The first step is to get a free copy of the Minnesota CDL Manual - MN CDL Handbook. The Minnesota manual is available in the Minnesota field locations, downloaded from the Minnesota website and printed. Minnesota has its own process to get your Minnesota CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit).
Full Answer
How do I get a CDL medical exam in Minnesota?
If a CDL medical exam is required, a report must be completed and a certificate obtained. The examination must be performed by a certified DOT medical examiner registered with the National Registry of Certified Medical examiners. Search online to find licensed examiners. There are three types of CDL classes available to applicants in Minnesota.
Do I need a medical certificate to drive in Minnesota?
Most CDL drivers operating in Minnesota operate in category 3 – non-exempt intrastate commerce and are required to obtain a medical certificate. This includes: Drivers of vehicles over 26, 000 pounds gross vehicle weight Drivers of vehicles that carry hazardous materials that require a placard
Do I need a medical examiner's certificate for a CDL?
If you answered no to all of the above activities, you operate in non-exempted interstate commerce and are required to provide a current medical examiner's certificate * (49 CFR 391.45), commonly referred to as a medical certificate or DOT card. Most CDL holders who drive in interstate commerce are non-exempt interstate commerce drivers.
What are the parts of the MN CDL test?
The MN CDL test consists of three parts: The pre-trip inspection, the basic control test and the road test. Each part must be passed in order to advance to the next stage. The CDL driving test must be taken in the type of commercial vehicle that matches your CDL application.
How do I get a Minnesota DOT health card?
Submit the following two documents:Commercial Driver License Medical Self-certification Form – download the form here Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services Division.Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical card only, not the long form.) Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
Can I keep my CDL without a medical card in Minnesota?
Intrastate Commerce: Most CDL drivers operating in Minnesota operate in category 3 – non-exempt intrastate commerce and are required to obtain a medical certificate.
How do you get a DOT certification?
How to get a DOT medical certificationContact an approved medical provider. The DOT requires drivers to complete their physical exams through an approved provider. ... Take the DOT physical examination. ... Submit your DOT medical card. ... Follow renewal guidelines.
How do I get MCSA-5876?
If the Medical Examiner determines that the driver examined is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with the physical qualification standards, the Medical Examiner will complete and provide the driver with a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876.
How much is a DOT physical MN?
We perform $45.00 DOT physicals for drivers living in or passing through St. Paul and Minneapolis as well surrounding suburbs. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires commercial truck drivers to satisfy specific standards related to their physical health in order to operate large motor vehicle.
What is form MCSA 5875?
About the Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires that interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers maintain a current Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876 to drive.
Can you fail a DOT physical for diabetes?
Can You Pass a DOT Physical with Diabetes? Yes, however, diabetes is one of the four conditions that have objective disqualifiers – that means that if your symptoms of diabetes meet one of their disqualifying conditions, you'll automatically fail the exam.
What is Fmcsa certification?
The certification process is designed to ensure that all personnel have the proper training and experience to perform the inspection and compliance activities of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
What is a DOT physical exam?
A Department of Transportation (DOT) physical is a physical exam that is required of people who drive commercial vehicles. The point of a DOT physical is to make sure that people who are driving commercial motor vehicles are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit.
Where can I get the medical certificate?
Where to Get Medical Certificate. A medical certificate is usually available from your doctor. If you recently had an illness, it would be easier to request for one. On the other hand, the operating room staff can also provide you with a certificate if you recently underwent surgery.
What is an MEC card?
The Medical Examiner's Certificate is a federally mandated (U.S. Department of Transportation) document that certifies you meet all physical and medical standards for operating a commercial motor vehicle and the original or photographic copy must be in your possession whenever you are driving.
What happens if you let your DOT medical card expire in California?
If you were required to get a medical card, keep a close eye on the expiration date. If you don't complete your CDL medical card renewal on time, you'll lose your CDL privileges, which could cost you valuable income.
What is a CDL class?
All commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, Class A, B or C, must complete and submit the self-certification form for initial, renewal or change in class application. All CDL holders with a school bus endorsement MUST submit a current medical examiner’s certificate. If there is a change in your medical status or interstate/intrastate status you ...
What is the form for a medical examiner?
The FMCSA has requested that all medical examiners continue providing drivers with a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876, so that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders can provide a copy to the State licensing agency, and the non-CDL drivers can provide the documentation to their employers and Federal and State enforcement officials.
Do medical examiners issue paper copies of drivers licenses?
However, until that system is completed, medical examiners must continue to issue paper copies of the medical certificates to drivers who pass the medical exam.
DOT Physical Exam Locations in Minnesota
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Be Prepared BEFORE You Go To Your DOT Physical Appointment!
Be prepared for your DOT Medical Exam. Understand the DOT physical requirements. Take everything you need to your appointment. That way you’ll help the medical examiner qualify you for all the Medical Certification requirements. You’ll be in and out on time, and back on the road with a valid medical card.
Keep Your Medical Card Updated with Minnesota DMV (or your State)
Commercial drivers, who are required to have a CDL medical card, are personally responsible to provide a copy of the new Medical Certificate to the licensing agency of the state in which their CDL was issued. Contact your State driver licensing agency for information about how to submit a copy of your medical certificate.
How old do you have to be to get a Class C license in Minnesota?
Class C — A single-unit vehicle, 26,000 pounds GVWR or less, with one or more of the following endorsements: You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Minnesota driver’s license in order to obtain a Minnesota commercial learner permit (CLP).
What is the minimum age to drive a towed vehicle in Minnesota?
A person must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate any of the following commercial motor vehicles (CMV) in Minnesota: A combination of vehicles in which the gross combination weight (GCW) is more than 26,000 pounds and the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight (GVW)* of more than 10,000 pounds — Minimum age is 18.
How long is a commercial learner's permit valid?
Commercial Learner Permits are valid for 180 days and are not renewable; the applicant must retake the knowledge tests for another CLP.
Do you have to be physically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle?
Under the driver qualification rules, a driver must be physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Recent changes in federal regulations and state law requires all CDL holders to certify their commercial operating status.
Do you need a knowledge test to renew your license?
The knowledge test is not required to renew licenses with other endorsements. In order to upgrade a driver’s license with school bus, hazmat or other endorsements, the driver must pass a written test for each endorsement.
Do you need a road test to renew a CDL?
Adding school bus and passenger transport endorsements requires a road test in an appropriate vehicle. To renew a CDL with hazmat or school bus endorsement, the hazmat or school bus endorsement knowledge test needs to retaken. The knowledge test is not required to renew licenses with other endorsements.
How to get a CDL permit in Minnesota?
CDL learners permit rules state that a driver must hold a valid MN Class D license before applying. Visit your local office and complete the following steps to apply :
How many CDL classes are there in Minnesota?
Residents must apply for the Minnesota CDL if they operate commercial vehicles inside or outside of the state. There are three CD L license classes available to eligible drivers. Depending on the vehicle and the type of commerce being transported, drivers may be restricted to one type of license. Additionally, certain commercial driving capabilities ...
How much does a CDL license cost in Minnesota?
The CDL license cost covers the permit, and all applicable endorsements and testing fees. The CDL permit cost is $10.50, regardless of the class for which you are applying. The following Minnesota CDL fees may apply to your application:
How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Minnesota?
CDL Requirements in Minnesota. Minnesota’s CDL license requirements apply to all resident drivers operating commercial vehicles on public roads. In all cases, drivers must be at least 18 years old to apply for a CDL permit. However, applicants must be over the age of 21 to apply for a hazardous materials endorsement or an interstate license.
What is CDL endorsement?
CDL endorsements are applied to commercial licenses when a particular cargo is being transported, or a specific vehicle is being operated. Minnesota issues the following endorsements to eligible CDL license holders:
How long does a learners permit last in Minnesota?
Currently, a Minnesota commercial drivers license can only be issued if a learners permit has been held for at least 14 days.
What is a Class B CDL?
A Class B CDL is required when operating a single vehicle with a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds. A Class C CDL must be held when operating a single vehicle weighing 26,000 pounds or less with a hazardous materials, passenger or school bus endorsement.
How long does a medical examiner keep a copy of the MCSA?
The Medical Examiner will keep a copy of the Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876 on file for at least 3 years.
What is the MCSA 5876 form?
If the Medical Examiner determines that the driver examined is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with the physical qualification standards, the Medical Examiner will complete and provide the driver with a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876. The Medical Examiner will keep a copy ...
What is the maximum weight of a CDL?
All commercial drivers of vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) are required to obtain and maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate) Commercial drivers who drive vehicles requiring a CDL have two additional requirements.
What is an Interstate non-excepted driver?
Interstate non-excepted: You are an Interstate non-excepted driver and must meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements (e.g. – you are "not excepted"). Interstate excepted: You are an Interstate excepted driver and do not have to meet the Federal DOT medical card requirements.
Do CDL holders need to self-certify?
Non-CDL holder s are not required to self-certify or submit a copy of their ME Certificate to their SDLA. CDL holders, who are found driving in a category other than one to which they self-certified, are subject to suspension or revocation of their commercial driving privileges.
Can I drive a commercial vehicle with a CDL?
CDL drivers, who do not update the expiration date of their ME Certificate with their State, will have their commercial driving privileges downgraded, and will not be eligible to drive a commercial motor vehicle that requires a CDL. Instructions on how your State is collecting your ME Certificate information:
Does FMCSA accept medical certification?
In the interim, FMCSA has advised both its staff and roadside enforcement personnel to accept proof of a driver’s medical certification status and expiration date on a CDLIS MVR, as the basic information required to substantiate that a driver is medically qualified.