Understanding the Minnesota driving test fee for a third attempt after two failures.

If you’re looking at Minnesota’s licensing path after a couple of missteps, there’s a small but important number you’ll want to know: $20. Yes, on the third try, the fee is twenty dollars. Let me explain how that works, why it exists, and what it means for your timeline on the road.

The quick quiz of the moment

• A. $10

• B. $20

• C. $30

• D. $50

The right answer is B, $20. And here’s the plain-English version of why that’s the case: in Minnesota, after two failed attempts, you’ll pay a $20 fee to take the driving test again. If you’ve already faced two hiccups, the third attempt comes with this specific fee to cover the added administrative and scheduling costs, while also encouraging drivers to be more prepared before stepping back into the vehicle. It’s not a punishment; it’s a nudge toward readiness and responsibility.

Let me explain the reasoning behind the fee

Think of the licensing process as a shared responsibility. Everyone on the road benefits when new drivers demonstrate a solid grasp of the rules, signs, and safe habits. The $20 charge for a third attempt isn’t random. It’s designed to:

• Encourage accountability: the fee signals that a retake isn’t a casual step but a renewed commitment to safe driving.

• Help cover costs: every scheduling, staffing, and administrative action tied to retakes has a price tag, and the fee helps offset those ongoing expenses.

• Motivate thorough preparation: when there’s a monetary consequence to postponing or repeating steps, it nudges people to organize their approach and ensure they’re mentally ready to handle real-world driving situations.

In Minnesota, the licensing journey isn’t just a one-time hurdle; it’s a process that weighs safety, readiness, and responsibility. The third-try fee is a piece of that larger picture, aiming to keep the system fair for everyone and to keep roads safer in the long run.

What this means in practical terms

If you’ve had two failed attempts, you’ll want to be ready for the next one in two ways: financially and practically.

• Financial note: budget ahead for the third attempt. The $20 fee is a separate charge from the standard test fee, so you’ll want to set aside funds specifically for that retake.

• Scheduling and logistics: when you’re ready, you’ll book the next available slot with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Have your identification handy, know your social security number if required, and be prepared to pay the fee when you sign up for the retake.

• Payment options: check with your local testing site or the official DVS guidelines about how the fee is accepted. Some locations allow payment by card on-site, while others might require an online transaction beforehand. It’s always wise to confirm the payment method before you show up.

A broader view: what the licensing journey looks like in Minnesota

The road from beginner to licensed driver isn’t a straight line. It’s more like a scenic route with a few stoplights and detours along the way. After you pass the first attempt, you’re still on track to earn your license, provided you meet all the steps, including any required tests, vision checks, and document submissions. If a misstep happens—like a failed attempt—the system adjusts, not as a condemnation, but as a cue to regroup and approach the next step with a clearer plan.

For many people, it’s a mix of practicalities and real-world lessons. You learn the road rules, you understand the signs, and you get a feel for how vehicles respond in different situations. Some of that learning is technical, and some of it is about judgment—how you weigh risk, how you respond to surprises, and how you stay calm under pressure. That blend matters because it translates to safer driving once you finally hold that license.

A quick tangent you might appreciate

While this piece focuses on the fee itself, remember that safe driving isn’t a one-note topic. It intersects with broader safety knowledge you’ll encounter in Minnesota, including signs of impairment, the impact of distraction, and the responsibilities that come with sharing the road. If you’ve ever walked through a parking lot and watched someone change lanes without signaling, you understand the everyday relevance of these rules. The fee question is a doorway to thinking bigger about how each decision behind the wheel affects others.

Relatable examples help, too. Imagine you’re helping a friend with directions and you realize you’ve missed a turn. You don’t shrug it off—you adjust, confirm your route, and move on with clarity. That same spirit applies when you’re navigating the licensing process after a setback. The fee is not just a line on a bill; it’s a reminder to approach the next attempt with a fresh, purposeful mindset.

What to keep in mind as you move forward

• The right answer to the multiple-choice question about the third-try fee is B, $20. It’s a straightforward rule in Minnesota’s licensing framework.

• The fee is tied to the third attempt specifically. It’s not a universal surcharge for every retake; it’s a targeted cost that applies after two failed tries.

• Planning helps. If you know you’re moving toward a third attempt, set aside the $20 and confirm the payment method ahead of time. A little proactive organization goes a long way when schedules and nerves get tight.

• Safety remains the overarching goal. The rules, the fees, and the steps all center on ensuring you can operate a vehicle safely and confidently.

A few practical takeaways

• Confirm current details with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Policies shift, and the official source will give you the exact steps and fees that apply to your situation.

• If you’re in a situation where a third attempt is likely, consider the broader safety learning that accompanies licensing. Real-world awareness—like understanding how weather affects stopping distances or how to handle unforeseen hazards—can make a meaningful difference when you’re back behind the wheel.

• Keep the financial aspect simple. A small budget line for the test fees (including the third-attempt fee) can prevent last-minute scrambling.

Closing thought

Licensing isn’t merely about passing a test once; it’s about earning a degree of confidence that helps you navigate daily life on the road. The $20 third-try fee in Minnesota is a practical piece of that larger picture. It’s not a punishment, but a cue to approach the next step with a bit more intention and readiness. If you find yourself facing that third attempt, take a moment to acknowledge the learning you’ve already done, confirm the logistics, and head into the test with clarity and calm.

If you’d like, I can help you look up the latest fees and scheduling details from the Minnesota DVS to make sure you’ve got the most current information. And if you have questions about how DWI-related knowledge intersects with safe driving habits, we can explore that connection too—within the broader framework of road safety and responsible driving. The road, after all, is shared, and a solid understanding of rules, risks, and responsibilities makes the journey smoother for everyone.