Failed the Minnesota permit test: when you can retake it
Failing the written test is common and fixable. Here is what Minnesota says about retaking it, and a plan for the next attempt.
- How soon you can retake
- one test per day
- Attempts
- first two attempts free; third attempt at exam station
- Retest fee
- $10 fee for third test
- After repeated failures
- After two failed tests: schedule third test at an exam station and pay $10
- Online test
- Online: eligible for two test attempts online, one per day
From the official source
A person can only take one test per day and is only eligible to complete two test attempts online. In the case of two failed tests, they will need to schedule an appointment for a third test at an open exam station and pay a $10 fee.
Before your next attempt
- Write down the topics you got wrong: signs, right-of-way, speed limits, alcohol rules, distances. The retest usually draws from the same pool.
- Reread only those chapters of the official Minnesota handbook, not the whole book.
- Take our Minnesota practice tests until you score 90% or more three times in a row — the real pass mark is lower, so that is a safe margin.
- Use the mistake review: it shows only the questions you missed, with the handbook section for each.
- The night before, do one exam simulation and stop. Sleep beats cramming.
The real test: 40 questions, 32 correct to pass.
Practice for the retakeReview my mistakes
Checked on October 25, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV.