MN CDL General Knowledge study guide
MN CDL General Knowledge · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Minnesota Commercial Driver's License (CDL) General Knowledge test is the written knowledge exam that the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) requires before a driver can receive a CDL learner permit or be issued a commercial license. It is aimed at drivers who intend to operate Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial motor vehicles on public roads, including tractor-trailers, straight trucks, tank vehicles, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials or passengers. The MN CDL General Knowledge study guide has 12 sections and about 3,101 words.
01Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control
This domain tests the pre-trip inspection sequence and the basic control skills a Minnesota CDL driver must demonstrate: starting, steering, stopping, and checking air brakes. The exam expects specific checks, not a general walk-around.
324 words, about 2 min02Shifting, Backing, and Turning
This domain covers progressive shifting, safe backing, and turning geometry for long wheelbases. Minnesota's general knowledge exam asks how to shift without damaging the drivetrain, how to back with limited visibility, and how to prevent off-tracking from hitting a curb or vehicle.
300 words, about 2 min03Seeing and Communicating (Signaling, Lights, Distractions)
This domain tests how you see hazards early and tell other drivers what you intend to do. Minnesota's exam emphasizes scanning, mirror use, signaling distance, headlight use, and the state's hands-free law.
282 words, about 1 min04Speed and Space Management
This domain tests speed selection, following distance, stopping distance, and traffic gaps. The exam wants numbers and adjustments for load, weather, and grade-not just 'drive carefully.' Obey posted limits and adjust for conditions.
304 words, about 2 min05Hazard Perception and Emergency Maneuvers
This domain tests hazard scanning and correct emergency actions: tire blowouts, brake failure, fires, and ABS use. Minnesota adds winter hazards such as ice, snow, and bridge decks that freeze first.
259 words, about 1 min06Skid Control and Recovery
This domain tests skid causes, identification, and recovery. Minnesota's exam includes winter skids because ice and snow are common, but the physics apply year-round.
240 words, about 1 min07Cargo Securement and Weight Distribution
This domain tests the federal cargo securement rules and weight distribution. Minnesota's exam asks about tiedown strength, number of tiedowns, axle limits, and load placement.
271 words, about 1 min08Vehicle Systems, Inspection, and Maintenance
This domain tests vehicle systems and maintenance: brakes, tires, coupling, lights, and inspection reports. The exam expects you to know when a vehicle is out of service.
266 words, about 1 min09Hours of Service and Fatigue
This domain tests hours-of-service limits, logging, and fatigue recognition. The exam asks you to calculate remaining drive time and identify when rest is required.
218 words, about 1 min10Railroad-Highway Crossings
This domain tests safe crossing behavior at railroad-highway crossings, including passive crossings and stuck-vehicle procedures. Slow down, look and listen, turn off the radio, and open the window.
218 words, about 1 min11Alcohol, Drugs, and Driver Fitness
This domain tests alcohol and drug limits, implied consent, and medical fitness for CDL drivers. The CDL limit is 0.04% BAC in Minnesota; the non-commercial DWI limit is 0.08%.
199 words, under 1 min12Sharing the Road and Special Situations
This domain tests sharing the road with cars, bicycles, pedestrians, school buses, and emergency vehicles, plus special situations such as work zones and winter driving. Large trucks have blind spots in front, behind, and along both sides.
220 words, about 1 min