ST. PAUL — Minnesotans looking for driver’s license knowledge and road tests closer to home will soon have additional options. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) is working to reopen 67 exam stations, mostly in Greater Minnesota.
DPS-DVS consolidated exam stations, reducing the number to 15 following Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order (Executive Order 20-20) in March of 2020 due to staffing and health safety. The legislature provided funding to reopen the remaining 67 exam stations during the 2021 legislative session. DVS began planning, negotiating leases and working to hire employees to staff all 93 exam stations across the state following the signature of the bill by Gov. Walz.
Based on a phased approach for reopening, and to ensure that needs for leases and staffing are adequate, 43 DPS-DVS exam stations will be open by the end of the year. The remaining 50 exam stations will be opened by Jan. 31, 2022. DPS-DVS will open stations earlier if a lease and appropriate staffing are in place.
Like other employers, DPS-DVS faces challenges filling positions and welcomes the opportunity to partner with local Chambers of Commerce and businesses to get the word out about career opportunities throughout the state. The positions are an entry into to state government service, provide a stable income and offer great benefits.