Minnesota CDL Study Guide
Minnesota issues commercial driver licenses (CDLs) through the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The process starts with a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP), includes federal Entry-Level Driver Training, and ends with a skills test. Minnesota's first two skills test attempts have no DVS fee.
Key Minnesota numbers
- Minimum age (intrastate): 18
- Minimum age (interstate or hazmat): 21
- CLP hold before skills test: at least 14 days
- General Knowledge passing score: 80%
- General Knowledge test: ~50 questions
- Air Brakes test: ~25 questions (required if your vehicle has air brakes)
- Combination Vehicles test: ~20 questions (required for Class A)
Topics on the Minnesota General Knowledge test
- Vehicle inspection (pre-trip, en-route, post-trip)
- Driving safely (speed management, space management, hazard perception)
- Transporting cargo safely
- Air brakes (if your vehicle is air-braked)
- Combination vehicles (Class A)
If you fail a test
Minnesota DVS lets you retake CDL knowledge tests; the first two attempts are free and the third and later attempts cost $10. Skills tests follow the same pattern, with a $20 fee on the third and later attempts.
Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to get a Minnesota CDL?
You must be at least 18 to get a Minnesota CDL for driving inside Minnesota. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry hazardous materials.
How long do I have to hold the Minnesota CLP?
You must hold the Commercial Learneru0027s Permit for at least 14 days before taking the CDL skills test.
How much does a Minnesota CDL cost?
The CLP costs $26.75 and the CDL costs $72. Each endorsement test is $2.50. The first two skills test attempts have no DVS fee.
Do I need ELDT in Minnesota?
Yes. First-time CDL applicants, class upgrades, and H, P, or S endorsements require federal Entry-Level Driver Training before the skills test.
Where do I find the Minnesota CDL Manual?
The Minnesota Commercial Driveru0027s License Manual is published by the DVS as a free PDF on the dps.mn.gov website.
What if I fail a Minnesota CDL knowledge test?
Your first two attempts are free. Starting with the third attempt, the knowledge test retake fee is $10. Skills test retakes start charging $20 at the third attempt.
Free practice
Start a Minnesota General Knowledge quiz →
Sources: Minnesota CDL Manual (PDF) DVS CDL landing DVS Commercial Learneru0027s Permit DVS CDL forms, documents and resources