DMV Appointments in Minnesota
Scheduling a DMV driving test appointment in Minnesota is a limited option since the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division of the state Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not implement a comprehensive appointment system. Therefore, if you would like to make an appointment, DMV officials may not allow you to schedule your visit for many driving license- or motor vehicle-related procedures. However, a select number of DVS procedures can still be completed via an appointment.
For instance, you are required to make a drivers license appointment in MN in order to take the road skills exam. However, this procedure is an exception and you will have to finalize the most common DVS transactions without scheduling your visit. Even if you may be unable to make an appointment for the majority of the driving license- and motor vehicle-related transactions, you may still be able to complete them in a fast and convenient manner via the DVS online services portal. Learn more about the department’s limited DMV appointment system in the following sub-sections.
Driving Test Appointments in Minnesota
Making a DPS driving test appointment in Minnesota is one of the last mandatory steps before receiving your driving license. You can easily schedule your visit for the road skills test by utilizing the convenient exam scheduling service via the department’s internet services section. After making a DMV online appointment for testing purposes, you will be required to prepare your motor vehicle for inspection. When you arrive at the appointed time and place, the DVS examiner will check your paperwork and examine the functionality of the following safety features of your motor vehicle:
- The vehicle’s doors open properly from both sides
- The motor vehicle has the correct number of working seat belts
- The headlights, brake lights, taillights and the vehicle signalization system work properly
- The license plates and stickers are properly attached to the motor vehicle
- The braking system and the windshield wipers are functioning as intended
If you fail to appear for your MN DPS road test appointment on time, in a fully functional vehicle and with the proper documentation, then the state may cancel your appointment, as DVS will not allow you to take the driving test without meeting the requirements. In these cases, you will need to reschedule your DMV appointment.
Note: If you are younger than 19 years of age, then you will be required to hold your instruction permit for 180 days before scheduling your road test.
Other Services Covered by the Minnesota DMV Appointment System
Apart from the option to schedule a DMV appointment for your driving skills test, you may not be able to schedule a visit for the majority of the department’s services. Currently, the limited DPS appointment system is reserved for the standard Class D road skills test as well as the motorcycle and commercial drivers license skills exams. However, the state DVS may allow for exceptions under certain unique circumstances.
For example, if you would like to remove a “salvage” brand from your vehicle title, then you will be required to submit your motor vehicle to a DVS salvage inspection. In such cases, you can schedule a DPS appointment at a nearby office providing such services. To learn whether or not you can make an appointment for other types of procedures, contact the state DVS.
How to Schedule a DMV Appointment in Minnesota
Scheduling your DMV appointment in Minnesota is a procedure that can easily be completed via the department’s online services section. After accessing the DPS appointment system, you will be prompted to log on with your driving license number and your date of birth. Once you access the appointment request form, you will have to follow several straightforward steps, such as choosing your preferred testing location and a convenient date and time. On the website for the DMV, view appointment availability and select the time best for you. If you are unable to schedule your road test online, then you can always call the department and make an appointment by phone.
However, if you would like to check DMV appointment availability for other procedures, then you will not be able to submit an online request since that option is reserved for scheduling the road test. For example, to make an appointment for your registering your car, you will have to find the contact information of your preferred office and contact it by phone.
What to Bring to Your Minnesota DMV Appointment
Once you get your DPS appointment number in Minnesota, you will have to prepare for your office visit by collecting the necessary paperwork and fee payments. Note that the paperwork that you must bring for your office visit will vary depending on the type of procedure you plan on completing. For example, for your DPS driving test appointment, you will need the following items:
- Proof of a Social Security Number
- Your driving instruction permit
- Your driver’s license and motorcycle permit if taking the motorbike skills test
- Proof of vehicle insurance for your motor vehicle
- A valid car registration
- The corresponding fee payment:
- If you are applying for your third or subsequent driving test, then you will be required to pay an additional retesting fee.
If you are younger than 18 years of age, then you will be required to furnish additional paperwork during your driving license appointment. In such cases, you will also need to present a certificate of completion of a driver course, a driving log with accumulated supervised driving hours and a parental signature on your application form.
How to Cancel or Reschedule a DMV Appointment in Minnesota
Once you schedule your Minnesota DPS driving test appointment, you must prepare to take the exam on the agreed upon date and time. If your plans change and you are unable to honor your DMV online appointment, then you will be required to inform the state DVS and either cancel or reschedule your driving test. While you are able to schedule your initial appointment via the internet, you may be unable to change the set time and date via the DVS online services platform. In such cases, you can still call the department and make the necessary changes by phone. You will simply be required to provide your new choice of time and date for your visit.