Minnesota Class B to Class A Upgrade Program

Class B to Class A Upgrade Program for Minnesota CDL Applicants

Minnesota's diverse economy generates CDL demand across agriculture, healthcare distribution, and mining sectors. With grain and agribusiness, healthcare and medical supply, food manufacturing driving much of the freight in Minnesota, the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material below is the part of the Minnesota CDL that those employers screen for first.

The Minnesota Class B to A upgrade: Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes knowledge tests at Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services, then a Class A skills test. Since February 2022, ELDT theory and behind-the-wheel training must also be logged with an FMCSA-registered provider before Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services will schedule the test.

Where Minnesota drivers use this

• Food manufacturing: flatbed and step-deck loads of steel, lumber, and building materials
• Mining and iron ore: lowboys and heavy-haul combinations moving mining equipment
• Food manufacturing: dump trucks, mixers, and flatbed tractors on construction routes
• Mining and iron ore: every heavy-haul and bulk truck on the mine roads
• Almost every Class A and Class B vehicle in Minnesota; skip this test and your CDL carries an L restriction

Most Minnesota CDL work runs the I-35, I-90, I-94 corridors and the Saint Paul area, so the examples in the practice questions lean on the vehicles and loads you will see there.

Testing, appointments, and fees are handled by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. See the Minnesota CDL classes and Minnesota endorsements pages for the full licensing picture.

Common Minnesota questions

Is this Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material specific to Minnesota?

Yes. The knowledge test content is federal (49 CFR 383), so the questions apply in Minnesota, and this page adds Minnesota details: where you test (Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services), which Minnesota industries use this license, and the Minnesota corridors the examples are drawn from.

Where do I take the Class B to Class A Upgrade Program knowledge test in Minnesota?

Knowledge tests are given by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services. Bring your Minnesota driver license, proof of residency, and your medical certificate; most Minnesota offices require an appointment for CDL testing.

How long do I have to study the Minnesota Class B to Class A Upgrade Program material?

Access lasts 120 days from purchase, which is enough to study, take the practice tests, and pass at Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services with time to spare. Retakes in Minnesota are allowed after a short wait, so a second attempt is covered too.