Minnesota CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Minnesota CDL test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — 80% — to pass. Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), part of MN DPS, administers CDL testing at exam stations and approved third-party testing sites.

Minnesota CDL holders operating a commercial motor vehicle face the federal 0.04% BAC limit — half the standard adult DWI threshold of 0.08%. Minnesota uses the term DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). A DWI conviction in any vehicle triggers CDL disqualification: 1 year first offense, lifetime for a second. Minnesota's implied consent law: test refusal = 1-year revocation covering the CDL endorsement.

Minnesota posts annual spring load restrictions (typically February–May) on roads where thawing weakens the roadbed. CDL drivers must comply with posted weight limits on restricted roads — which may be significantly lower than standard legal weight. Overweight violations during spring restrictions carry high fines. Check MnDOT's spring restriction map at roads.dot.state.mn.us before operating on rural Minnesota roads in spring.

Yes. Minnesota requires headlights on ALL motor vehicles whenever windshield wipers are operating due to weather — including commercial trucks. All required lights (headlights, taillights, clearance lights, and identification lights) must be on and functional when wipers are running. This law significantly improves CDL vehicle visibility in Minnesota's frequent precipitation and adverse weather conditions.

A Minnesota CDL is valid for 4 years. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current throughout the validity period. HazMat endorsements require TSA security clearance renewal every 5 years. Minnesota CDL holders must self-certify their medical status category annually at DVS.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Minnesota DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Minnesota DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Minnesota CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Minnesota, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.