Minnesota CDL Requirements: DVS Classes, Fees, and the Twin Cities Freight Context

Minnesota CDL Requirements: DVS Classes, Fees, and the Twin Cities Freight Context

Minnesota issues CDLs through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS). Two Minnesota specifics worth flagging: the first two skills-test attempts have no additional fee, and the third-plus attempts incur a $20 retest fee. Minnesota's freight economy runs through Minneapolis-St. Paul (the Twin Cities intermodal and distribution hub), I-94 east-west, I-35 north-south, and significant Duluth-Superior Great Lakes port activity.

For the federal regulatory framework, see our pillars on Hours of Service, ELDT, Clearinghouse, DOT Physical, and DAC Report.

Last verified: 2026-04-18 against Minnesota DVS CDL pages and 49 CFR Parts 383 and 380.¹²

Key Takeaways

• Issuing agency: Minnesota DPS Driver and Vehicle Services — dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs¹
• CDL classes offered: A, B, and C
• Core fees: $72 total government fees; first 2 skills test attempts included, $20 retest fee for 3rd+ attempt²
• Hazmat: $85.25 TSA background check + fingerprinting³
• Age rule: 18 for intrastate; 21 for interstate¹
• CLP holding period: at least 14 days before skills test (federal)⁴
• ELDT required for first-time Class A/B, class upgrade, or first-time H/P/S endorsement⁵

Minnesota CDL classes

Minnesota follows federal class definitions under 49 CFR Part 383:⁴¹

Age, residency, and eligibility

• Minimum age: 18 for MN intrastate; 21 for interstate (federal 49 CFR 391.11).¹
• Minnesota residency: required. Hold a valid Minnesota driver license.¹
• Lawful presence: U.S. citizenship or documented lawful presence.
• Medical certification: Federal MEC (MCSA-5876) per self-certification category.⁶

Self-certification categories

Federal self-certification required under 49 CFR 383.71:⁷

• Non-excepted interstate (NI)
• Excepted interstate (EI)
• Non-excepted intrastate (NA)
• Excepted intrastate (EA)

Endorsements available in Minnesota

Minnesota DVS issues the standard federal endorsement set:¹

• H — Hazardous materials (requires TSA background check)
• N — Tank vehicles
• P — Passenger
• S — School bus (requires P endorsement)
• T — Doubles / triples (Class A only)
• X — Combined H + N (hazmat-tanker)

Current Minnesota DVS fees

Minnesota's first-two-attempts-free skills-test structure is worth noting — most states charge per attempt or bundle differently.²

Verify the current DVS fee at dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/license-and-id/cdl-cdl on the day of your application.¹ Our editorial policy re-verifies these figures at least every 180 days.

How to get a Minnesota CDL: step by step

Step 1 — Hold a valid Minnesota driver license

Required before starting the CDL process.¹

Step 2 — Pass the DOT physical

Find a Certified Medical Examiner (CME) on the FMCSA National Registry.⁶ See our DOT Physical guide.

Step 3 — Apply for the Commercial Learner's Permit

Visit a Minnesota DVS driver exam station. Pass vision and CDL knowledge tests: General Knowledge, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles (Class A), endorsement-specific.¹

Step 4 — Receive your CLP

MN CLP is valid for 180 days under federal standard.⁴

Step 5 — Complete FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

For first-time Class A or Class B applicants, class upgrade applicants, or first-time H/P/S endorsement applicants, ELDT is required at an FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) provider.⁵ See ELDT guide.

Step 6 — Wait the 14-day minimum CLP holding period

Federal rule: at least 14 days between CLP issuance and skills test.⁴

Step 7 — Schedule and take your CDL skills test

MN DVS administers the three-part skills test:¹

• Pre-trip vehicle inspection
• Basic vehicle control (backing, parking, turns)
• On-road driving

First 2 attempts are included; 3rd+ attempt triggers a $20 retest fee.²

Step 8 — Pay the CDL fee and receive your credential

Total $72 government fees.²

Hazmat endorsement — three gates

Adding H (or X) in Minnesota requires:

1. FMCSA ELDT hazmat theory at a TPR provider⁵
2. TSA Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment background check and fingerprinting ($85.25)³
3. Minnesota hazmat knowledge test at a DVS exam station
4. MN DVS endorsement fee — verify current²

Minnesota freight landscape (state context)

Four realities shape CDL demand in Minnesota:

1. Twin Cities (Minneapolis-St. Paul) distribution. The Twin Cities is a major Upper Midwest intermodal and retail distribution hub. BNSF and CP Rail operate significant intermodal terminals. Target, Best Buy, and 3M are headquartered in the region, driving dedicated freight demand.

2. I-94 east-west corridor. Connects Seattle to Detroit through the Twin Cities and Wisconsin. Heavy freight volume year-round.

3. I-35 north-south corridor. Duluth port access south to Laredo, TX — major N-S freight spine.

4. Duluth-Superior port. Great Lakes bulk freight terminal — iron ore, grain, coal.

The practical read: Minnesota CDL-A drivers find work across Twin Cities intermodal/distribution, I-94/I-35 OTR, Duluth port-adjacent bulk hauling, and agricultural seasonal (soybeans, corn, sugar beets). Winter driving skill is a real premium.

Minnesota-specific details worth knowing

• DPS Driver and Vehicle Services, not DMV. Your issuer is Minnesota's DVS.¹
• Two free skills-test attempts is a driver-friendly policy.²
• Winter driving skill commanded a premium — Minnesota winters include extended subzero weather, snow, ice, and wind.
• Minnesota CDL support line: 651-297-5029.¹

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the benefit of two free skills-test attempts? A: Minnesota's $72 CDL fee includes the cost of the first two skills-test attempts. If you fail once, the retest is already paid. Third-plus attempts cost $20 each.²

Q: Do I need a regular Minnesota license before a CDL? A: Yes.¹

Q: How long is the Minnesota CLP valid? A: 180 days under federal standard.⁴

Q: Can I test in Spanish? A: No. CDL knowledge tests are English-only nationwide per federal rule (49 CFR 383.133(c)).¹

Q: How much is a Minnesota CDL all-in? A: Base MN DVS fees: $72 total.² Add ELDT tuition ($3,500–$8,000 at typical Minnesota CDL schools — verify locally), DOT physical ($80–$150), TSA Hazmat ($85.25) if applying for H.³

Q: Does Minnesota participate in the Military Skills Test Waiver? A: Yes.⁸ Qualified military drivers may waive the skills-test portion.

Q: How do I evaluate owner-operator vs company driving in Minnesota? A: Use our Lease vs Company vs Owner-Op calculator with your target mile mix. Minnesota winter operation has specific cost implications (heated equipment, anti-gel fuel additives, cold-start wear).

Q: My MEC expired — will my Minnesota CDL downgrade? A: Yes. MN DVS will downgrade your CDL to non-commercial if medical certification lapses. Restore with a new MEC through the federal electronic system.⁶ See our DOT Physical guide.

Q: Can I transfer an out-of-state CDL to Minnesota? A: Yes. Visit a MN DVS driver exam station with your out-of-state CDL, proof of Minnesota residency, identity documents, and medical self-certification. Dedicated process for new Minnesota residents.¹

Q: I drive the Duluth port. Any specific requirements? A: Class A CDL baseline. TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) may be required by terminal operators for secure-area access.³

Q: I'm new to Minnesota with out-of-state CDL — any waiver programs? A: AAMVA reciprocity generally applies for clean out-of-state CDL transfers. Minnesota's dedicated "CDL for new Minnesota resident" process provides guidance.¹

Q: What about chain laws in Minnesota winters? A: Minnesota does not impose seasonal chain requirements but enforces safe operation under adverse conditions. Follow MnDOT weather alerts and operate conservatively.

Q: Are there seasonal demand variations in MN CDL work? A: Yes. Winter heating fuel distribution, spring/fall agricultural hauling, summer construction, and year-round Twin Cities distribution.

Sources verified on 2026-04-18

This guide is educational and not legal advice. Fees and rules change; verify current figures at dps.mn.gov before applying. Report errors to [email protected]; corrections are logged publicly per our editorial policy.