Minnesota (MN) CDL Practice Tests

Use these five CDL practice test questions to prepare for the Minnesota (MN) Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and gain confidence before taking the CDL written exam.

Minnesota CDL Practice Tests: General Knowledge, Combination Vehicle & Air Brakes

Drivers preparing for a Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) should focus on three core CDL practice tests. These tests align with the written knowledge exams administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

• General Knowledge CDL Practice Test
• Combination Vehicle CDL Practice Test
• Air Brakes CDL Practice Test

Using CDL practice tests alongside the official Minnesota CDL manual can help improve knowledge retention and prepare drivers for the state CDL exams.

Preparing for the Minnesota CDL Exam

Commercial driver licensing standards are established at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Each state is responsible for administering CDL testing and licensing.

In Minnesota, CDL licensing and testing are managed by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) through Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). The official CDL manual used for written and skills testing is published by DPS:

• Minnesota Commercial Driver License Manual (PDF)

The Minnesota CDL manual applies to all commercial license classes, including:

• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL

Minnesota CDL Eligibility Requirements

Age Requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a CDL for intrastate (Minnesota-only) driving.
You must be at least 21 years old to operate interstate or transport hazardous materials.

Valid Minnesota Driver’s License

You must hold a valid Minnesota non-commercial driver’s license before applying for a CDL.

Medical Certification

All Minnesota CDL applicants must pass a DOT physical examination conducted by a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.

FMCSA medical certification requirements

CDL Knowledge Tests and Endorsements

Applicants must pass written knowledge tests covering general CDL topics, air brakes (if applicable), and any endorsements required for their intended type of driving.

Common CDL endorsements include:

• Hazardous Materials (H)
• Tank Vehicles (N)
• Passenger (P)
• School Bus (S)

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements apply to many Minnesota CDL applicants. ELDT includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training completed through an FMCSA-registered provider.

ELDT is required for:

• First-time CDL applicants
• Drivers upgrading from Class B to Class A
• Applicants adding Hazardous Materials (H), Passenger (P), or School Bus (S) endorsements