Minnesota Lawmakers Eliminate Barrier to Expand CDL Testing

Minnesota has made it easier for current and future truck drivers to obtain and renew their commercial driver licenses by removing a law that restricted third-party CDL testing opportunities. Previously, a mandate required public postsecondary institutions to provide 180 hours of training before they could offer testing, leading to a limited number of testing sites and long waiting times for applicants, with some facing waits of up to nine weeks or needing to travel great distances. The recent legislative change, supported across party lines, allows any state institution that provides CDL training to administer testing as of July 1. This change is expected to significantly increase access to testing, thereby aiding workforce development and economic growth. With this facilitation, more institutions can now expand their programs and better meet the demand for qualified CDL drivers. From a transportation expert perspective, this legislative change is crucial in addressing the shortage of truck drivers, a critical issue exacerbated by the pandemic and growing consumer demand. By increasing the number of testing sites, Minnesota is not only facilitating faster licensing but also supporting the overall logistics and supply chain sectors. This collaborative approach to workforce development can serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges in their CDL training and testing processes. Enhancing access to training and testing can substantially contribute to alleviating the trucking industry's persistent labor shortages.