CDL License Requirements & Training in Minnesota :: AllTruckJobs.com

Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License

While we know you’re excited to start your trucking career in Minnesota, there are a few things you should know first. According to Minnesota CDL requirements, you must be at least 18 years old, pass a current physical examination, and have a valid driver’s license. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) regulates interstate transportation of cargo, so if you want to travel across state lines to deliver cargo, you must be at least 21 years old. All CDL applicants then need to pass a general knowledge exam and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic vehicle knowledge test, and a hands-on test in which you’ll drive on the road. The vehicle that you take the test in must also fall under the correct CDL license class you are working towards. Additional qualifications or other endorsements can be obtained as well. These endorsements cover things like air brakes, school buses, and many others.

Find CDL Schools in Minnesota

Your best option for passing your Minnesota CDL license is to enroll in one of the many trucking schools offered in the Gopher State. Luckily, our site provides great resources that will help you find the perfect school to advance your future trucking career. These schools will show you the ropes through both in-class and outside the classroom training. You’ll gain experience behind the wheel in a controlled setting as well as learn how to properly inspect your vehicle before, during, and after you hit the road.

CDL Training Costs in Minnesota

Currently, the average tuition cost of a Minnesota CDL training school is around $5,500. This will cover all aspects of the education and will pay for training both in the classroom and behind the wheel. If you don’t have the money up front to pay, financial aid is a great way to ensure that your CDL education is financially feasible. Applying for financial aid through FAFSA is a great first step if you want to explore your federal student aid options, in which the government subsidizes some of the loan cost. If you qualify through FAFSA, a federal Pell Grant awarded through participating institutions is money that can be used for school and differs from a loan in that it doesn't need to be paid back. Another great way to pay for schooling is to sign on with a trucking company that will pay for schooling with the expectation that you’ll become a member of their team. Make sure that you’re exploring all options when figuring out how to pay for a CDL school. Don’t let money stop you from pursuing a new and exciting career!

CDL Prep in Minnesota

It’s to finally take your CDL test in Minnesota. Twos test and you’ll be heading down the open road towards a new and exciting career. Hopefully, you paid attention during Minnesota trucking school so you can ace your upcoming test. Below we’ve given you a preview of what you can expect during your Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License test. Both the knowledge portion and the skills tests are described. Make sure to also look into our practice test if you need additional help.

Minnesota CDL Endorsement & Waivers

With a Minnesota CDL, the individual or their employer might next require specialization to carry certain types of endorsements to cover other areas and extra testing is required to ensure that the operator knows the additional responsibility of safe handling under the law. The following types of endorsements are common throughout Minnesota and other states.

  • School Bus
  • Passenger
  • Tank Vehicles
  • Double/Triple
  • Hazardous Materials

Waivers may also be prevalent in case a student did not pass a portion of the test or has a special circumstance. These will be marked with corresponding letters on the Commercial Driver’s License.

CDL Tests in Minnesota

Below is just a preview of what you can expect when taking your CDL requirements. You must pass both a written test as well as an on-the-road test before you can become a licensed driver in Minnesota. Once you pass both portions, you’re on your way to becoming a Minnesota CDL holder.

CDL Knowledge Tests in Minnesota

The knowledge portion of the Minnesota CDL test consists of 50 questions that cover subjects like safety, pre-trip inspection, driving techniques, and road signs. To pass this portion, you must get at least and 80% on the exam. If you want to get a feel of how the exam will be formatted and what kind of questions to expect, our test offers 50 questions that will help you prepare for your upcoming Iowa CDL exam. Once you complete this portion of the exam, you will move on to the skills portion of the test.

CDL Skills Test in Minnesota

The Minnesota CDL skills test is designed to ensure that you have the proper knowledge and ability to operate a commercial vehicle. The test will be broken down into three portions. The pre-inspection portion will ensure that you’re able to properly assess your vehicle before taking it on the road. The next portion will cover the operating techniques and identification of all aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will be asked to perform various maneuvers like turning, backing up, and merging lanes that will be a common occurrence on the road. Once these are completed, you’ll finally become a licensed trucker in Minnesota.

Job Outlook in Minnesota

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of trucking jobs in the United States is predicted to increase 5% by 2024. Compared with the expected increase of 7% for all occupations, it’s yet another sign that points towards an industry that’s trending upward. It’s time to join the crowd that’s flocking to Minnesota to become licensed CDL drivers.

Minnesota Truck Driver Salary

The average driver in Minnesota makes about $44,500 per year. This is just above the national average of $43,590. The investment you put into your CDL license education will surely be worth it when you land a trucking job that offers a stellar wage.