Minnesota requires a separate CDL test and medical clearance to drive commercial trucks and buses

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Minnesota is not an upgrade to your regular driver's license — it is a separate license class that replaces your standard license when you drive certain vehicles for work. Minnesota issues three classes: Class A (tractor-trailers and combinations over 26,001 pounds), Class B (single vehicles over 26,001 pounds), and Class C (vehicles under 26,001 pounds but carrying hazardous materials or 16+ passengers). You cannot straightforward add an endorsement to a regular license; you must pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and provide medical certification.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services division, administers the CDL program. You will test at a Minnesota DVS exam station, not at a private testing center. The entire process — from medical exam to passing your skills test — typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you schedule appointments and how many attempts you need for the written or driving test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a medical examination by a certified medical examiner and submit the results (Form MCSA-5875) to DVS before you can test for a CDL.
  • The written knowledge test covers general CDL rules, air brakes (if applicable), hazmat (if applicable), and passenger transport (if applicable), and you must score at least 80 percent on each section you take.
  • The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test, all performed in a vehicle of the class you are seeking.
  • Minnesota recognizes out-of-state CDLs but will not issue a CDL to someone who holds a valid CDL from another state without first canceling the other license.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to hold a CDL within Minnesota (21 for interstate commerce) and have held a regular driver's license for at least one year.

Medical certification and the MCSA-5875 form

Before you can sit for any CDL test in Minnesota, you must obtain a medical examination from a certified medical examiner listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. This is not your family doctor — it must be someone on the FMCSA list. The examiner checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and medical history to may support you can safely operate a commercial vehicle. The exam costs between $75 and $150, depending on the provider.

After the exam, the medical examiner gives you a Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875). You bring this certificate to the DVS exam station when you test. The certificate is valid for 24 months. If you already hold a CDL from another state and it is about to expire, you may need a new medical exam before Minnesota will renew it.

The written knowledge test and test sections

Minnesota's CDL written test is computer-based and administered at DVS exam stations. You must pass a General Knowledge test (50 questions, 80 percent required) that covers vehicle inspection, basic control, road hazards, and commercial driving rules. Depending on the class and endorsements you seek, you will also take tests on Air Brakes (if the vehicle has air brakes), Hazardous Materials (if you will transport hazmat), and Passenger Transport (if you will carry 16 or more people).

You can take the tests in English or through an interpreter. Minnesota does not offer the test in other languages. If you fail any section, you must wait one day before retesting that section. Study materials are available on the Minnesota DVS website and through third-party CDL prep courses, though the state does not endorse any particular course.

The skills test: pre-trip, control, and road components

After passing the written test, you schedule a skills test with a Minnesota DVS examiner. The test has three parts, all performed in a vehicle of the class you are seeking. You must provide the vehicle yourself or arrange to use one through a CDL training school.

The pre-trip inspection requires you to walk around and point out critical components (lights, tires, brakes, coupling devices) and explain what you are checking and why. The basic control test measures your ability to back up, turn, and maneuver in a confined space. The road test

Endorsements and restrictions in Minnesota

Once you hold a CDL, you can add endorsements for specific cargo or vehicle types. Hazmat (H) allows you to transport hazardous materials and requires a separate written test plus a federal background check. Passenger (P) allows you to drive vehicles carrying 16 or more people and requires a separate written test. Tanker (N) allows you to drive tanker vehicles and requires a written test. Double/Triple Trailers (T) allows you to operate double or triple trailers and requires a written test.

Minnesota also issues restrictions that limit what you can drive. A restriction code appears on your license and may indicate you cannot drive air-brake vehicles, cannot drive automatic transmissions, or are limited to intrastate commerce only. Restrictions are assigned based on the vehicle you used for your skills test and your medical status.

Timeline and costs for Minnesota CDL licensing

The total cost for a Minnesota CDL ranges from $200 to $500, depending on whether you use a training school. The medical exam costs $75 to $150. The written test costs $10. The skills test costs $50 per attempt. If you use a CDL training school (not required but common), expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500 for classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.

The timeline depends on your schedule and how quickly you pass each step. If you already have a regular Minnesota driver's license and pass all tests on your first attempt, you can complete the process in four to six weeks. If you need to retake the written test or skills test, add one to two weeks per attempt. Some DVS exam stations have longer wait times for skills tests, particularly in the Twin Cities area, so book your appointment as soon as you pass the written test.

Transferring a CDL from another state to Minnesota

If you hold a valid CDL from another state and move to Minnesota, you can transfer it without retesting, provided the other state's CDL meets federal standards (all U.S. states do). You must visit a Minnesota DVS office in person with your out-of-state CDL, proof of Minnesota residency, and proof of identity. You will surrender your out-of-state license and receive a Minnesota CDL. The transfer fee is $20 to $30.

If your out-of-state CDL is expired or about to expire, Minnesota will require a new medical exam and may require you to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been since you last held a valid CDL. If you have been without a CDL for more than one year, you must retake all tests as if you were a new applicant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a vehicle I do not own for the skills test?

Yes. You can use a vehicle owned by your employer, a CDL training school, or a friend, as long as the vehicle matches the class you are testing for and is properly insured and registered. The vehicle must have working air brakes if you are testing for air-brake certification. Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle registration to the test.

What happens if I fail the skills test?

You can retake the skills test after paying the $50 fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can schedule another test the next day if a slot is available. You must retake all three parts (pre-trip, control, road) even if you only failed one section.

Do I need to attend a CDL training school?

No. Minnesota does not require formal training. You can study on your own, pass the written test, and take the skills test in a vehicle you arrange yourself. However, many people use training schools because they provide instruction, a vehicle for testing, and practice time, which increases the chance of passing on the first attempt.

Can I hold a regular driver's license and a CDL at the same time?

No. When you receive a CDL in Minnesota, it replaces your regular driver's license. Your CDL allows you to drive both commercial and non-commercial vehicles, so you do not need a separate regular license.

What is the difference between intrastate and interstate CDL?

An intrastate CDL allows you to drive commercial vehicles only within Minnesota. An interstate CDL allows you to drive across state lines. You must be at least 21 years old to hold an interstate CDL; you can be 18 for intrastate only. Most employers require an interstate CDL, so check your job requirements before testing.