Minnesota CDL Practice Test and Test Prep (2026)
Minnesota gives CDL tests through Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), Department of Public Safety. Here is what you will be tested on, which of our practice quizzes match each test, and what the skills test involves in Minnesota.
Knowledge tests for a Minnesota permit
- CDL General Knowledge (80% to pass; all applicants) — practice General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (Class A) — practice Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Air Brakes (to avoid the 'L' restriction) — practice Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Any endorsement tests you need (P, S, H, N, T)
Permit minimum age: 18 (in-state driving) or 21 (interstate). Holding period before the skills test: 14 days. Permit validity: confirm with the agency.
Minnesota endorsement tests and practice
- Hazmat (H) practice
Minnesota notes for this endorsement
Minnesota is NOT a TSA self-managed state. After ELDT (first-timers) and passing the hazmat written test at a DVS exam station, you complete a TSA Security Threat Assessment application, pay the TSA fee (via the TSA HAZMAT page or 855-347-8371), and submit fingerprints at an authorized TSA/IdentoGO collection site. The hazmat written test must be retaken at every renewal.
- Tanker (N) practice
Minnesota notes for this endorsement
Tank; requires Class A or B; written test only, valid as long as the CDL is.
- Passenger (P) practice
Minnesota notes for this endorsement
Passenger; written test plus a road test in an appropriate passenger vehicle.
- School bus (S) practice
Minnesota notes for this endorsement
School bus; must also hold P, requires written and road tests, a DOT physical (up to every 2 years), a criminal-history/driver-record check (FBI fingerprint check if you've been a MN resident under 5 years), school-bus knowledge retest every 4 years at renewal, and a $4 processing fee.
- Doubles/triples (T) practice
Minnesota notes for this endorsement
Double/triple trailers; requires Class A; written test only.
The Minnesota skills test
Components: Vehicle inspection, Basic control skills (forward stop, straight-line backing, offset tracking, reverse offset backing), On-road driving test.
Test vehicle: You must take the road test in the type of vehicle you intend to drive, and the license is restricted to it: no air brakes on the test adds an 'L' restriction; a truck/trailer instead of a tractor/semi adds a combination restriction; an automatic transmission adds an 'E' restriction.
Where and how to book: CDL road (skills) tests are administered by DVS at its driver's-license exam stations statewide (metro walk-in stations include Arden Hills, Eagan, and Plymouth). Minnesota does operate an approved third-party program for online KNOWLEDGE testing, but DVS-administered exam stations handle the CDL road test — a third-party skills-examiner program was not confirmed on official DVS pages.
Waits and retests: Road-test appointments are scheduled with DVS. Winter note: appointments may be delayed until lots and streets are cleared; if your vehicle gets stuck during the test, it counts as a failed attempt and you must arrange towing.
Practice the inspection part with our pre-trip inspection guide. Research dated 2026-10-12; confirm testing details with Minnesota.
All practice tests
- General Knowledge (60 questions)
- Air Brakes (40 questions)
- Combination Vehicles (30 questions)
- Hazardous Materials (H) (30 questions)
- Tank Vehicles (N) (25 questions)
- Passenger (P) (25 questions)
- School Bus (S) (25 questions)
- Doubles/Triples (T) (20 questions)
Ready to apply? See the full Minnesota CDL requirementsor build your Minnesota checklist.