What to Bring to Your Road Test
A Comprehensive Checklist from Today’s Driving School
Taking your road test is a major step toward independence, but arriving unprepared can add stress and you risk delays—or worse, not being able to take your road test that day. At Today’s Driving School, we suggest students get everything in order so that on their test day they can focus on their driving, and not about missing paperwork or dealing with vehicle issues. Below is a complete guide to what you need to bring (and why), vehicle requirements you must meet, how to conduct a final vehicle check, and what to expect right when you arrive.
1. Required Documents and Paperwork
Before you even get behind the wheel, the first thing your examiner will look for is proper documentation.
What to bring:
Valid learner’s permit: Make sure it is current and that it is the physical copy. Exam stations do not accept photo copies of a permit.
Proof of Insurance: The car you are using for the road test must be insured. You are required to have proof of insurance in the vehicle and will need to show it to the examiner.
Supervised driving log (for under-18s): If you are under 18, Minnesota requires you to present a supervised driving log, which will be signed by your parent/guardian.
E-cards (certificate of course-completion): This replaces the printed white card, which is now a thing of the past. When you arrive at the testing center, they will have your e-card registered in their system.
You should have received an email from MN_DPS (no_reply@state.mn.us) confirming your e-card is registered in their system. You are not required to bring this notification with you, but it is a good idea.
They send this email to the student email address you provided to us when registering for class.
It is a good idea to log into your student portal to verify that your name is spelled correctly, and your birthdate is correctly listed.
If this information is incorrect, let us know immediately. We will need to re-issue your e-card with the correct information before you will be permitted to take the road test.
Why this matters: Examiners will not proceed if mandatory documents are missing. That can mean wasted time, possible rescheduling, and extra fees. Being prepared avoids unnecessary stress.
2. Vehicle Requirements & Pre-Test Vehicle Inspection
Your car must meet certain basic safety and functional requirements before the driving portion of your exam even begins.
Checklist for your vehicle:
Working seat belts for driver and examiner: Both must be properly functioning.
Operational lights, turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights: Examiners will check these before you leave the lot.
Functional windshield wipers, defroster/fan controls, horn, mirrors: These are standard checks at Minnesota testing centers.
Tires in good condition: No bald tires. Good tread and proper inflation reduce the risk of possible failure.
No safety hazards inside or outside the vehicle: Secure loose items, remove snow/ice from hood, roof, and windows which ensure full visibility.
Vehicle condition must allow you to operate safely: If the car has major mechanical issues, get these fixed as soon as possible or consider using another vehicle for the road test.
3. What to Bring Yourself
Beyond documents and vehicle readiness, you also need to bring yourself—meaning your mindset and small personal items to support your performance.
Bring:
Proper attire: Closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing that allows safe movements.
Glasses/contact lenses if required for vision.
Water bottle or small drink (before the test): Stay calm, hydrated, and alert.
Driving log (if applicable): For students under 18, have your driving log ready to present & signed by your parents. Parents have two options when it comes to supervised driving logs.
Complete a parent class provided by a Minnesota-approved driver education program and submit a log showing at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including 15 nighttime hours.
If not taking the parent class, your teen must submit a log showing at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 nighttime hours.
Questions written down (optional): If you have any final questions for the examiner, jot them ahead of time so you can ask them before you leave the vehicle.
A calm, focused mindset: This is arguably the most important “item” you bring—being mentally prepared helps you perform better under pressure.
4. Day-of Test Checklist & Final Vehicle Walk-Around
On test day, follow a final checklist just before entering the vehicle:
Leave early: Make sure you are on time for your appointment. It is better to arrive early and wait, than to reschedule because you were late. Allow extra drive time for traffic, road construction, or other unexpected delays.
Walk-around: Conduct the walk-around a week prior to the test, and before leaving home for the testing center. The first walk around gives you time to make any necessary repairs.
Clear snow/ice off all windows, mirrors, roof, hood — visibility counts.
Check the tires for proper inflation.
Check your lights, make sure they are all working.
Verify the seat belts and door latches are working.
Verify you have your permit and proof of insurance.
Note: No one else is allowed in the car besides you and the examiner!
Right before starting:
Review what the examiner will check first (seatbelt, emergency brake, signal lights, etc.).
Take deep breaths. Remind yourself: calm, prepared, focused.
Briefly check mirrors and surroundings as you roll into the exam session starting point.
Following this checklist helps you enter the test with confidence and shows the examiner you are attentive to safe vehicle operation.
5. Why Being Prepared Matters
Avoid delays or rescheduling due to missing documents or vehicle issues.
Demonstrates to your examiner that you are ready for more than just the driving maneuvers — you are ready for the responsibility of driving.
Reduce nervousness by minimizing unknowns and surprises.
Allows you to focus more on your driving skills (steering, signaling, maneuvering) rather than worrying if you have missed something.
6. And the Test Begins - Remember no-one else is allowed in the vehicle during the exam, this includes pets.
Take deep breaths and remind yourself to be calm and focused.
Be polite.
Listen carefully.
Check your seat belt and mirrors for proper adjustment.
Yes, you likely drove to the testing center, and they are already adjusted. But this lets the examiner know you understand this needs to be done every time you drive.
Do everything we taught you to do in order to be a safe, responsible driver, and you will do fine.
7. After the Test: What Happens Next
Your exam finishes when you have parked back at the exam station. Turn off your ignition and focus on what the examiner says.
The examiner will review your performance, and let you know if you passed or failed.
If you fail: The examiner will assign additional practice time that must be completed before your next road test.
If you pass:
You will be given your test results.
You then go to the DMV to apply for your license.
You will make your application.
Do the eye exam.
Have your picture taken.
And receive your temporary paper license to use until your hard copy arrives in the mail.
No matter what the results of the test are, take the examiner's feedback to heart. This will help you to become the safe, responsible driver you need to be.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for your road test is more than memorizing maneuvers — it is about showing the examiner you are ready to drive safely, responsibly, and confidently. Ensuring you bring the correct documents, that your vehicle is in condition, and that you arrive focused sets the tone for the entire experience.
At Today's Driving School, our goal is to help you become a lifelong safe driver. If you have questions, or want to purchase an extra lesson to help you feel more confident on the day of the test, we are here for you.
Visit www.todaysdrivingschool.com or call us at (844) 374-8315 to get started.
Jacob AhnerDriving Instructor with Today’s Driving School