Tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. there will be a Senate Transportation Committee hearing to review the re-opening of Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) stations across the state of Minnesota. In response to COVID-19, the Department of Public Safety closed many drivers’ exam stations. As COVID restrictions have started to be lifted, the Department of Public Safety has been slow to reopen many driver’s exam stations including locations in Crookston, East Grand Forks, Hallock, Thief River Falls, Warren, and Roseau.
Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks), along with other Senators, sent a letter to the department laying out their concerns this summer after hearing continuing complaints of long waits and long drives to get a driver’s test. With a backlog for regular licenses and a need for more licensed school buses and truck drivers, there has still not been an explanation for the delays from the agency. This is one of the most heard issues Senator Johnson hears about from his Northwest Minnesota constituents and hopes tomorrow can solve the issue.
The legislature provided funding this year to re-open these stations as soon as possible to help serve every Minnesotan. The hearing will be remote, and available on YouTube by following this link YouTube.
Below is the letter from Senator Mark Johnson and many others sent to the department over the summer.
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