ST PAUL, Minn. — A major backlog in prospective drivers seeking their permits has the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) scrapping its first-come, first-served system for those seeking knowledge tests for an appointment-only model.
Beginning July 13, DVS is discontinuing first-come, first-served at its 14 regional exam stations, pointing to the eight-week shutdown and subsequent backlog due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, DVS is offering an average of 790 class D knowledge test (permit) appointments per day at each of those regional exam stations.
You can schedule an appointment for locations in St. Paul, Arden Hills, Anoka, Eagan, Plymouth, Rochester, Mankato, Marshall, Willmar, Detroit Lakes, St. Cloud, Duluth, Grand Rapids, or Bemidji.
To schedule a knowledge test appointment visit the DVS website, then select “Schedule or Reschedule an Exam” and follow the prompts. If you discover you can’t keep your appointment, return to the website and cancel it as soon as possible so someone else can claim the slot.
DVS says when arriving for an appointment (15 minutes before the scheduled test), prospective drivers should know their social security number, and bring the required documents and payment (check, cash or money order) to cover the testing fee. Face masks are mandatory, and test takers will be required to complete a wellness screening before entering the exam station.
The appointment-only change is only for those taking a class D knowledge test. Those looking to take a commercial, motorcycle, moped or DWI knowledge test will continue to be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
