Qualifications

Driver qualifications

For School Bus Waivers, contact the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services at: drivers.licenses@state.mn.us or call 651-297-5029.

Pre-employment screening

• Just the Facts: Pre-employment Screening Program - FMSCA

Statutes and Rules

Minnesota Statutes

• Chapter 221: Motor Carrier Laws

Minnesota Rules

• Chapter 7800 - Motor Carrier Operations
• Chapter 7805 - Tariffs; Accounting
• Chapter 8840 - Special Transportation Services
• Chapter 8850 - Motor Carrier Safety
• Chapter 8855 - Motor Carrier Insurance
• Chapter 8860 - Tank Motor Vehicles; Variances
• Chapter 8880 - Limousine Service and Permit Requirements
• Chapter 8900 - Motor Carrier Ratemaking
• Chapter 8910 - Railroads; Right of First Refusal
• Chapter 8920 - Administrative Practice and Procedures

Guide for new operators

Find out the basic requirements to operate as a motor carrier in Minnesota.

• Just the Facts
• Statutes and Rules (EXT)
• Minnesota Commercial Truck and Passenger Regulations

For commercial vehicle drivers

Driver's checklist

To drive a commercial motor vehicle, you will need:

1. A current, valid driver's license for the vehicle being driven
2. Your medical examiner's certificate
3. A copy of the vehicle's registration
4. A copy of the previous day's daily vehicle inspection report
5. Proof of vehicle insurance
6. Driver's daily log book
7. Proof of proper operating authority, if operating for-hire
8. A copy of your Uniform Hazardous Material Credentials, if handling HazMat that requires the vehicle to be placarded
9. Documentation of U.S. DOT number
10. A copy of your U.S. DOT Hazardous Materials Certificate of Registration or other document showing your Registration number

Motor carrier checklist

To be a licensed motor carrier in Minnesota, you will need:

1. Intrastate for-hire operating authority
2. Interstate for-hire operating authority
3. Proper insurance requirements

For vehicles

To use your vehicle as part of your commercial vehicle operations, you will need:

1. Proper vehicle registration and licensing
2. Proof of an annual inspection
3. A fire extinguisher, extra fuses, and warning triangles
4. A properly secured load
5. Proper vehicle identification