Minnesota · DVS

How to get your CDL permit in Minnesota

In Minnesota you pass your CDL knowledge tests with DVS and pay $26.75 for a CLP. The permit lasts 180 days and can be renewed, as long as it stays valid no more than a year total.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official DVS sources

Start the free Minnesota permit classroom Official Minnesota CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: $26.75
Permit valid for: 180 days, renewable up to 1 year total
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: English only
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Gather proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and proof of Minnesota residency.
2Study the Minnesota CDL Manual for the General Knowledge test.
3Fill out the CDL medical self-certification form.
4Pass the vision screening and your knowledge tests at a DVS exam station.
5Pay $26.75 for your CLP, plus $2.50 for each endorsement exam.
6Start behind-the-wheel ELDT only after you have your CLP.
7Hold your CLP at least 14 calendar days, then take your road test.

What to bring

Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, like a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate or Permanent Resident Card
Name-change documents if your name has changed
Proof of Minnesota residency
Your completed CDL medical self-certification form

Medical card

You fill out the CDL medical self-certification form. If you need a medical examiner's certificate, you can send it through DVS Online Services, by mail or fax, or in person at a driver license office.

Fees

Commercial learner's permit (Class A, B or C)	$26.75
Endorsement exam	$2.50
Road test, third try and afterCharged after you fail the first two.	$20
Road test no-show	$40
Road test late cancellation	$20
Class A CDL$60 renewal; add $15 for an enhanced license.	$65
Class B CDL$52 renewal; add $15 for an enhanced license.	$57
Class C CDL$45 renewal; add $15 for an enhanced license.	$50

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with DVS before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone)
Air Brakes (if your truck has air brakes)
Combination Vehicles (Class A)
Endorsement tests, like Tank, Passenger, School Bus, Doubles/Triples or HazMat (if you want them)

Testing in Minnesota

You can try each knowledge test once per day.
Tests come on paper or computer, and headphones are available for audio.
The vision standard is 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses.

Study for these tests in the Minnesota classroom

Good to know in Minnesota

ELDT theory can be done any time, but behind-the-wheel training can't start until you have your CLP.
Behind-the-wheel training must be finished within a year of your theory training.
School bus and HazMat knowledge tests must be retaken at every renewal.
Missing a road test costs $40, so cancel early if you can't make it.

Non-domiciled applicants

Minnesota issues non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs only to H-2A, H-2B or E-2 holders with an unexpired foreign passport and I-94. You must apply at one of the designated exam stations.

Confirm with DVS before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

Whether your first two road tests are free — confirm with DVS.
Whether you need an appointment for knowledge tests — check with DVS.
How many residency documents you need — ask DVS.
The manual is from 2022, so language and vision details could have changed — confirm with DVS.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

Ready to study?

Short lessons with diagrams, a quick check after each one, and a practice test for every permit exam Minnesota gives. Free.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services. Rules and fees change, so always check with DVS before you apply.