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Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
651-297-5029 (also 651-282-6555 TTY)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$72
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Gather Required Documents
Obtain a valid Minnesota driver's license, proof of SSN, Medical Examiner's Certificate, and citizenship documentation.
DOT physical exam typically costs $75–$150
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a DVS exam station, pass required knowledge tests (General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles for Class A), and obtain your CLP.
CLP valid for 1 year, non-renewable
Fee: $26.75Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete ELDT through an FMCSA-approved training provider listed on the Training Provider Registry.
Minnesota State CDL Academy programs available through community/technical colleges
Fee: $3,000–$7,000Hold CLP for 14 Days
You must hold your CLP for a minimum of 14 days before taking the skills test.
Schedule and Pass Skills Test
Schedule your CDL skills exam through DVS online scheduling or by calling 651-284-1234. Pass the pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, and road test.
No fee for first two attempts; $20 retesting fee for third and subsequent attempts
Fee: $0Obtain CDL
Visit a DVS office to receive your full CDL after passing the skills test.
Class A CDL fee; plus $22 filing fee
Fee: $45.25Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($26.75) + CDL ($45.25) + skills test ($0); does not include $22 filing fee
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Minnesota State Commercial Driver Academy programs available through community and technical colleges
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
State Fee: $0
No separate state skills test fee for first two attempts; $20 retesting fee for third and subsequent road tests
Three-Part Exam
Third-party CDL testing is available in Minnesota. State-administered testing can be scheduled through DVS online scheduling system.
Third-party fee: $150–$300 (Varies by provider)
Scheduling Note
Schedule through DVS scheduling system or call 651-284-1234
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Minnesota
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $2.50 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $2.50 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $2.50 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $2.50 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $5 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $2.50 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$26.75
Commercial learner's permit fee
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Minnesota has 9% above average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Minnesota has above-average cdl truck drivers density — competitive market.
Minnesota ranks #22 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$45.25
Class A renewal fee; plus $22 filing fee. Expires on birthday.
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
CDLs expire on the applicant's birthday and must be renewed every 4 years after age 21. Must maintain current Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
Visit a Minnesota DVS office within 30 days of becoming a resident. Provide required documents including out-of-state CDL, medical certification, and citizenship documentation. Complete a Medical Self-Certification Form.
Transfer Fee
$45.25
CDL license fee plus $22 filing fee
Timeline
Within 30 days
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test if retaining HAZMAT endorsement
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
The FMCSA military skills test waiver allows eligible current or recently discharged service members to skip the skills and road testing portion of the CDL process with appropriate documentation.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated (within past year) military with equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Minnesota.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Minnesota range from $3,000 to $7,000. Minnesota State Commercial Driver Academy programs available through community and technical colleges
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Minnesota.
Start Your CDL Training in Minnesota
State-approved online courses you can start today.
Unique to Minnesota
No separate state skills test fee for the first two attempts. Minnesota State operates a Commercial Driver Academy through its community and technical college system.
CDL Schools in Minnesota
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Not sure this is the right career? Take a 2-minute quiz →
Answer 6 quick questions and we'll match you with the best-fit licensed profession.
Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Minnesota verified against Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) — Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: