Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) works with its partner agencies to develop systems and digital services to that put people and their needs are the center of our solutions. In 2020, that focus on the end user results in updating our systems to allow citizens, residents, and visitors to interact with state government in a convenient, efficient, and above all else, safe manner.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) is tasked with providing services to those seeking a Minnesota driver’s license. In 2019, DVS administered almost 460,000 knowledge tests, which ensure those seeking a license are prepared to operate a motor vehicle. Before June 2020, all those individuals had been required to complete the tests in-person at a DVS exam station. With new safety measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, MNIT and DVS worked quickly to create options for potential test-takers and employees that kept everyone safe by updating facilities and developing an online knowledge test.

"MNIT and DPS really collaborated on solutions that ensured all Minnesotans could access these services. These projects really exemplify how state government serves One Minnesota."

Chief Business Technology Officer for MNIT partnering with DPS, Pancho Henderson

Updating a physical environment

In phase one of this project, DVS and MNIT added 40 testing stations that met Minnesota Department of Health’s social distancing and safety guidelines. The team procured and set up the furniture, electrical work, and technical equipment in record time: three weeks. Mike Law, Dev-Ops Manager for MNIT partnering with DPS notes, “Everyone on the project team made this a priority. Before we had virtual knowledge tests set up, we knew that we needed to focus on creating a convenient and safe option for Minnesotans to get this essential service.”

The additional testing stations at the DVS downtown St. Paul exam station were made possible by adjusting staff’s priorities to meet the project deadline, obtaining un-used equipment from other exam stations, and creating and implementing safety procedures. While the updated physical environment enabled a safer option for those seeking a driver’s license, DVS recognized that it was essential to find a completely digital solution to meet Minnesotans’ needs. 

Moving to virtual testing

For phase two of the new testing process, MNIT and DVS, along with support from a third-party vendor, Idemia, created an online knowledge test that could be administered at home or by a third-party proxy. After working with the Minnesota legislature to secure funding and changes to statute, the teams had to create a completely new testing environment and ensure that it communicated with existing licensing systems – which they successfully completed within an unprecedented timeline. 

“The biggest challenge the team overcame was coordinating with internal and external team members to quickly implement the online knowledge testing so citizens across the state could take the knowledge test without needing to wait in lines or risk exposure,” noted Dawn Van Ryn, Manager for MNIT partnering with DPS.

While MNIT worked with a third-party vendor to build the software, the team needed to overcome the challenge of integrating it into existing systems. Once a person passes the knowledge test, that information needs to be sent to DVS’s licensing system. Due to this complexity, the teams made sure that they were in constant communication with one another and their third-party partners to create a smooth process. To support the new virtual environment, MNIT built, configured, and tested new servers, configured new network access, and ensured the security of the system.

“Since the project was completed, I have heard from a few people whose teens have been able complete the knowledge test online. They were very happy with both the testing experience and that they did not have to drive their teen to the center and wait,” adds Van Ryn. Prior to the launch of online testing, class D knowledge tests were booked six weeks out at regional DVS exam stations.

“This online class D knowledge test pilot program puts customers first. It focuses on busy Minnesota families, and teens anxious to earn their Minnesota instruction permit as soon as possible,” Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Director Emma Corrie said. “Thousands of people have avoided potential exposure during this COVID crisis by taking the class D knowledge test online, at home, at a time that worked best for them. They didn’t have to take time out of their schedules to make the drive to an exam station or plan and schedule an appointment, weeks in advance.” 

"This online system makes the class D knowledge test more accessible to Minnesotans who need to take the test."

Director of Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services, Emma Corrie

MNIT and its partners across state government continue to find new ways to ensure that Minnesotans can access services they need, no matter the circumstance. “Giving people the option to take test online shows that we are building a forward-thinking government that cares about real people,” asserts Law. “When we focus on finding the best solution, and getting things right for Minnesotans, we can be the modern government we are striving to become.”

From October 8-16, 2020, 11,845 registered for the online test, which can be taken Monday-Saturday. In that time period, on average 1,287 people took the test per day. Minnesotans can successfully take online knowledge tests, which saves time, lessens their COVID-19 exposure risk, and provides an easier overall experience.