What to Bring on Road-Test Day
Road-test day is nerve-wracking enough — the last thing you want is to get turned away in the parking lot because you forgot something. And I promise you, it happens. Bring everything on this list and your teen walks straight to the test instead of back home to reschedule.
I'm Chris Scanlon, Program Director at South Metro Driving School. Here's exactly what you need to have with you.
The Road Test Checklist
Your Instruction Permit — in hand
Glasses or Contacts, if they wear them
A Road-Legal Car: doors that open from inside and out, working seatbelts, working headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Registration current, or a valid 60-day permit displayed
Proof of Auto Insurance that's valid on the test date (electronic is fine proof it OK)
You have received your E-Card (White Card) — proof you completed 6-Hours of Behind-The-Wheel hours
A Printed Driving Log showing the required Supervised Hours; 50 total hours with 15 being at night
A licensed driver to ride along (an adult with a valid license)
The Stuff That Gets People Turned Away
Expired insurance, a burned-out brake light, a door that won't open from the outside, or a driving log that's still on a phone — any one of those ends the appointment before it starts. Do a two-minute walk-around the night before.
One Rule People Don’t Expect
Only the examiner rides with your teen during the test — no parents, no friends, no siblings in the car.
After They Pass
Head inside the DMV to finalize your application, take a photo for your ID, and pay the fee — then you will have a Provisional License. (Heads up: the are specific rules for Provisionally Licensed Drivers for the first year)
Booked but need to move it? Reschedule at least 72 hours out to avoid a no-show fee.
Enroll with South Metro Driving School
Written by Chris Scanlon, Program Director & Owner of South Metro Driving School
SouthMetroDrivingSchool.com — Info@SouthMetroDS.com — 612-552-1929
South Metro Driving School is a Minnesota State-Certified Driving School serving the south Twin Cities Metro — with core markets in Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Eagan, and growing service in Farmington, Lakeville, and Hastings.
This article reflects Chris's personal experience running a licensed Minnesota driving school and independent research from official Minnesota state and city sources, current as of September 2026. It's meant as a helpful starting point, not legal advice - rules change and cities differ, so always confirm the current requirements with Minnesota DVS (dps.mn.gov) and your local city before you ride or drive.
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