What’s the Knowledge Test?

Also known as the Written Test or Permit Test. Students must pass this 40 question test with an 80% or better, which is 32 correct or better, or less than 9 wrong. Questions are pulled from a bank of 150 potential questions generated from the 8 chapters of the MN Driving Manual. Memorizing the concepts in this manual is the best chance of success in passing Knowledge Test.  Most testing facilities require taking the test on a computer but some DMV’s use paper copies.  The test is available in other languages, can be read to students, and other accommodations can be made but you must call the DMV where you take the test in advance to set up.

You can only schedule this test 30 days in advance and will be charged a fee if you do not show as scheduled. To expedite the process on testing day and avoid unnecessary stress and delays, we advise completing an online application before your test.

Knowledge Test Checklist

You must complete all of the following to take the Written Test and earn a Instruction Permit to drive;

• I have enrolled with a Driving School and received my E-Card

• I have scheduled a Class D Knowledge Test (Written Test) Appointment

• I have completed the online Application on DPS.MN.GOV (must done no more than 30 days before my test)

• I have my Primary and Secondary Identifying documents (Click here for more information on Identify Documents)

  • Most common Primary Identifying Documents are a Certified Birth Certificate OR an Unexpired Passport

  • Most common Secondary Identifying Documents are a School Picture ID, Social Security Card, or a 2nd Primary Identifying Document

• I know my Social Security Number

• I have money to pay the fees

If under age 18 you must also have the following;

• I am at least 15 years of age

• I have my Blue Card (E-Card) which comes in the form on an email from the State of MN. SMDS would have submitted your information to the State DMV System when you provided a Classroom Completion Letter and enrolled

• I have my parent/guardian with to sign and approve my application

Where do I take these Tests?

The Knowledge Test and Road Test must be taken at an Authorized Testing Facility, which is typically at your local DMV. There are many locations around the State of Minnesota and these can be found as you schedule your tests online. The best way to find the closest and soonest available dates for testing is to go to the DMV Online Services Page and browse.

What’s the Road Test?

The Road Test is a measure of the driver’s knowledge of a vehicle’s safety equipment and their ability to proficiently demonstrate vehicle control. Examiners will assess the driver’s ability to manage risk, follow rules of the road, observation of intersections, changing lanes, parallel parking, and a variety of common driving situations. The Road Test could be conducted on a Closed Course (private property with no traffic) or an Open Course (on city roads mixed in with regular drivers), each have their pros and cons.

Exact measures used to evaluate a driver remain a mystery, so it is best to get as much driving experience in a diverse set of driving environments as possible.

Student drivers must provide their own vehicle and proof of insurance before taking the Road Test. You can only schedule the Road Test 30 days in advance and will be charged a fee if you do not show as scheduled. To expedite the process on testing day and avoid unnecessary stress and delays, we advise completing an online application before your test.