What your vehicle needs and who can ride along

You provide your own vehicle. Neighborhood electric vehicles are not allowed.
Doors open from inside and outside, and the seat belts work.
Headlights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights work.
Registration is current, or the vehicle shows a 60-day permit.
Loose objects that could break or cause injury are removed.
No passengers are allowed in the car, including pets, children and interpreters.
No smoking, eating, drinking or phone use during the test.

What happens after the Minnesota road test

The test ends

You park, and the examiner explains your results, including any driving errors and how to correct them.

You fail

You get assigned practice time to finish before your next road test. You may take only one road test per day, unless the first test was incomplete. A $20 fee applies to the third and each later road test after two failed tests in a row. After four failed road tests, you must complete at least six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with an approved instructor before you test again.

You pass

Go to an office to apply for your license and get your vision checked. Your temporary paper license is valid until its expiration date or until your permanent license arrives in the mail.

You pass and you are under 18

A parent or legal guardian comes with you to apply for the provisional license.

Key takeaways

The road test has three parts: the safety equipment check, vehicle control skills and the driving test.
Missing three or more equipment items stops the test. More than 20 points, more than three perceived risk errors, a preventable crash or a traffic law violation fails it.
Bring your permit, proof of insurance, a licensed driver and your own vehicle with working doors, seat belts and lights. Under 18, add the driving log and the White Card.
A no-show or a cancellation less than 24 hours ahead costs $40. A cancellation 24 to 72 hours ahead costs $20.
Next step: practice on the free Minnesota Class D practice test.

Minnesota road test: common questions

Can I use a rental car for the Minnesota road test?

Yes, if you are listed as a driver on the rental agreement. The rental car must meet the same rules as any test vehicle: working doors, seat belts and lights, and current registration. Your proof of insurance must cover the test date. A neighborhood electric vehicle is not allowed, rented or not.

Can an interpreter come on the Minnesota road test?

Not in the car. Only you and the examiner may be in the vehicle during the road test. Your own interpreter can help you before and after the test, but not during the drive. If you need an accommodation for testing, ask DVS: it offers testing accommodations.

Can I take the Minnesota road test in winter?

Yes. In winter, DVS may delay road test appointments until streets are passable and testing areas are cleared. If weather stops the test, or your vehicle gets stuck, it counts as a failed attempt. If your vehicle needs a tow, you must arrange the tow yourself.

Can I use a backup camera or parking assist on the Minnesota road test?

You may test in a vehicle with a backup camera, but the camera should not be your only way to watch behind you when you back up. Parking assist is different: you cannot use it to parallel park during the test. Practice parallel parking without it before test day.