Commercial vehicles: Training and outreach
One of the most important duties of the Commercial Vehicle Section is education. We ensure up-to-date training for the State Patrol. We also teach transportation professionals, other law enforcement officers and the drivers about the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles.
Presentations
Commercial vehicle training staff facilitate classes and presentations covering a variety of topics. Topics include very general commercial vehicle information, and specific topics like hazardous materials, inspection procedure, load securement and other topics unique to commercial vehicle safety.
How do I schedule a presentation?
To request a presentation, please fill out the request for presentation form and email it to cmvinfo@state.mn.us.
Training Opportunities
Size and weight enforcement classes
The State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Section periodically hosts 8-hour basic size and weight classes. These classes are for law enforcement and public works personnel who conduct or assist with motor vehicle weight enforcement duties.
Minnesota Statute 169.85, Subd. 6, requires peace officers or other personnel working under the direction of a peace officer to be trained by the Department of Public Safety before conducting weight enforcement activities. This training satisfies the requirement of the statute.
The course is designed to help enforcement personnel understand the size and weight limitations prescribed in Minnesota Statutes 169.80-169.88. It is a good course for beginners, as well as a good refresher for veteran weight enforcement officers.
If your agency would like to host a truck size and weight enforcement class, please contact Lt. Lee Gear at 651-350-2006 or arthur.gear@state.mn.us.
Pilot or escort vehicle driver training
Operators of vehicles escorting overdimensional loads are required to be trained and certified by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Reciprocity agreement information
Minnesota has training reciprocity agreements with the following states for pilot or escort vehicle drivers:
- Colorado
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
For Minnesota domiciled and out-of-state pilot or escort drivers with certification from one of these states that is current on or after Jan. 2, 2014
You are not required to obtain Minnesota certification to operate in Minnesota if you meet the conditions below.
For pilot or escort drivers domiciled in Minnesota, whose out-of-state certification expires after Jan. 2, 2014
You are required to obtain Minnesota certification, including successful completion of the initial 8-hour training class and examination.
Reciprocity conditions
- Certificate holders from reciprocity states are allowed to escort overdimensional loads in Minnesota, provided the Minnesota insurance, driver, vehicle and safety equipment requirements are met.
- Minnesota certificate holders are allowed to escort overdimensional loads in reciprocity states, provided insurance, driver, vehicle and safety equipment requirements of the applicable state are met.
Classes are available in both open enrollment and contract options. The cost of certification is $180 per person. For more information, contact Customized Training Services at Hennepin Technical College, 952-995-1330, or visit its Customized Training Solutions webpage.
Mandatory Inspection Program (MIP)
Sign up for an annual inspection certification or re-certification course on our Mandatory Inspection Program webpage.
Additional questions
For answers to your commercial motor vehicle questions, call our information line at 651-350-2000, option 1. You can also submit your question through email to cmvinfo@state.mn.us. Our information line is staffed 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.