The demand for commercial drivers is growing quickly in the trucking industry since there is a national driver shortage, as well as one in the state of Minnesota. This lucrative profession has become highly valued due to the shortages and many companies are looking to hire graduates fresh out of school.
CDL schools in Minnesota provide you with the knowledge and driving instruction needed to get your CDL and any other endorsements necessary for specialized driving. You’ll need your birth certificate and unexpired driver’s license to get started on your journey to becoming a commercial driver.
Below is what you need to know about unpaid and paid CDL training. Minnesota has several programs depending on which class of license you wish to obtain.
Where the best truck drivers go to find jobs nationwide!
Quicklook: Best CDL Training Schools in Minnesota
- Interstate Truck Driving School
- Riverland Community College
- Alexandria Technical and Community College
- Dakota County Technical College
- Lake Superior College
Best CDL Training Programs in Minnesota
The CDL schools in Minnesota offer some of the nation’s top training programs. Here are a few of the top schools in the area.
Interstate Truck Driving School
This is the largest and oldest private truck driving school in Minnesota. They offer multiple training programs, a full-time flexible class schedule, and one-on-one driving instruction. They have a learn-at-your-own-pace philosophy to ensure they take the time needed to help you succeed.
Of all the CDL schools in Minnesota, this is the first to use driving simulators in class, in addition to on-road training.
Cost: $5,495
Program Length: 4-6 weeks
Financial Assistance: Yes, financing is available. Once you make the required $500 down payment, you can check to see if you qualify to finance the remaining amount. G.I. Bill Benefits are also accepted.
Tuition Reimbursement: Many of the companies Interstate Truck Driving School partners offer 100% tuition reimbursement for graduates. The pandemic rules have changed some recruiting practices, so inquire with Interstate Truck Driving for more information, but listed below are a few of their partners.
- FedEx Freight and Ground
- Schneider National
- ROEHL
- Dedicated Logistics, Inc.
- Sysco
- Olson Carriers, Inc.
Class Size: 15
Job Placement: Yes
Course Location: Both online and in-person available. Online instruction for the knowledge portion of the test only. All driving instructions must be completed in person.
CDL Licenses:
- A
- B
Riverland Community College
This program likes to keep its class sizes relatively small for easy one-on-one CDL training. State-of-the-art equipment is used to provide the best possible training environment for students. You’re sure to have success with finding employment upon graduation with the many partnerships and paid internships offered with local trucking companies.
Cost: $6,216
Program Length: 16 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Federal financial aid
- Monthly payment plan
- Scholarships
- Grants
Tuition Reimbursement: You have the option of paid CDL training as this school offers 240 paid internship hours with the following partners.
- Dubbels Trucking
- Foodliner
- Minnesota Department of Transportation
- Norsement
- USF Holland
- Valley Transportation
- Gemstone
Class Size: Varies depending on demand
Job Placement: Yes
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- A
- B
Alexandria Technical and Community College
As a community college, the classroom size may vary depending on enrollment, but one-on-one instruction is still highly valued and provided for each student when it’s time to get on the road.
Cost: $6,000
Program Length: 16 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Federal financial aid
- G.I. Bill
- Monthly payment plans
- Scholarships
Tuition Reimbursement: This particular school partners with local companies to offer paid internships to students. Inquire with Alexandria Technical and Community College for an updated list of those companies as pandemic rules cause constant shifts in procedures and requirements.
Class Size: 24
Job Placement:
- Minnesota Trucking Association
- Various paid internships
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- A
- B
Dakota County Technical College
This program focuses on Class B CDL training for individuals and companies. By the end of this course, you will know everything needed to pass the Class B CDL test. However, the small class size and short instruction time does not qualify the course for financial assistance and there are no job placement services. But, it’s perfect if you’re just looking to pass the Class B test.
Cost: $2100
Program Length: 3-4 days
Financial Assistance: No
Tuition Reimbursement: No
Class Size: 5
Job Placement: No
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- B
Lake Superior College
This program offers Class A CDL training that will allow you to operate vehicles in Class B and C with the right endorsements. You’ll be educated on safety protocols, defensive driving skills, and pre-trip inspection. The one-on-one instruction will leave you prepared to navigate urban, rural, and highway driving situations seamlessly.
Cost: $3,900
Program Length: 11 weeks
Financial Assistance:
- Grants from local trucking companies or the Minnesota Department of Transportation
- Contact Lake Superior College for more detailed information regarding companies
Tuition Reimbursement: Many trucking companies partner with schools offering tuition reimbursement if the student agrees to contract with them. Inquire with Lake Superior College to find out more.
Class Size: Varies based on enrollment
Job Placement:
- Minnesota Department of Transportation
Course Location: In-person only
CDL Licenses:
- A
How Does CDL Training in Minnesota Work?
CDL is the acronym for a commercial driver’s license that is required to operate any truck with a gross weight of 26,000 lbs. If you live in Minnesota, there are over 12,000 CDL employment opportunities available. Plus, they have an average salary of $75,280 per year.
For CDL training, Minnesota requires you first to obtain your CLP, which is a commercial learner’s permit. That allows you to practice driving large vehicles prior to taking your CDL test. You have to be at least 18 years old to get your CLP then pass the knowledge tests for the CDL Class you’ve chosen.
The next steps are to complete the application, submit a self-certification form, provide a medical examiner certificate and proper citizenship documentation. There are three classes of CDL licenses available.
- Class A: Operation of any combination of vehicles with a GCWR (gross combination weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more, including a towed vehicle that’s heavier than 10,000 lbs.
- Class B: Operation of a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, and any Class A vehicle towing another vehicle of up to 10,000 pounds.
- Class C: Needed if the vehicle intended for driving does not meet the criteria for Class A or B classification, and is meant to transport at least sixteen passengers, including the driver, or hazardous materials.
The following are endorsements necessary to operate the following vehicle types in Minnesota:
- (H) – Hazardous Materials
- (N) – Tank Vehicles
- (P) – Passenger Transportation
- (S) – School Busses
- (T) – Doubles or Triples
- (X) – Tanker and Hazardous Materials
Minnesota Trucking School Facts & Figures
CDL schools in Minnesota offer a variety of flexible schedule options to make it easy to acquire your license. Here is a brief overview of the basic facts and costs associated with getting a CDL.
Number of Schools
There are at least 19 trucking schools or programs currently operating in Minnesota. They are largely concentrated in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Number of Students per Class
Due to the high demand for CDL drivers, the average classroom size is made up of 21 students.
Tuition Rates
CDL schools in Minnesota charge an average of $8,925 in tuition fees. That includes books, fingerprinting, drug screening, and the physical.
Average Loan Amount
Most loans are $6,294.
Scholarship
On average, scholarships offer $3,668 in funding.
Job Placement
Many companies in the area will hire students straight out of CDL training. Minnesota has schools with 100% placement rates due to the partnerships they have with local trucking businesses. The competition for students to join CDL schools in Minnesota is thick, so there aren’t many that don’t offer job placement services.
Minnesota Trucking Employment Facts & Figures
Most of the trucking companies in the Minneapolis – St. Paul metropolitan area have partnerships with local schools and hire recruits before the course ends. Of course, employment is contingent on whether or not you pass the class, but instructors are dedicated to ensuring your success to keep their partnerships intact.
Employment
Right now, there are over 12,000 CDL jobs listed on Indeed.com for the Minnesota area. Below are the largest trucking companies operating in the land of 10,000 lakes.
| Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Company Size |
| Quality Carriers | $74,904 | 3,323 |
| XPO Logistics | $66,620 | 42,000 |
| Central Transport | $78,900 | 1,000 |
| Hogan Transportation | $82,535 | 1,250 |
| 10 Roads Express | $64,020 | 2,334 |
Salary
Weekly: $1,568
Monthly: $6,273
Yearly: $75,280
CDL Schools in Minnesota Prepare You for the Road
As the trucking industry continues to grow, Minnesota continues to prepare its CDL students for the obstacles they’ll face on the road. Whether it’s a long-distance drive or a local trip, you can be sure your training will equip you with all of the tools that you need.
You’ll be able to embark upon a successful commercial driving career with the help of CDL training. To make sure you stay updated on job opportunities available out there, visit TruckDrivingJobs.com and find the best truck driving jobs nationwide!
FAQ
The test contains fifty questions and to pass you must score 80% or higher. That is forty questions that must be answered correctly.
On average it takes 4-6 weeks, or 160 hours to complete CDL training in Minnesota.
You can be disqualified depending on the circumstances of a DWI conviction.
