Minnesotans trying to book a driver’s test have had enough. They’re driving hours across the state just to secure an appointment, dealing with long wait times, and struggling with a system that doesn’t work for them. Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault) is leading the charge to fix it. On Wednesday, he presented two bills to the Senate Transportation Committee that will make it easier for families to schedule driver’s license exams, without the hassle and uncertainty they’ve been forced to endure.
“For years, people have been telling me how frustrating it is to get a road test in Minnesota,” Sen. Jasinski said. “It shouldn’t take months of waiting or a road trip across the state just to get a simple appointment. These bills put Minnesotans first and bring back common sense to a system that has caused intense aggravation for thousands of families.”
The first bill, SF 1181, ensures that local residents get priority when booking tests at their nearest exam station. Right now, people are crisscrossing the state, clogging up test slots in areas they don’t live in. This bill fixes that by giving local applicants the first chance to book appointments up to three months in advance.
The second bill, SF 294, tackles the problem of last-minute cancellations and the too-short scheduling timeline. Years ago, Minnesotans could book their road tests six months ahead. Then, without any input from the legislature, the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office changed the system, cutting that window down to just one month — making it nearly impossible for families to plan ahead. SF 294 restores a more reasonable scheduling window.
- 50% of test slots must be open three months in advance
- 75% must be available two months in advance
- 100% must be open at least one month in advance
It also increases penalties for missed or last-minute canceled tests. Right now, one in five appointments goes unfilled because someone simply doesn’t show up. The bill raises the no-show fee from $20 to $50 and adds a $20 charge for cancellations made within 24-72 hours of the test.
Both bills would take effect on August 1, 2025.