ELDT Training in Minnesota — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Minnesota, from Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, Duluth and Bloomington, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the MN theory portion is done online for $20 and your Minnesota record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Minnesota

  1. Get your CLP from Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a MN licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Minnesota; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the MN licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Minnesota

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered MN providers listed below, for example in Minneapolis; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Minnesota

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the MN CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

Minnesota licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Minnesota DVS site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Minnesota DVS site
  • DVS lays out the process as four steps: get a CLP, complete ELDT, schedule and pass the road test, then apply and pay for the CDL.
  • Drivers with school bus or hazmat endorsements must retake those written tests at every renewal.

These MN fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Minnesota fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Minnesota

MN has 56 registered training locations across 46 cities on the FMCSA registry: 43 registered for Class A, 46 for Class B, 38 for the passenger endorsement and 33 for school bus. 25 of the 56 (45%) publish a website, and the newest MN registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Minneapolis CDL schools, Saint Paul CDL schools and Rochester CDL schools, or open the full Minnesota school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any MN school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Minnesota

24 of the 56 registered Minnesota locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so MN drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Minnesota hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Minnesota

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a MN driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Minnesota ELDT questions

What are the steps to a CDL in Minnesota?
DVS lists them as obtaining a commercial learner's permit, completing ELDT, scheduling and passing the road test, then applying and paying for the CDL at an exam station.
Is online ELDT theory accepted by Minnesota DVS?
Yes. DVS verifies training through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, and theory from a registered online provider is accepted before you schedule the road test.
Do I retest at renewal in Minnesota?
Only for school bus and hazardous materials endorsements, which require the written tests again at each renewal.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Minnesota?
With one of the 56 Minnesota locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Rochester; 43 are registered for Class A training and 46 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your MN CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Minnesota and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

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