Looking for a Career in Over the Road Trucking? Tips on Getting Your Commercial Driver’s License in Minneapolis, MN

When you begin considering a career in Minneapolis for over the road trucking, it can be overwhelming researching all the requirements needed. Bay and Bay Transportation Inc. wants to give you some helpful information on where to start—getting your commercial driver’s license or CDL.

First of all you must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Minnesota driver’s license to qualify for a commercial driver’s license. If you are a new applicant for a CDL, you will first apply for a non-renewable permit. Besides your driver’s license you need one the following items for proof of citizenship:

  • US passport
  • Certified copy of your birth certificate
  • Certification of naturalization or citizenship
  • A valid unexpired permanent resident card.

After you receive your permit, you have 180 days to take your written and over the road skills test. The first phase of the test is a written test. The scope of the test you take will depend on the type of truck you wish to drive, the weight of the vehicle and if it has air brakes or not. The DMV offers practice tests for you to take available on their website. You may take each one of the tests once per day. If you fail to pass both, you will need to reapply for a permit again and start the process over so study well!

When you pass the written tests you will begin the next phase with is the CDL skill test.  This comprises the pre-trip inspection of the vehicle, the basic controls of the vehicle and the road test.

  • Pre-Inspection: You will be asked to describe to the instructor what should be inspected on your specific type of truck and why these daily inspections should be done. You will be graded on your knowledge of this system.
  • Basic Controls: This determines your ability to control the vehicle, a critical part of being an over the road truck driver. Some of the things you will be asked to do is basic backing up of the truck, docking in alleys and backing into different lanes.
  • Road Test: This test will evaluate your ability to maneuver the truck in a variety of different road scenarios. You’ll travel in cities and country and side roads, be asked to merge and turn, lane positioning and speed control of the vehicle.

There are also some medical qualifications for being an over the road trucker. You will have to fill out a medical self-certification form and in some cases may be required to provide more proof of your health status.

This is a generalized breakdown of the process, and if you want more specific information you can find much information available here on the Minnesota DMV website. We’d also be happy to speak with you to give you more information on a career in Minneapolis with Bay and Bay Transportation. Give us a call today to get your career on the road!