The Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) recently released a recommendations report addressing concerns with the department and put forward a number of proposed solutions. One of their proposals included the elimination of 47 exam stations throughout the state, cutting available exam stations nearly in half.
In response to overwhelming dissatisfaction surrounding DVS’s testing backlog, in 2021 the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released findings regarding DVS’s Driver Examination Stations. The report stated multiple key points including “DVS has been unable to consistently satisfy a requirement in law that establishes a maximum wait time of 14 days for Class D road tests.” It also noted that “DVS lacks a systematic approach to forecasting demand for Class D road tests.”
DVS staff were present in the Senate Transportation committee last week to walk through their recommendations and address what OLA recommendations they have implemented. One portion of their report states, “DVS has been working to meet the 14-day appointment requirement, but demand for appointments continues to far outpace the resources available to conduct those exams…. DVS supports consolidating to 46 exam stations to allow all stations to be open every business day with appointment availability throughout the day and provide better geographical balance to population throughout the state.” Included in this recommendation is the closure of the Stillwater location, which was responsible for nearly 1,500 completed exams in 2023.
Reasoning for the change is stated, “DVS has considered that this plan will require some Minnesota residents to drive further to take an exam than they might need to today. However, this is balanced against the fact that most individuals only need to pass the driving exam one time in their life.”
“I find it hard to believe that the best option to address the problem means closing nearly half of all testing locations,” said Senator Karin Housley (R-Stillwater). “I’ve been hearing from families for years – they are struggling to get appointments for their kids, and in some cases, they are driving across the state to get testing appointments. Some people have had to wait months! The fix that DVS is proposing makes things easier for DVS, but makes things much harder for the families it’s meant to serve.”
Housley has repeatedly authored legislation that authorizes third-party programs and third-party testers to conduct behind-the-wheel road tests for class D drivers’ licenses. This bill would alleviate the current backlog, would ensure that third-party testers meet the same requirements as state testers, and would provide alternate options to those looking to complete the driving exam. This bill would not eliminate any current employees or Driver and Vehicle Services testing stations, it would only create a new avenue to reach the same goal.
“Stillwater completed just under 1,500 exams last year—three times more than any other proposed closure… What DVS is proposing isn’t a real solution if it means the next closest location is in Hastings, and that’s if families can even access an exam there,” continued Housley. “I’ve previously authored legislation that allows private behind-the-wheel instruction to be certified by the State for Class D driving tests. Year after year, DVS seems to struggle, and these proposed closures demonstrate a clear need for more options for those looking to get their licenses. This proposal would ease the burden on DVS staff, while making things easier for families looking to access these tests.”