Free Minnesota CDL practice test online
Take a free Minnesota CDL practice exam online with clear explanations—no sign-up. Coverage includes general knowledge, vehicle systems, combination vehicles, cargo, and endorsements. Then verify current requirements with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services.
CDL knowledge tests are federally regulated, so the passing score in Minnesota is the same as everywhere else: 80% correct on every knowledge test. You must also hold a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days before the skills test.
New to the knowledge test? CDL endorsements explained · One-week study plan
Requirements before you test
Minnesota CDL test requirements
Commercial licensing is largely federal. Any figure above credited to a 49 CFR section applies in every state — see 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1) and 49 CFR 383.25(e). A figure credited to Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services is Minnesota’s own, and may be stricter than the federal floor. Test length, fees, and scheduling are set by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (official source).
Entry-Level Driver Training comes first
Since February 7, 2022, a new Class A or Class B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement requires training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (49 CFR 380.600). Practice questions are study material and do not satisfy that requirement.
FMCSA Training Provider RegistryYou need a Minnesota licence first
A commercial learner’s permit only counts if you already hold an ordinary licence from the same state (49 CFR 383.25(a)(2)). The Minnesota non-commercial knowledge test runs 40 questions and needs 32 correct, with permits issued from age 15.
Minnesota permit practice testWhat you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 Minnesota CDL practice questions
Try these Minnesota sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 600-question bank is in the practice run.
1. A tank vehicle inspection includes checking for leaks specifically around:
- AThe mirror brackets
- BThe steering column
- Manhole covers and valves
- DThe fifth-wheel release handle
Answer: Manhole covers and valves. Covers and valves are the openings most likely to seep. A leak means the vehicle must not be driven until it is repaired.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Tank vehicles — vehicle inspection
2. Flashing amber warning lights should be activated at least how far before a stop in a 45 mph or greater zone?
- 300 feet
- B500 feet
- C50 feet
- D100 feet
Answer: 300 feet. Use at least 300 feet before stopping where the speed limit is 45 mph or more, and at least 100 feet where it is under 45 mph.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — School buses — loading and unloading
3. Carriers are responsible for:
- AWriting medical prescriptions
- BSetting state speed limits
- COnly painting the trailer
- Using drivers who are qualified/endorsed and vehicles that are safe for the hazmat load
Answer: Using drivers who are qualified/endorsed and vehicles that are safe for the hazmat load. Carriers must also follow routing rules for certain explosives and radioactive loads and provide required documents.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Hazardous materials — who does what
4. Over-the-counter cold medicines are risky for drivers because many of them:
- AOnly affect passengers
- BImprove night vision
- Cause drowsiness and impair driving
- DAre required by FMCSA daily
Answer: Cause drowsiness and impair driving. Read labels and talk with a medical examiner about medications before driving impaired.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Driver fitness — medications
5. On a highway exit ramp with a posted advisory speed, a loaded tanker should travel:
- AAt whatever speed traffic sets
- BAt the posted advisory speed
- Well below the posted advisory speed
- DAbove it to maintain momentum
Answer: Well below the posted advisory speed. Advisory ramp speeds assume ordinary vehicles. A high, liquid load can roll over at or even below the posted figure.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Tank vehicles — rollover prevention
CDL knowledge areas
Classes and endorsements, organized.
Each area below scopes the reviewed question bank to one knowledge test. The material is federal, so it applies in Minnesota just like everywhere else — the endorsement guide explains how the codes fit together.
The foundation for commercial driving: inspections, space, speed, communication, hazards, and safe operation.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Space and speed management
- Railroad crossings
- Emergency procedures
Understand air-brake components, inspections, warning devices, stopping distance, and controlled braking.
- Dual air systems
- Low-air warnings
- Brake lag and fade
- Applied-leak and static checks
Prepare for safe coupling, inspection, turning, backing, and handling of tractor-trailer combinations.
- Fifth-wheel inspection
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Off-tracking
- Trailer skid prevention
Study hazard communication, shipping papers, placards, loading rules, parking, and emergency response responsibilities.
- Hazard classes
- Placards and labels
- Shipping papers
- Loading and segregation
Learn how liquid surge, outage, bulkheads, and high centers of gravity change vehicle handling.
- Liquid surge
- Outage requirements
- Smooth braking
- Rollover prevention
Practice converter-dolly inspection, coupling order, rearward amplification, and stability principles.
- Coupling sequence
- Converter dollies
- Rearward amplification
- Space management
Prepare to inspect, load, and operate buses while keeping passengers, aisles, and exits safe.
- Vehicle inspection
- Passenger loading
- Emergency exits
- Prohibited practices
Review student loading, danger zones, mirrors, emergency procedures, and special railroad-crossing duties.
- Danger zones
- Student loading
- Mirror use
- Railroad crossings
More midwest practice
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Common questions
What this practice can—and cannot—tell you.