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Get your Minnesota CDL — government fees ($72), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Governing Authority
Minnesota Department of Public Safety — Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)
651-297-5029
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$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
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
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 online through DVS scheduling system or call 651-284-1234 for Road Skills Exam appointments
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
| 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
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
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 of establishing Minnesota residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
VerifiedVision screening; HAZMAT knowledge test if retaining HAZMAT endorsement
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#6 of 51
Cost
#11 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$49,940
25th percentile
Median
$61,090
+6% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$71,500
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
38,530 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Minnesota.