DVS relaunches online driver’s test with changes

Josh Skluzacek
[KSTP]

Minnesotans can once again take the class D knowledge test online at home.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) said Tuesday that it has relaunched the online test after removing it on Nov. 2 so some changes could be made by the state’s testing vendor, IDEMIA. The online test was originally launched on Oct. 8.

The changes include:

  • Proctor limitations: A person can only proctor the online knowledge test for three people per year.
  • A shorter waiting period: Minnesotans previously had 48 hours from registration to begin the online knowledge test. Now, the online test will start immediately after registering and receiving the email with security and testing codes to ensure the person registering and the proctor are in the same place and ready to begin as soon as registration is done.

"Protecting the integrity of online testing is critical to the success of this program and will help ensure Minnesotans have access to this test without needing to leave their home," DPS-DVS Director Emma Corrie said. "Expanding online services is more important than ever. More than 23,000 people have taken the class D knowledge test online at home since it was launched on Oct. 8, and we expect many more to use this service in the coming months."

Minnesotans can still take the class D knowledge test in person, by appointment only, at open regional DVS stations. Commercial, motorcycle and DWI knowledge tests are only available in person on a walk-in basis but appointments aren’t needed for those.

Anyone wishing to take the test online can do so at drive.mn.gov from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Proctors must be 21 or older and hold a valid Minnesota driver’s license. Each person has 30 minutes to complete the online test.

DPS-DVS also made several other changes to improve the way Minnesotans are able to receive services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

  • Online commercial driver’s license application.
  • Online seasonal farm commercial driver’s license application.
  • Online standard driver’s license renewal or replacement.
  • Class D knowledge test appointments.
  • Virtual lobbies at open exam stations.
  • Appointment-only road tests; adjustments to the class D road test.
  • Commercial road test adjustments to maintain social distancing.
  • St. Paul Exam Station expanded knowledge testing capacity.
  • Driver’s license, permit and ID card extensions.
  • Disability permit extensions.
  • Focusing on regional DVS exam stations to offer more tests.
  • Wellness screenings and personal protective equipment.
  • Saturday road test appointments.
  • School bus Saturday knowledge tests.
  • Online class D knowledge test.