Other Licenses & Endorsements in Minnesota

Minnesota Special Driver's Licenses

You may need a driver's license other than your regular, noncommercial driver's license or a special endorsement if you want to:

  • Drive heavy-weight vehicles.
  • Transport a large number of passengers.
  • Transport hazardous materials.
  • Drive for hire.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) offers license classes and endorsements specific to the type of vehicle you want to drive and the driving profession you want to have.

On this page you'll find a general overview of some of the classes and endorsements available to you.

For information on obtaining a standard driver's license, please visit our pages on the following topics:

Commercial Driver's Licenses in Minnesota

For some vehicles, you'll need to obtain a Minnesota commercial driver's license (CDL). You'll need a CDL:

  • For heavy vehicles, such as semi-trucks and truck/trailer combinations.
  • For vehicles carrying hazardous material.
  • For vehicles carrying a large number of passengers.

The application process is similar to that of your noncommercial driver's license. You'll need to:

  • Complete a new application.
  • Pass knowledge and driving tests.
  • Provide proof of your identity.
  • Pay a licensing fee.

For more information, please visit our Applying for a New CDL in Minnesota page.

School Bus Driver Requirements

To drive a school bus in Minnesota, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a school bus endorsement.
  • Pass a criminal background check.
  • Pass a driver history check.
  • Pass a physical examination.
  • Submit to a national criminal history check, if you have resided in Minnesota for less than 5 years.

Please contact the Minnesota DVS for more information.

Shuttle Bus Drivers

A CDL is not required if your shuttle van or bus is designed to transport fewer than 16 passengers, including the driver.

Minnesota Taxi Drivers & Chauffeurs

Taxi cab licenses are managed by each Minnesota municipality and, in some cases, such as St. Cloud, by local police departments.

To become a chauffeur or drive a taxi, you may be required to:

  • Have a clean driving record.
  • Pass a criminal background check.
  • Pay a taxi licensing fee.
  • Pass a medical test.

For more information, please contact your city's clerk or the Minnesota DMV.

Sport Vehicles in Minnesota

Typically, sport and off-road vehicles do not require you to hold a special driver's license or endorsement, but some do have a minimum operating age and safety course requirements.

Certain vehicles may require you to hold a motorcycle license or endorsement. For more information, please visit our Motorcycle License in Minnesota page.

Snowmobiles

All Minnesota residents born after December 31, 1976 must carry a snowmobile safety certificate in order to operate a snowmobile. Riders who are 16 years old and up will need to take the online snowmobile course specified for your age group (you can also opt to take the in-person Youth course, outlined below).

For younger riders aged 11 to 15 years old, you'll need to get a "Youth Snowmobile Safety Certification." To do so, you can take an online snowmobile safety course ($29.95), or a traditional snowmobile safety course ($5 course fee plus $5 certificate fee) where you'll be in a classroom with other riders. Regardless of which course is taken, the certificate isn't valid until you're at least 12 years old.

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Depending on your age or when you born you will be required to take different courses in order to operate an ATV in Minnesota.

Under Age 10

Children from 6 to 9 years old may complete the ATV Free Study Guide to prepare to ride an ATV once they're old enough to do so. This course is entirely free and will teach kids the important basics about ATV safety. There is NO certificate awarded at the end of the guide; students will still need to take a safety education course once they reach the appropriate age to be able to operate an ATV.

Age 10 to 15

Riders who are 10 through 15 years old will need to take an age-specific online OHV Safety Education course. The fee for your course is $55.

After you've passed your online course, you may then enroll in the required Hands-On ATV Safety Class, which will be taken in person with other riders.

Once you've finished both of these classes, you can print your safety certificate* from the DNR website (there's a DNR fee of $10). You're ready to hit the roads (or hills, or valleys)!

*NOTE: Though you can take the course earlier, your certificate won't be valid until you're at least 12 years old.

Age 16 & Up

For anyone aged 16 years old or born after July 1, 1987, you'll need to take an age-specific Online ATV Training Course before you can hop on your ATV. You will NOT be required to take the Hands-On course like younger riders are. Be prepared to pay all course fees when you sign up for your online class.

Alternatively, you can take an ATV Rider Course for $55 through the All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (ASI). This comprehensive, hands-on course's proof of completion is acceptable to get your MN ATV safety certificate.

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