How to Get a CDL in Minnesota: Step-by-Step Guide

1. 01Choose the Right CDL Class
2. 02Handle Your Medical Self-Certification
3. 03Pass the Required Knowledge Tests and Get Your CLP
4. 04Complete Required ELDT
5. 05Complete Range and Road Training
6. 06Hold Your CLP for at Least 14 Calendar Days
7. 07Pass the Minnesota CDL Skills Test
8. 08Complete the Final Licensing Process

Before studying for the permit, figure out what equipment you actually expect to operate.

The two most common CDL classes for new commercial drivers are Class A and Class B.

Class A

Class A generally applies to qualifying heavy combination vehicles.

That can include tractor-trailers, but it can also include other qualifying truck-and-trailer combinations such as some heavy pickup-and-gooseneck hotshot setups.

Class B

Class B generally applies to qualifying heavy single vehicles.

Examples may include:

• straight trucks
• large box trucks
• certain dump trucks
• vocational vehicles
• some buses when the proper endorsements are also held

Minnesota requires a person applying for a commercial learner’s permit to:

• be at least 18 years old
• hold a valid Minnesota driver’s license
• pass the applicable CDL knowledge tests
• complete the required medical self-certification
• provide medical certification when the applicant’s operating category requires it
• provide the identity and eligibility documents currently required by Minnesota DVS

Every Minnesota Class A, B or C CDL applicant must complete medical self-certification.

That means telling Minnesota DVS what type of commercial operation you expect to perform.

The four broad categories include interstate/intrastate and exempt/non-exempt operation.

Depending on the category you certify, you may also need a current medical examiner’s certificate.

Some operating categories require a medical examiner’s certificate and some do not.

If your category requires one, the examination must be completed by an appropriate certified medical examiner.

Before you can practice driving the applicable commercial vehicle on public roads, you need the appropriate Commercial Learner’s Permit, or CLP.

Minnesota requires you to pass the applicable knowledge tests for the license class and endorsements you are pursuing.

The exact tests depend on your path.

A Class A applicant may need testing covering areas such as:

• general knowledge
• air brakes when applicable
• combination vehicles
• additional endorsement subjects when applicable

A Class B applicant’s testing path depends on the vehicle and endorsements involved.

A CLP allows you to practice operating the applicable commercial vehicle under required supervision.

It is a learner’s permit. It is not a CDL.

While practicing, you must follow Minnesota and federal CLP supervision rules and operate with an appropriately licensed driver as required.

If you are getting a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time, federal Entry-Level Driver Training requirements generally apply.

ELDT includes two major pieces.

Theory Training

Theory covers the knowledge portion of the applicable federal curriculum.

Theory can be delivered online through an appropriate registered training provider.

Behind-the-Wheel Training

Class A and Class B applicants also need applicable:

• range training
• public-road training

The hands-on portion requires actual operation of the appropriate commercial vehicle.

Yes.

ELDT theory may be delivered online by an appropriate registered training provider.

That gives Minnesota students flexibility.

The theory provider does not necessarily have to be the same provider that handles the behind-the-wheel portion.

Class A and Class B road and range training still requires in-person vehicle operation.

Once you have the appropriate CLP, the hands-on part becomes the focus.

This is where you learn to operate the actual commercial vehicle rather than just study rules.

Range Training

Range work gives you a controlled place to develop vehicle-control skills.

Depending on the class and vehicle, training may involve:

• vehicle inspection
• basic control
• backing
• positioning
• maneuvering
• coupling or combination-vehicle skills where applicable

Road Training

Road instruction moves those skills into real traffic.

Students learn areas such as:

• vehicle control
• speed and space management
• safe turns
• visual scanning
• lane positioning
• lane changes
• intersections
• commercial-driving judgment

Minnesota requires you to hold the CLP for at least 14 calendar days before the CDL skills test.

Do not treat those 14 days as nothing more than a countdown.

Use the time to practice.

The CDL skills test is designed to determine whether you can safely inspect and operate the type of commercial vehicle for which you are seeking a license.

Vehicle Inspection

Demonstrate that you understand the vehicle and can identify safety-critical items.

Basic Vehicle Control

Demonstrate low-speed vehicle-control and maneuvering skills.

On-Road Driving

Operate the vehicle safely in real traffic conditions.

After you satisfy the testing and licensing requirements, Minnesota DVS completes the CDL issuance process.

Your CDL can include:

• license class
• endorsements
• restrictions
• medical status
• intrastate/interstate limitations where applicable

There is no single timeline that fits every student.

The total time can depend on:

• how quickly you obtain the CLP
• training schedules
• how much practice you need
• ELDT completion
• skills-test availability
• medical/documentation issues
• whether retesting is necessary
• the CDL class and endorsements involved

There is a required 14-day minimum CLP holding period before the skills test.

But that is not the same as saying CDL training takes 14 days.

Getting a CDL can involve several separate costs.

Depending on the student, those may include:

• Minnesota licensing and permit fees
• medical examination costs when applicable
• CDL training
• testing or retesting expenses
• endorsement costs
• additional training when needed

State fees can change. Check Minnesota DVS for current state fees.

Hazmat requires an additional process beyond obtaining the CDL itself.

A first-time H endorsement applicant generally must complete the applicable Hazmat ELDT theory training, complete the required TSA security-threat-assessment process, pass the applicable state knowledge test, and finish the remaining licensing steps.