Minnesota Road Test 2026: DVS Scoring, Routes, and How to Pass

Minnesota's Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) road test requires 75% to pass, costs $20, and lasts 20-30 minutes. Minnesota's winter driving conditions make weather preparedness a unique consideration — though road tests are conducted in all weather conditions the state allows.

Key Takeaways

• Minnesota DVS requires 75% to pass the road test
• Road test costs $20 per attempt
• Minnesota tests during all weather conditions — winter driving is part of the experience
• Twin Cities metro tests are more complex than greater Minnesota locations
• Teens must hold a permit for 6 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving

Minnesota DVS Road Test Scoring

The Minnesota DVS uses a 100-point scoring system. Pass threshold is 75 — one step above the common 70% threshold.

Scored areas:

• Vehicle control
• Speed compliance
• Signal use and timing
• Lane positioning and selection
• Intersection navigation
• Observation habits
• Parking accuracy

Automatic fail conditions:

• Striking any vehicle, object, or person
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Requiring examiner intervention
• Unsafe speed

Minnesota Road Test Maneuvers

Standard Minnesota DVS maneuvers:

• Parallel parking (within 18 inches of curb)
• Three-point turn
• Straight-line backing
• Left and right turns
• Lane changes
• Alley dock at some locations

Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) area specifics: Light rail and bus lane compliance, complex multi-lane intersections, construction zone navigation.

Greater Minnesota: Two-lane highway driving, agricultural vehicle awareness, larger speed differentials between zones.

Minnesota is one of few states where applicants may encounter genuine winter road conditions during their test. Examiners adjust expectations for traction limitations but still score driving decisions.

Practice Minnesota traffic laws on Wheelingo including MN-specific winter driving rules.

Minnesota Road Test Pass Rate

Minnesota DVS does not publish official pass rates. Driving school data indicates:

• Minnesota statewide first-attempt pass rate: approximately 53%
• Twin Cities metro: approximately 47% first attempt
• Greater Minnesota: approximately 59% first attempt

The NHTSA notes that Minnesota's rural crash rates for young drivers are among the higher rates in the Midwest, driven by longer driving distances and rural road conditions.

Top Minnesota Road Test Fails

1. Rolling stops — Most common error statewide
2. Parallel parking outside tolerance
3. Blind spot check omission
4. Signal timing violations
5. Winter: improper speed for conditions — Examiners will mark if driving too fast for slippery conditions

Minnesota GDL Requirements

• Hold a learner's permit for 6 months (if under 18)
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (15 hours at night)
• Complete a driver education course (required for under 18)
• No violations during permit period

Frequently Asked Questions

What score do you need to pass the Minnesota road test? You need 75% or higher (75 out of 100 points) to pass the Minnesota DVS road test.

How much does the Minnesota road test cost? The Minnesota DVS road test costs $20 per attempt.

Do road tests happen in winter in Minnesota? Yes. Minnesota conducts road tests year-round. Examiners evaluate your ability to drive safely in available conditions.

How many supervised hours does Minnesota require? Minnesota requires 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night, for drivers under 18.

How long must you hold a permit in Minnesota? Minnesota requires holding a learner's permit for at least 6 months before taking the road test.

What happens during the pre-drive inspection in Minnesota? The examiner checks your vehicle's lights, horn, turn signals, and wipers. The vehicle must pass to proceed with the road test.