Your Complete Roadmap on How to Get CDL in Minnesota

Getting a CDL in Minnesota is a gateway to a fruitful and stable future for any entrant who desires to have a career in commercial truck driving. Truck drivers are an item of high demand throughout the country, hence earning a CDL opens opportunities for one to drive locally, regionally, or even cross-country. This guide will walk you through how to get a CDL in Minnesota, from meeting state requirements to passing the knowledge and skill tests. For first-timers in commercial driving and others who are now sure that they want to acquire the CDL, this article covers what it will take to be qualified on the road with full confidence.

What are the Minnesota CDL requirements?

Before you actually begin the process, you must first meet the qualifications to apply for a CDL in Minnesota. These are the requirements:

1. Age requirement: You should be at least 18 years old if you want to drive intrastate and 21 years or above for interstate driving.
2. Proof of identity: A valid identification, Social Security Number, and proof of being a resident of Minnesota should be provided.
3. Medical certification: You need to pass the Department of Transportation physical exam and hold a medical certificate.
4. Learner’s Permit: You must obtain the CLP at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
5. Driving record: Applicants must have an active, non-suspended Driver’s License and no serious traffic violations.
6. Skill training course: Drivers are required to have Entry-Level Driver Training from an FMCSA-certified training provider. This will be for those that have never held a Class A or B CDL, or looking to add endorsements for hazmat or passenger vehicles in their CDL.
7. Language proficiency: You must be able to read and speak English well enough to communicate with the public, read highway signs, and take the required written and oral tests.
8. Vision test: The applicant must pass a vision test, given by the DMV, to determine that his/her visual capabilities meet the standards for safe driving. The applicant must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, and at least a 70-degree field of peripheral vision.

Check out our post on Minnesota CDL requirements for more detail!

How to get a CDL license in Minnesota

The main process of obtaining a CDL in Minnesota is divided into 2 parts: Written tests and skills tests.

Take the CDL written knowledge test

The written knowledge test is crucial for obtaining a Commercial Learner’s Permit. Depending on your CDL Class and endorsements, the number of these tests will vary.

General knowledge test

The General Knowledge Test is a critical portion of your CDL in Minnesota, assessing your understanding of the basic principles of commercial driving, safety, and operation of your vehicle. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Test format:

The test is in multiple-choice format and intended to assess your knowledge of CDL concepts. You will take it on the computer or in paper form at an approved Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services – DVS testing center.

2. Passing score:

The passing score for the general knowledge test is a minimum of 80%. This normally means you need to answer at least 40 out of 50 questions correctly.

3. Key topics covered:

• Vehicle inspection and maintenance procedures.
• Safe driving practices; control of speed, braking, and turning.
• Cargo handling and securement.
• Emergency situations identification and handling.
• Federal and state CDL regulations.
• Hazard awareness and accident prevention.

Taking the Minnesota CDL general knowledge practice test now!

Endorsement test (if applicable)

If you are going to drive special vehicles or carry specific cargo, you will be required to take extra endorsement tests. These include tests on:

• H endorsement: Hazardous materials.
• P endorsement: Passenger transport.
• S endorsement: School buses.
• N endorsement: Tank vehicles.
• T endorsement: Double/triple trailers.
• X endorsement: Hazmat & tanker.

Each of these requires a separate written test, and you must pass with at least 80%.

Air brakes test (if applicable)

This is the test that you have to take if you intend to drive vehicles with air brakes such as large trucks and buses. This written test covers information about air brake systems and their operations.

Test format: There will be 25 multiple-choice questions on air brake systems and their components.

Passing score: You will have to score at least 80% to pass the air brakes test.

Key topics covered:

• Components of the air brake systems, such as compressors, reservoirs, and valves.
• How to brake properly and manage air pressure.
• Understanding brake failure and emergency procedures.
• Pre-trip inspection for air brake systems.

Take the Minnesota CDL air brakes practice test right now!

Combination vehicle test (if applicable)

The combination vehicle test is the test you will need to take if you plan on driving combination vehicles, such as tractor-trailers. This test will cover your knowledge of operating a vehicle made up of a tractor and one or more trailers.

Test format: The test is written and composed of 20 multiple-choice questions regarding the operation of combination vehicles.

Passing score: To pass the combination vehicle test, you will need to correctly answer at least 80% of the questions.

Key topics covered:

• Pre and post-trip procedures for coupling and uncoupling.
• Understanding air brake systems for combination vehicles.
• Safe operation of combination vehicles.
• Maneuvering a combination vehicle.
• Coupling components inspection and maintenance.

Take the Minnesota CDL combination vehicles practice test right now!

Take the CDL skills tests

After the written knowledge tests and maintenance of the Commercial Learner’s Permit for a minimum of 14 days, you need to advance your step to take the CDL skills tests, the next step in applying for your CDL in Minnesota. The CDL skills tests are designed to assess your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle in on-road conditions. These three parts comprise the skills tests are:

1. Pre-trip vehicle inspection

Before driving, you should conduct an exhaustive inspection of your vehicle. During the test, you will be conducting checks on whether the brake system, tires, lights and emergency equipment among others are all operational. The examiner will then check the presence of hazards for safety and whether the vehicle can be termed roadworthy.

Take the Minnesota CDL pre-trip inspection practice test here!

2. Basic vehicle control

The basic vehicle control test consists of a series of maneuvers designed to test your ability to handle the vehicle in controlled environments. These maneuvers may include:

• Backing up in a straight line.
• Parallel parking.
• Making tight turns.
• Performing a 90-degree turn.

Handling the vehicle safely, especially in tight spaces or while reversing, which is the very basic that any commercial driver needs to achieve.

3. On-road driving

The on-road driving test is the last component of the skills tests, which requires driving a vehicle in traffic, observed by the testing examiner. You will be scored on whether or not you can safely operate the vehicle in a variety of traffic situations; obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings; and demonstrate good judgment in driving situations. Specific areas looked at within this particular test involve:

• Proper lane changes, and signaling.
• Keeping safe following distances.
• Handling intersections and highway merges.
• Response to traffic signs and signals.

Throughout the entire skills tests, the examiner will be observing your ability to drive safely, remain composed under pressure, and follow proper procedures. You will need to show you are competent in all areas to pass. If you fail any part of the test, you are allowed to retake it after a waiting period, though you should make sure you prepare properly before taking any of the skills tests.

Receive the actual license

After you have passed the skills tests, you will be issued your Minnesota CDL. The license usually will be mailed to you in a couple of weeks. Now that you have it, you are qualified to start driving commercially!

FAQs

1. How hard is it to get a CDL in Minnesota?

Getting a CDL in Minnesota is a bit challenging, but it’s totally achievable with the proper preparation. The process comprises both written and skills testing on your knowledge of operating a commercial vehicle and handling a truck safely on the road. Most applicants find it is manageable with proper training and practice, especially when taking a commercial driver training course to ensure they know the material and have gained hands-on experience.

2. How long does it take to get a CDL in Minnesota?

It typically takes 6 to 14 weeks for training, passing the written tests, getting your Commercial Learner’s Permit, and skills testing. You may take the skills tests after you have held your CLP for 14 days. You will receive your CDL after passing the skills tests.

3. How to get a CDL permit in Minnesota?

To obtain a CDL permit, you must:

• Meet eligibility requirements: Age, identity, medical examination and many more as mentioned above.
• Pass the written knowledge tests at Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.
• Pay a fee and hold your CLP for at least 14 days prior to taking any of the skills tests.

Final thoughts

Getting your CDL in Minnesota is relatively easy if you follow the steps involved and meet the requirements. With proper preparation, drivers can easily pass the written knowledge tests, the skills tests, and get a CDL to start a lucrative career in commercial driving. Whether it’s driving locally or taking on long hauls, a CDL opens many doors in the trucking industry. Now you understand how to get CDL in Minnesota? Don’t wait, your future as a professional driver is just around the bend!