DVS to expand online services, allow prospective drivers to take knowledge test online

Prospective Minnesota drivers will soon be able to take part of the test to earn a class D learner’s permit online.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) division will offer the class D knowledge test online beginning Thursday.

The online test will require a parent, guardian or adult 21 years or older who holds a valid state driver’s license to proctor the test but will allow prospective drivers to take the test at home. The test will also be available at authorized third-party testing locations, DVS said.

While the knowledge test will be online, the other tests are still only available at regional DVS exam stations.

To request to take the knowledge test online, click here and follow the prompts. DVS will send an email to the address provided with a link to the testing site, a ticket number, a security code and instructions. Once registered for the test, the prospective driver has 48 hours to take the test.

Online testing will be available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday. After logging in to the testing site, people have 30 minutes to complete the test. If passed, the applicant can complete the pre-application online before visiting an office to complete the permit application.

The test can only be taken once per day and each applicant is only allowed two online test attempts. If both are failed, the applicant will have to schedule an appointment at an exam station and pay a $10 fee, the department said.

According to DVS, it is also expanding in-person options for Minnesotans by creating a network of certified entities, such as deputy registrars, high school driver education programs and community organizations that will be certified by the department to offer proctored class D permit tests at their locations.

DVS said it worked with 120 customers to test the online testing system during a pilot phase in September. The department is also working with the Quick-Serv License in South St. Paul, Anoka-Hennepin Schools and Communidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio and other school districts, driving schools and deputy registrars.

A bill signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz in July allowed DVS to implement the online system.