Free Minnesota CDL Permit Practice Test: General Knowledge 2025

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 2025), just like the official knowledge test. It is up to date as of March, 2025. 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!