What a Minnesota CDL is and who needs one

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota is a special driving credential that allows you to operate heavy trucks, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. You need a CDL if you drive a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or any vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety issues CDLs and sets the testing standards.

Not every truck driver needs a CDL. If you operate a pickup truck or small commercial van for personal business, you do not need one. But if you drive a semi-truck, dump truck, cement mixer, school bus, or any vehicle that crosses the weight or passenger threshold, Minnesota law requires you to hold a valid CDL before you get behind the wheel. Driving without one when required is a criminal offense.

The CDL comes in three classes—A, B, and C—based on the vehicle's weight and what it can tow. Class A covers the heaviest trucks and trailers. Class B covers single heavy vehicles like dump trucks or buses. Class C is for smaller commercial vehicles or those carrying hazardous materials. You can also add endorsements to your CDL for tanker transport, doubles/triples, or hazmat, each requiring additional testing.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota requires a CDL for any vehicle over 26,001 pounds GVWR or designed to carry 16 or more passengers, and you must pass written and driving tests through the Department of Public Safety.
  • You must hold a valid Minnesota driver's license and be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate commerce) before you can take the CDL written test.
  • The written test covers general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, and other topics depending on the class and endorsements you seek.
  • After passing the written test, you schedule a separate behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner who evaluates your vehicle control and safety practices.
  • Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require additional written tests and, in some cases, a background check through the Transportation Security Administration.

Prerequisites and what you need before testing

Before you walk into a Minnesota driver's license exam station to test for a CDL, you must already hold a valid Minnesota driver's license. You cannot test for a CDL on a learner's permit or with an expired license. If you are moving to Minnesota from another state, you can transfer your out-of-state license to a Minnesota license first, then pursue the CDL.

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a commercial vehicle within Minnesota. However, if you plan to drive across state lines (interstate commerce), federal law requires you to be at least 21 years old. Many employers require the interstate age minimum even for in-state work, so check your job requirements before you start the process.

Gather these documents before you go to the exam station: your valid Minnesota driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 30 days). You will also need to complete the Commercial Driver's License process (Form DL 44), which you can read from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or fill out at the exam station.

The written test: what to study and how it is structured

The CDL written test in Minnesota is computer-based and covers multiple topics depending on the class and endorsements you pursue. The general knowledge test is required for all CDL applicants and covers vehicle inspection, basic control, road hazards, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass.

If you are testing for Class A or B, you will also take a combination vehicles test (for Class A) or a heavy vehicles test (for Class B). These sections focus on how your specific vehicle type handles, brakes, and responds in different conditions. Air brakes are tested separately if your vehicle has an air brake system; if you fail the air brake test, your CDL will carry an air brake restriction, meaning you cannot drive vehicles with air brakes.

Endorsement tests add more written sections. The hazmat endorsement test covers the rules for transporting dangerous goods and requires a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check. The tanker endorsement test covers the physics of liquid cargo and how it affects braking and handling. The doubles/triples endorsement covers towing multiple trailers. Each endorsement test has its own passing score, usually 80 percent.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety publishes a CDL Study Guide online that covers all test topics. Many people also use third-party study apps and practice tests. You can take the written test as many times as you need, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail.

The behind-the-wheel driving test and what examiners evaluate

After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the behind-the-wheel driving test. This test is conducted by a Minnesota Department of Public Safety examiner and takes place in your own commercial vehicle or one provided by a testing facility. The examiner will evaluate your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond safely to road conditions.

The driving test has three parts: the pre-trip inspection, the basic control skills test, and the road test. During the pre-trip inspection, you walk around and under the vehicle, pointing out safety components like lights, brakes, tires, and coupling devices while explaining what you are checking and why. The examiner is testing whether you know your vehicle well enough to spot problems before they cause a breakdown or crash.

The basic control skills test takes place in a closed course or parking lot. You will be asked to perform maneuvers like backing in a straight line, backing into an offset alley, and performing a 90-degree backing exercise. These tasks measure your ability to control a large vehicle in tight spaces—a skill that matters every time you park or load cargo.

The road test lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and includes city driving, highway driving, and various traffic situations. The examiner watches how you accelerate, brake, turn, change lanes, and respond to traffic signals and other vehicles. You must demonstrate smooth control, proper mirror checks, and safe decision-making. One critical failure (such as running a red light, hitting an object, or losing control) results in an automatic fail.

Timeline and costs for getting your Minnesota CDL

The entire CDL process typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly you study and how soon you can schedule your tests. The written test can usually be scheduled within a few days of your visit to an exam station. The behind-the-wheel test often has a longer wait—anywhere from one to three weeks depending on examiner availability in your area.

Minnesota charges a fee for the CDL itself and separate fees for each test. The CDL license fee is $48 for an eight-year license. The written test costs $10. The behind-the-wheel driving test costs $20. Each endorsement test adds $10. If you need a hazmat endorsement, the TSA background check adds an additional fee (currently $85, though this can change). These fees are paid at the time of each test or license issuance.

Many people attend a commercial driver training school before testing, which adds to the overall cost and timeline. A full-time CDL training program typically runs three to six weeks and costs between $3,000 and $7,000, though prices vary by school. Some employers cover training costs for new hires. If you choose to self-study and test without formal training, you will only pay the state fees, but you will need to arrange access to a commercial vehicle for the behind-the-wheel test.

Medical certification and the FMCSA physical

Before your CDL becomes valid for interstate driving, you must pass a medical examination by a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified medical examiner. This is a federal requirement, not just a Minnesota one. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall health to may support you are physically capable of safely operating a commercial vehicle.

You can take the medical exam before or after you pass your CDL tests, but you must complete it before you can legally drive interstate. The examiner will give you a Medical Examiner's Certificate (also called a "med card") that is valid for two years. You must carry this certificate with you while driving. When it expires, you must pass another exam to renew it.

The cost of the medical exam varies by provider but typically ranges from $100 to $200. You can find FMCSA-certified examiners through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners on the FMCSA website. Some conditions—such as certain heart problems, untreated diabetes, or severe sleep apnea—may disqualify you from the medical certificate. If you have a chronic health condition, it is worth checking with an examiner before you invest time and money in CDL training.

Maintaining your CDL and staying compliant

Once you have your Minnesota CDL, you must renew it every eight years, just like a regular driver's license. You can renew by mail or in person at a driver's license exam station. If you renew by mail, you do not need to retake the written or driving tests unless your CDL was suspended or revoked.

Your CDL can be suspended or revoked if you accumulate too many traffic violations, fail to maintain your medical certification, or commit certain criminal offenses. Minnesota also has a point system for traffic violations. Accumulating 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months can result in suspension. Violations while driving a commercial vehicle count as double points.

You must also report certain events to the Department of Public Safety within 30 days: any traffic violation, any accident (even minor ones), any DUI or DWI arrest, and any medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely. Failing to report these events can result in license suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a CDL with a suspended or revoked regular driver's license?

No. Your Minnesota driver's license must be valid and in good standing before you can test for or hold a CDL. If your regular license is suspended, you cannot test for a CDL until the suspension is lifted and your license is reinstated.

What happens if I fail the behind-the-wheel test?

You can retake the behind-the-wheel test as many times as you need. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the $20 test fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after practicing with a trainer or experienced driver.

Do I need to take the written test again if I move to Minnesota from another state?

If you already hold a valid CDL from another state, you can transfer it to a Minnesota CDL without retaking the written or driving tests. You will need to visit a driver's license exam station with your out-of-state CDL, proof of residency, and the process form. The transfer fee is the same as the CDL license fee.

Can I add endorsements to my CDL after I get it?

Yes. You can add endorsements at any time by passing the written test for that endorsement and, if it is hazmat, completing the TSA background check. You do not need to retake the general knowledge or driving tests. Visit a driver's license exam station to schedule the endorsement test.

What is the difference between a CDL and a commercial learner's permit?

A commercial learner's permit (CLP) allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder. You must hold a CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test. The CLP costs $10 and requires passing the written test. It is not a substitute for a CDL and does not allow you to drive commercially on your own.