A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Minnesota to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Minnesota CDL fees start at $48 for a 4-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Minnesota CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Valid 5 years. Common for chemical, fuel, and industrial gas haulers in Minnesota.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Common for fuel, anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer), and liquid cargo haulers throughout Minnesota.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Minnesota requires background check for school bus drivers through the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Class A CDL required. Common on I-94 and I-35 runs through Minnesota.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies. Common for anhydrous ammonia tank trucks in agricultural Minnesota.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Minnesota →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to the Minnesota DVS. Intrastate-only CDL holders may qualify for a Minnesota-specific medical waiver under certain conditions.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Minnesota residency. Pass the required knowledge tests, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the skills test. The CDL original fee is approximately $48. Visit dps.mn.gov for scheduling.
Minnesota CDLs are valid for 4 years. Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate is separate and must be renewed every 24 months for most interstate drivers, or more frequently if required by your medical examiner.
A Minnesota Class A CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Minnesota) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying CMV — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
Minnesota's 10-ton route system is a network of state and county roads designated to allow 10-ton (20,000 lbs) single-axle weights during the spring weight restriction period. These routes provide CDL drivers with restricted-season mobility for essential agricultural and commercial movements. Check MnDOT's 10-ton route maps for current authorized routes before routing during spring restrictions.
Taconite haul trucks on Iron Range operations are generally covered under a standard Class A CDL. However, specific vehicle configurations, overweight loads, and mine-to-port haul routes may require MDOT overweight permits. Mine site access roads are governed by mine operator rules. Check with your carrier and MnDOT for current permit requirements for specific Iron Range haul operations.
Browse commercial trucks for sale from dealers in Minnesota on TruckRadar.
Minnesota CDL fee is approximately $48 for original and renewal. Knowledge tests are included in the CDL fee. Skills test fees vary by provider — expect $75–$150 at third-party providers. Verify current amounts at dps.mn.gov before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Minnesota MN Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026