What a Minnesota CDL is and who needs one

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota is required to operate certain heavy or hazardous vehicles for compensation. You need a CDL to drive a truck weighing more than 26,001 pounds, a bus carrying 16 or more passengers, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials — regardless of weight. If you drive these vehicles only for personal use, you do not need a CDL.

Minnesota issues CDLs through the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division. The license comes in three classes (A, B, and C) based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and passenger capacity. You can also add endorsements to your CDL that allow you to haul specific cargo types, like tanker materials or doubles.

A standard Minnesota driver's license does not permit commercial driving. If you are caught operating a commercial vehicle without the proper CDL, you face fines starting at $100 and potential criminal charges depending on the violation.

Key Takeaways

  • Minnesota requires a CDL to drive trucks over 26,001 pounds, buses with 16+ passengers, or any vehicle carrying hazardous materials for compensation.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test with a vehicle, and a medical examination before receiving your first CDL.
  • CDLs expire every four years, and renewal requires passing a medical exam and a written test; the skills test is waived if you renew before expiration.
  • Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require additional written tests and, in some cases, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check.
  • You can renew your CDL by mail, online, or in person at a Driver and Vehicle Services office, depending on whether you need a new photo or medical clearance.

Getting your first Minnesota CDL: the three-step process

To obtain a CDL in Minnesota, you must complete three separate tests: a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination. You cannot skip any of these steps, and you must pass all three before the license is issued.

Start by obtaining a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) at any Driver and Vehicle Services office. Bring your current Minnesota driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works), and your Social Security number. Pay the CLP fee, which varies but is typically under $50. You will then take the written knowledge test covering vehicle operation, safety, and cargo handling. The test has 50 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail.

Once you hold a CLP, you can practice driving commercial vehicles with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat. After at least one day of practice (though most people wait weeks), schedule your skills test at an approved testing facility. This test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test (backing, turning, parking), and a road test. You must pass all three components. The skills test costs roughly $100 to $150 depending on the testing facility.

Before your CDL is issued, you must pass a medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner on the National Registry. This exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. The examiner will issue a Medical Certificate valid for two years (or one year if you have certain conditions). You need this certificate to drive; without it, your CDL is not valid. The exam typically costs $75 to $150.

Endorsements: adding tanker, hazmat, or passenger authority

A basic CDL allows you to drive most commercial vehicles, but certain cargo and passenger types require endorsements. The most common are Hazmat (H) for hazardous materials, Tanker (N) for tank vehicles, and Passenger (P) for buses. You can add multiple endorsements to one CDL.

To add an endorsement, you take an additional written test specific to that endorsement. The Hazmat endorsement test covers regulations for transporting explosives, flammables, and other dangerous goods. The Tanker test covers the physics of liquid cargo and safe handling. The Passenger test covers passenger safety and emergency procedures. Each test costs around $10 to $15.

The Hazmat endorsement also requires a TSA background check, which takes several weeks. You must complete this check before the endorsement is added to your license, even if you pass the written test. The TSA charges a fee (currently around $85) and will notify you by mail of approval or denial. If denied, you can request reconsideration, but the process is lengthy.

Renewing your Minnesota CDL before it expires

Minnesota CDLs expire every four years on your birthday. You can renew starting 60 days before expiration. The renewal process is simpler than obtaining a first CDL — you do not need to retake the skills test if you renew before the expiration date.

You have three renewal options: by mail, online, or in person. Mail renewal works if your medical certificate is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail; follow the instructions, include your current license and medical certificate, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes about two weeks.

Online renewal is available through the Minnesota Secretary of State website if you meet the same conditions as mail renewal. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The fee is paid by credit or debit card, and you will receive your renewed license by mail within two weeks.

In-person renewal is required if your medical certificate has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you are adding or removing endorsements. Visit any Driver and Vehicle Services office with your current license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate (if renewing it). You will pay the renewal fee and take a new photo. If your medical certificate expired, you must pass a new medical exam before renewing. You will receive your renewed license by mail within two weeks.

Medical certification and what happens if it lapses

Your Medical Certificate is separate from your CDL but required to drive. It is valid for two years (or one year if you have certain medical conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea). Your CDL remains valid for four years, but you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle if your medical certificate has expired.

Schedule your medical exam with a certified examiner at least 30 days before your certificate expires. The examiner will check your vision (you must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction), hearing, blood pressure, and overall health. If you have a medical condition, the examiner may require additional testing or impose restrictions on your license (like daytime driving only).

If your medical certificate expires while your CDL is still valid, you cannot drive commercially until you renew it. You can renew the certificate at any time by visiting a certified examiner. When you renew your CDL in person, you can renew your medical certificate at the same visit if the examiner is available at that office.

Fees and documents you will need

The total cost to obtain a first CDL in Minnesota ranges from $200 to $400, depending on testing facility fees and whether you need a medical exam. Here is what to expect:

  • Commercial Learner's Permit: $30 to $50
  • Knowledge test (included with CLP): no additional fee
  • Skills test: $100 to $150
  • Medical exam: $75 to $150
  • Endorsement tests: $10 to $15 each
  • Hazmat TSA background check: $85 (if adding Hazmat endorsement)

For renewal, the fee is typically $50 to $75, depending on whether you renew by mail, online, or in person. If you need a new medical exam during renewal, add $75 to $150.

Bring these documents to any Driver and Vehicle Services office: your current Minnesota driver's license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (if renewing). If you are renewing by mail or online, you will mail or upload these documents instead.

What to do if your CDL is suspended or revoked

A CDL suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent. Suspensions typically last 30 days to one year and result from violations like speeding, reckless driving, or driving without a medical certificate. Revocations result from serious violations like driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, or using your vehicle to commit a felony.

If your CDL is suspended, you cannot drive any commercial vehicle during the suspension period. Once the suspension ends, your CDL is automatically reinstated if it has not expired. If your CDL expires during a suspension, you must renew it before you can drive again.

If your CDL is revoked, you must wait at least one year before you can reapply for a new one. You will need to retake all three tests (knowledge, skills, and medical exam) and pay all associated fees. Some revocations carry longer waiting periods or permanent disqualification depending on the violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CDL if my medical certificate has expired?

No. You must renew your medical certificate before or at the same time as your CDL. If you renew by mail or online, your medical certificate must still be valid. If you renew in person, you can take a new medical exam at the same visit if a certified examiner is available at that office.

Do I need to retake the skills test when I renew my CDL?

No, if you renew before your CDL expires. The skills test is waived for timely renewals. If your CDL has already expired, you must retake all three tests (knowledge, skills, and medical exam) to restore it.

How long does it take to get a CDL after I pass all the tests?

Once you pass the knowledge test, skills test, and medical exam, your CDL is issued within two weeks. You will receive it by mail. If you need it sooner, some Driver and Vehicle Services offices can issue a temporary permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed.

What if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test at any approved testing facility. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the testing fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after additional practice.

Can I add an endorsement to my CDL without retaking the skills test?

Yes. Endorsements require only a written test specific to that endorsement, not a skills test. If you are adding Hazmat, you must also complete the TSA background check, which takes several weeks.