What you need to know before you start

A Minnesota commercial driver's license (CDL) lets you operate trucks, buses, and other large vehicles for pay. The state issues three classes — Class A, B, and C — based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and what you'll be hauling. You cannot straightforward walk into a driver's license office and take a test; Minnesota requires a learner's permit phase, medical certification, and a written exam before you sit for the skills test.

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on how quickly you complete the written exam and schedule your road test. You'll need to pass through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), which oversees all CDL issuance. The cost varies by class and whether you need endorsements, but expect to pay between $100 and $200 total for the license itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a CDL learner's permit from Minnesota DPS before you can take the skills test, and you must hold it for at least one day.
  • A medical examination by a certified examiner is required; you'll submit the results (Form MCSA-5875) to DPS before testing.
  • The written exam covers general knowledge, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements you're pursuing, and you must score at least 80 percent on each section.
  • The road test is administered by a third-party examiner and includes a pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and on-road driving.
  • Minnesota recognizes CDLs from other states, but you must transfer yours within 30 days of establishing residency.

Step 1: Get your medical certification

Before you explore for a learner's permit, you need a medical examination from a certified medical examiner on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry. This is not your regular doctor — it must be someone specifically trained in CDL medical standards. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA website or by calling your local DPS office for a referral.

The examiner will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and general health. They'll complete Form MCSA-5875 (the Medical Examination Report) and give you a copy. You'll need this form when you explore for your learner's permit. The exam costs between $50 and $150, depending on the examiner, and is not covered by insurance.

Step 2: explore for a CDL learner's permit

Visit any Minnesota driver's license office with your completed medical form, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Minnesota residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number. Tell the clerk you're explore for a CDL learner's permit and specify which class you need.

You'll pay the permit fee (around $20 to $30) and receive your permit when ready. Minnesota requires you to hold the permit for at least one day before you can take the written exam, though most people hold it for several weeks while they study. The permit is valid for one year, so if you don't pass the written exam within that time, you'll need to renew it.

Step 3: Pass the written exam

The written exam is administered at any Minnesota driver's license office. You'll take a general knowledge test that covers vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, and cargo handling. If you're pursuing air brake certification or specific endorsements (hazmat, tanker, passenger, doubles/triples), you'll take separate exams for each. You must score at least 80 percent on each section to pass.

Study materials are available free on the Minnesota DPS website, including the CDL Manual and practice tests. Many people spend two to four weeks studying before attempting the exam. If you fail any section, you can retake it the same day or return later; there's no waiting period between attempts, though you'll pay a small fee each time.

Step 4: Schedule and pass the road test

Once you've passed the written exam, you're may be able to access to take the road test. Minnesota uses third-party examiners — private companies contracted by the state — rather than DPS staff. You'll contact an approved testing facility to schedule your appointment. Wait times vary by location and season; rural areas may have shorter waits, while the Twin Cities area can have waits of several weeks.

The road test has three parts: a pre-trip vehicle inspection (you'll walk around the truck and identify safety components), basic control skills (backing, turning, and parking in a controlled area), and on-road driving (typically 30 to 60 minutes on public roads). You must bring a vehicle that matches the class you're testing for. The examiner will score you on safety, vehicle control, and judgment. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one day; each attempt costs $100 to $150.

Understanding Minnesota's three CDL classes

Class A covers vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This is the most common class for long-haul trucking and is the most restrictive to obtain. Class B covers vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, but the towed vehicle weighs 10,000 pounds or less. This covers many delivery trucks and small buses. Class C covers smaller vehicles and is used for passenger transport (like school buses) or hazmat cargo in smaller quantities.

You can only operate the class you're licensed for. If you need to drive a heavier vehicle later, you'll have to test again for the higher class. Many people start with Class B or C and upgrade to Class A after gaining experience.

Transferring a CDL from another state

If you hold a valid CDL from another state and move to Minnesota, you have 30 days to transfer it. Visit a driver's license office with your out-of-state CDL, proof of Minnesota residency, and your medical certification form. You'll pay a transfer fee (typically $20 to $40) and receive your Minnesota CDL without retesting.

If you miss the 30-day window, you'll need to test as if you were a new applicant. Minnesota recognizes all valid U.S. CDLs during the transfer period, regardless of which state issued yours. If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, Minnesota will not transfer it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my regular driver's license to drive a commercial vehicle while I wait for my CDL?

No. Once you explore for a CDL, your regular license is no longer valid for commercial driving. You must have either a valid CDL or a CDL learner's permit (and you can only drive with a permit if a CDL holder is in the passenger seat). Driving commercially without the proper license is a criminal offense in Minnesota.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There's no limit to how many times you can test, but each attempt costs $100 to $150. Your written exam results remain valid for one year, so you don't have to retake the written test if you only failed the road test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after getting more practice.

Do I need to renew my medical certification?

Yes. Your medical certification is valid for 24 months from the date of the exam. You'll need to renew it before your CDL expires. If your certification lapses, your CDL becomes invalid until you complete a new medical exam and submit the results to DPS.

Can I get a CDL if I have a DUI or traffic violation on my record?

It depends on the offense and how recent it is. Minnesota has strict rules about disqualifying offenses — certain felonies, multiple traffic violations within a set period, and DUI convictions can make you ineligible. Contact your local DPS office with details about your record; they can tell you whether you're disqualified or if you need to wait a certain amount of time before explore.

How much does a Minnesota CDL cost in total?

The license itself costs between $100 and $200, depending on the class and endorsements. Add the medical exam ($50 to $150), learner's permit fee ($20 to $30), written exam fees ($10 to $20 per section), and road test fees ($100 to $150 per attempt). Most people spend $300 to $500 total if they pass on the first try, though costs rise if you need multiple test attempts.