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  • Updated for December 2024
  • Based on 2024 MN commercial driver's license manual

Free Minnesota CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2024

In the United States, there are three classes of Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs). A Class A CDL allows you to operate combination vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of over 26,000 pounds, in which the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. This class of CDL is typically for driving semi-trucks or tractor-trailers, but it will also let you drive vehicles from classes B and C. A Class B CDL allows you to operate a single vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of over 26,000 pounds, or to tow a vehicle that does not exceed 10,000 pounds. This license is typically for driving large buses (including large school buses) and straight trucks (including box trucks and most dump trucks), but it will also let you drive vehicles in Class C. A Class C CDL allows you to operate relatively smaller vehicles designed to transport hazardous materials or 16 or more occupants (including the driver). This class of CDL is typically used for operating small buses (including shuttle buses) and small trucks carrying hazardous materials. You must decide which class of CDL you want to apply for, based on the types of vehicles you expect to be driving in your commercial driving career.

Before you can obtain a CDL, you must become proficient in commercial driving. To practice commercial driving (under supervision), you must obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). To be eligible for a CLP, you must submit to a medical examination and pass the official General Knowledge test. And we can help you ace that knowledge test.

This free Minnesota CDL permit practice test is based on the official CDL manual (Minnesota CDL Handbook 2024), just like the official knowledge test. It is up to date as of December, 2024. There are 50 questions on such topics as cargo management, emergency preparedness, vehicle components, and vehicle maneuvers. But unlike the official test questions, each of our practice questions includes a helpful hint and an explanation of the correct answer.

For you as a commercial driver in Minnesota, all the stuff you’re learning about how to operate commercial vehicles under winter conditions isn’t just needed to pass the official knowledge test. Minnesota’s winters can be difficult and treacherous for commercial drivers, with subzero temperatures, frequent snowstorms, and roads covered in snow or ice. You may often encounter patches of black ice too. As the winter subsides, the spring thaws can cause flooding, leading to road closures and detours. So, pay careful attention to these driving techniques as you study. They may well come in handy when you start commercial driving in this state!

Commercial Driver's License
  • Perfect for first-time and renewal CDL/CLP applicants, and those adding endorsements
  • Triple-checked for accuracy

What you need to know

Available in EN and ES
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.
Ensuring the accuracy and quality of our program is paramount. Learn more about our rigorous standards in our Commitment to Accuracy article.

What to expect on the actual MN DVS exam

50

questions

40

correct answers to pass

80%

passing score

List of questions (classic view)

  1. According to federal law, you may not consume alcohol for _______ hours before you go on duty.
  2. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) will
  3. Do empty trucks have the best braking?
  4. How can you determine if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
  5. How can you start moving without rolling backward?
  6. To maintain alertness during your trip, you should
  7. How many reflective warning triangles must you carry with you for emergencies?
  8. How long does it take a typical tractor-trailer to clear a double railroad track?
  9. How many tie-downs are required for a 20-foot load?
  10. If your brakes get wet, they may
  11. How should you test a vehicle's hydraulic brakes for leaks?
  12. If you are traveling at 55 mph in a 30-foot vehicle, you should leave how many seconds of following distance?
  13. If you double your speed, how much more distance will it take to stop?
  14. When should you downshift?
  15. In which of these situations is a farm truck driver exempt from needing a CDL in Minnesota?
  16. If the engine is not overheated, is it completely safe to remove the radiator cap?
  17. It has just reached freezing. Which of the following areas may be slippery?
  18. Which of the following statements about retarders are correct?
  19. The minimum tread depth for tires other than the front tires is
  20. The most important hand signal you should agree on with a helper is
  21. If you feel drowsy while driving, what should you do?
  22. Letting the air out of hot tires
  23. What is a common cause of tire fires?
  24. What is the gross vehicle weight (GVW)?
  25. What is the best way to figure out how many seconds of following distance you have?
  26. When going down a steep downgrade, you should
  27. What are the main differences between aggressive driving and road rage?
  28. What is the most important reason to perform a pre-trip vehicle inspection?
  29. What might happen if you swing wide to the left before you turn right?
  30. What is the definition of a hazard?
  31. Where should you place your warning devices if you must stop on a one-way road or divided highway?
  32. On which of the following types of fires should you NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher?
  33. Which of the following can cause a vehicle fire?
  34. To transport cargo safely, which of the following are you NOT responsible for?
  35. When you start going down a steep downgrade, which of the following should influence your choice of speed?
  36. Which of the following is NOT a key steering component?
  37. Which of the following is NOT included in the basic vehicle control skills test?
  38. Which of the following are parts of the suspension system?
  39. Always try to back toward the driver's side because
  40. Which of the following should you check during your trip?
  41. If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, you should
  42. If you are being tailgated, you should NOT
  43. Total stopping distance equals
  44. Which of the following are safe ways to communicate with others?
  45. Which of these are serious traffic violations that may cause you to lose your CDL privileges?
  46. In which of the following two situations should you downshift?
  47. When you are backing, it is important to use a helper
  48. You don't want to be a distracted driver, so you
  49. You should inspect wheel bearing seals for
  50. You should put the starter switch key into your pocket while you perform the pre-trip inspection because
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