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Minnesota CDL practice test

Getting a commercial driver's licence in Minnesota starts with the CDL knowledge tests. The content is federal: every state, Minnesota included, writes its tests from the FMCSA CDL manual, so the general knowledge test has 50 questions, the endorsement tests have 20 to 30, and the passing score is 80% on each. The Minnesota driver licensing agency administers the test; the rules behind it are published by the FMCSA. Try the free Minnesota CDL practice questions below, then pick a full test.

Free Minnesota CDL practice questions

Five questions from the general knowledge, air brakes and combination vehicles banks, the three tests most Minnesota Class A applicants take first. Show the answer to read the explanation.

  1. A loud bang while driving may mean:

    • The engine has thrown a belt
    • The trailer has come unhooked
    • Nothing, since trucks are noisy
    • A tire has blown out, even if you do not feel anything right away
    Show answer
    Answer: D. A tire has blown out, even if you do not feel anything right away

    The sound of a blowout is often the first sign. Other signs are a thumping noise, vibration, or steering that suddenly feels heavy. Hold the wheel firmly and stay off the brake until the vehicle slows.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.17.3 (Recognize Tire Failure)

  2. After you have stopped following a tire failure, you should:

    • Get out and check all the tires, even if the vehicle seemed to handle normally
    • Drive on to the next exit before looking
    • Check only the tire you think failed
    • Let the air out of the matching tire so the vehicle sits level
    Show answer
    Answer: A. Get out and check all the tires, even if the vehicle seemed to handle normally

    A blown dual tire may not be obvious from the driver's seat. Checking every tire after a stop catches damage before it causes another failure.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.17.3 (Respond to Tire Failure)

  3. If the drive wheels begin to skid, the first thing you should do is:

    • Brake harder to stop the spin
    • Stop braking or accelerating so the wheels can roll freely and regain traction
    • Turn the wheel sharply away from the skid
    • Shift into a higher gear
    Show answer
    Answer: B. Stop braking or accelerating so the wheels can roll freely and regain traction

    A drive-wheel skid comes from the wheels losing grip under braking or power. Let them roll again by getting off the brake or accelerator, pushing in the clutch if needed, then steer quickly in the direction you want to go.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.18.2 (Correcting a Drive-Wheel Braking Skid)

  4. 'Counter-steering' means:

    • Steering with one hand while shifting
    • Turning the wheel in the same direction as the skid and holding it there
    • Turning the wheel back the other way once the vehicle begins to straighten out from a skid
    • Using the trailer brakes to steer
    Show answer
    Answer: C. Turning the wheel back the other way once the vehicle begins to straighten out from a skid

    When you correct a skid, the vehicle will swing back the other way. Be ready to turn the wheel in the opposite direction quickly so you do not skid in the new direction.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.18.2 (Correcting a Drive-Wheel Braking Skid)

  5. In a front-wheel skid, the vehicle keeps going straight even though you turn the wheel. The only way to stop the skid is to:

    • Turn the wheel harder in the direction you want to go
    • Accelerate to pull the front end around
    • Apply the parking brake
    • Let the vehicle slow down; stop turning and braking so hard
    Show answer
    Answer: D. Let the vehicle slow down; stop turning and braking so hard

    A front-wheel skid is usually caused by driving too fast for conditions. The front tires have no grip, so more steering does nothing. Slow down gently until they regain traction.

    Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Section 2.18.3 (Front-Wheel Skids)

Every CDL test for Minnesota drivers

Each page has ten free sample questions, the real question count, the 80% pass mark and what the test covers.

How the Minnesota CDL knowledge test works

You take the general knowledge test first; it is required for every CDL class. Class A drivers add the combination vehicles test. Almost everyone takes the air brakes test, because skipping it puts an air brake restriction on the licence. Endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger, school bus) each have their own knowledge test. Pass the tests and you hold a commercial learner's permit; the skills test in a truck comes later.

Fees, appointment rules and test centre locations are set by Minnesota and change over time, so check the state driver licensing agency before you go. What does not change is the content, and that is what PassRig drills.

Minnesota CDL test questions

How many questions are on the Minnesota CDL test?

The Minnesota CDL general knowledge test follows the federal model: 50 questions, 40 correct to pass. Endorsement tests are shorter: air brakes 25, hazmat 30, and combination vehicles, tanker, doubles/triples, passenger and school bus 20 each.

What is the passing score on the Minnesota CDL permit test?

80% on every knowledge test, the same pass mark used across the United States.

Where do I take the CDL knowledge test in Minnesota?

At the Minnesota state driver licensing agency (the DMV, DOT or equivalent). Check its website for locations, appointments and current fees; the test content itself comes from the FMCSA CDL manual.

Does PassRig have Minnesota CDL practice questions?

Yes. Pick Minnesota in the app and you get practice sets and mock exams built from the knowledge test content your state uses, with the real counts and the 80% line.

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