If you’ve always dreamed of a career behind the wheel, going ahead to get a CDL in Minnesota is the actual first step toward making those dreams real. Whether you plan to drive a semi-truck, transport passengers, or operate specialized vehicles, becoming familiar with the Minnesota CDL requirements is important. In this informative guide, we will walk you through each step in the process, helping you navigate the application process while making sure you are prepared to meet all the requirements for earning your CDL in Minnesota. Let’s consider how you can get your journey started in this financially rewarding career in commercial driving!
What are the Minnesota CDL requirements?
Minnesota CDL requirements include age and medical requirements, submitting the required documents, passing various written and skills tests, and proper training. Here’s a breakdown of major Minnesota CDL requirements that help you get prepared for the responsibility of driving a commercial vehicle.
Age requirements
You have to be at least 18 years old in order to apply for an intrastate CDL in Minnesota; for an interstate CDL, you have to be 21 years old. In addition, you should have reached at least 21 to be allowed to drive if you will transport hazardous materials, whether your driving covers interstate or intrastate.
Application documentation requirements
When applying for your CDL in Minnesota, you’ll need to provide several key documents to verify your identity and eligibility. These include:
- A valid Minnesota driver’s license or ID card.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S.
- Your Social Security number.
- Proof of Minnesota residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement).
- If applicable, any previous CDLs or driving history from other states.
The listed documents are needed at the time of application at the Minnesota DPS; otherwise, this may cause a delay in the processing of the application.
Driving record eligibility requirements
Minnesota requires your driving record to meet certain standards to get a CDL. You cannot have:
- A suspended or revoked driver’s license.
- Serious driving offenses in your history, such as DUI/DWI or reckless driving.
- A history of excessive moving violations within a short period.
The Minnesota DPS will check your driving record as part of the application process, and serious offenses may prohibit you from getting a CDL.
Medical requirements
To make sure that commercial drivers are physically capable of driving large vehicles, you will need to pass a physical exam by a qualified medical examiner. The medical examiner will check your general health, vision, hearing, and blood and urine for medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely. Some common conditions that may prevent you from getting a CDL include:
- Severe loss of vision or hearing.
- Epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
- Heart conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely.
You are to present a completed Medical Examination Report and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate as part of your application to the Minnesota DPS. The certificate is valid for a maximum of 2 years, after which time you are required to renew it.
Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) requirements
Before you can get a full CDL, you’ll need to get a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). The Minnesota CDL Permit test requirements are:
- Be at least 18 years of age for an intra-state and 21 years for an interstate.
- Have a valid driver’s license.
- Pass the written test for the CDL.
- Pass a vision test.
- Provide the application document requirements.
The most important part is passing the knowledge test. You are recommended to take some online practice tests to familiarize yourself with the official format and vehicle component.
Take the Minnesota CDL practice test here!
The CLP lets you practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat, giving you the actual hands-on experience you will need to prepare for the full skills tests.
Training requirements
It was made mandatory by the entry-level driver training (ELDT) rule, which mandates that an applicant seeking a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must first complete a certified training program before taking a CDL skills test, by all New Federal law.
The ELDT program ensures new drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate commercial vehicles safely. It will consist of behind-the-wheel training, as well as classroom instruction.
ELDT training must be undertaken through an approved and registered training provider with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Upon successful completion of the training, you will be certified and required to present the certification to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) at the time of application for your CDL.
Skills tests requirements
After obtaining your CLP and training as required, you need to take a few required skills tests to show that you are capable of operating a commercial vehicle. The skills test includes:
- Pre-trip inspection: You will be expected to demonstrate an inspection of the vehicle identifying any safety problems.
Take the Minnesota CDL pre-trip inspection practice test now!
- Basic control skills: Making such moves as parallel parking, backing up, and making turns to show control of the vehicle.
- On-road driving: You will be driving the vehicle with a Minnesota DPS examiner tracking your ability to operate a vehicle safely under real-world conditions.
To obtain your CDL, you need to pass all parts of the skills test. If you fail any part, you may retake it after a waiting period, typically a few days, depending on availability.
FAQs
1. Do you need to go to a truck driving school to get a CDL in Minnesota?
Yes. According to the ELDT regulation, all new applicants desire to obtain class A and B CDL, drivers wanting to upgrade CDL or adding certain endorsements are required to undertake a training program approved by FMCSA before skills testing. It helps ensure that you are better equipped for both the written and practical parts of the CDL test.
2. What are the Minnesota CDL permit test requirements?
Drivers who want to get a commercial learner’s permit in Minnesota should be aware of certain conditions, such as:
- Age requirement: An applicant should be 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving.
- Have a valid driver’s license: The applicant should be a holder of a valid Minnesota driver’s license.
- Pass the knowledge test: The knowledge written test for the CDL consists of topics such as traffic laws, vehicle inspection, and safe driving practices.
- Vision test requirements: A vision test should be passed to ensure the individual meets the necessary eyesight requirements for safe driving.
- Provide application documents: Provide documents like identity proof, Social Security number, and residency proof.
Final thoughts
Your journey to a successful career in commercial driving starts with an understanding of the Minnesota CDL requirements. Meeting the age and medical requirements, getting your CLP, and the skills tests, are the steps that will prepare you for handling the responsibilities of driving commercial vehicles safely and professionally.
Now you know what it takes to get your CDL in Minnesota, it’s time to take the next step. Round up the documents you will need, study for those tests, and consider a program in ELDT so that you’re set up for success. Don’t wait, your future on the road starts today!
