The Michigan Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Commercial driving careers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Before taking your test, you should know at least two areas of this type of transportation you would like to work on after receiving your license. If you want to transport certain materials, Michigan requires commercial drivers to obtain specific endorsements in addition to the standard CDL. One, in particular, is the hazardous material endorsement, which is required for any driver who wishes to transport materials classified as dangerous in the state of Michigan.

What Is A Michigan CDL

A CDL is a commercial driver's license, and every truck driver in Michigan or their state of primary residence must have one, with a driving record kept in a centralized computer accessible to each state. Each state requires federal law to adopt uniform testing standards for commercial drivers before issuing a commercial driver's license. To operate the following vehicles, a Michigan CDL (or one from another state) is required:
  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the GCWR of the vehicle being towed is greater than 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to carry 16 or more passengers, including the driver; and
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded with hazardous materials transported.
A state may, however, waive CDL requirements for the following vehicles:
  • Operators of farm machinery
  • Vehicles that transport farm products, equipment, or supplies to and from farms;
  • Vehicles operated within 150 miles of a farm;
  • Vehicles not used in contract carrier operations;
  • Individuals who drive motor homes or other vehicles solely to transport personal belongings or family members for non-business purposes;
  • police officers and firefighters in authorized emergency vehicles; and
  • Operators of firefighting equipment, military vehicles, and recreational vehicles, if the vehicle is primarily used for personal purposes.
Special endorsements are required for commercial drivers for certain vehicles:
  • Double/triple tractor-trailers,
  • Passenger vehicles,
  • Tank vehicles,
  • Semi-trucks carrying hazardous materials,
  • Combination tank and hazardous materials, and
  • Vehicles with air brakes.

Requirements

Before beginning the application and testing process for a CDL, all drivers must meet certain general requirements. These are some examples:
  • Applicants must be Michigan residents.
  • To apply to drive a commercial vehicle outside of Michigan, you must be 21 years old.
  • If you are between 18 and 21, you must obtain a K restriction, which allows you to drive commercially only within Michigan state lines.
  • Proof of legal presence in the United States is required.
  • Please provide proof of your Social Security number.
  • Only one state license is required.
  • Have no current license suspensions, revocations, denials, or cancellations.
  • Have no convictions for any 6-point driving violations within the last 24 months.
  • There will be no suspension or revocation within 36 months of application.
  • Medical/physical requirements must be met, and a medical examiner's card must be provided.
  • The necessary certifications must be obtained using the CDL BFS-103 certification form.
  • Meet the Michigan Secretary of State branch office's driver record eligibility requirements.

Classes/Groupings

You can drive Class B and C vehicles with a Class A CDL. A Class B license allows you to drive Class C vehicles. In Michigan, CDL classes are known as Groups or Groupings.
  • Class A
    • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs is required to operate in Class A. or more, including a towed vehicle weighing more than 10,000 lbs. Tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tractor-trailer buses, tankers, livestock carriers, and flatbeds are all examples.
  • Class B
    • Class B permits the operation of a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier and any of the vehicles, as mentioned earlier, towing another vehicle weighing UP TO 10,000 lbs. Straight trucks, large buses, segmented buses, box trucks, and dump trucks with small trailers are all included.
  • Class C
    • Suppose the vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria for a Class A or Class B license and is designed to transport at least 16 passengers (including you, the driver) or hazardous material (HAZMAT). In that case, a Class C license may be required. Small HAZMAT vehicles, passenger vans, and small trucks towing a trailer are examples of vehicles that require a Class C CDL.

Michigan Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

A Commercial Learner's Permit is required before you can get a Michigan CDL. Furthermore, the CLP must be obtained at least 14 days before taking the CDL test. Enrollment in an ELDT program does not necessitate the acquisition of a permit. As part of the training, we will assist you in obtaining your permit. To obtain your CLP, you must:
  • Pass the written knowledge examination.
  • Display proof of legal presence in the United States.
  • Apply for a driving record check.
  • Possess a current Medical Examiner's certificate.
  • Pass a vision exam
  • You must have a valid Michigan driver's license.
  • 18 years old or older

Testing Process For Michigan CDL

Drivers ready to begin the CDL process must go to a local Secretary of State branch office with the above documents and fill out an application stating that they meet medical and driver qualifications. After that, you'll pay the CDL fees and schedule your skills test. Your skills test must be scheduled at least two days before you are scheduled to test. An approved driver testing company can administer skill tests. These include public and private organizations that the state has approved of Michigan to conduct CDL testing. A physical exam, drug test, written test, additional certifications if applicable, and a road skills test are all part of the testing process. Drivers seeking hazmat endorsements must also submit a background check and fingerprints.
  • Physical Examination
    • The applying driver must pass a physical exam administered by a qualified medical professional on the national registry that meets all requirements specified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  • Drug Test
    • All applicants must pass a truck driver drug and alcohol test administered by the FMCSA. After passing the tests, a two-year medical certificate will be issued.
  • Written Exam
    • Any driver seeking a CDL will be required to take a written test covering basic knowledge and understanding of commercial vehicle operation, modeled after the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration guide. Drivers who do not pass the exam on the first try may retake it after a one-day waiting period.
  • Additional Certifications
    • Drivers seeking a CDL to operate combination vehicles, vehicles equipped with air brakes, vehicles towing double or triple tractor-trailers, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials must pass additional tests to demonstrate knowledge specific to these vehicles.
  • Road Skills Test
    • After passing all written tests, drivers must pass a road skills test, which requires them to successfully demonstrate a Michigan CDL pre-trip inspection, pass a basic vehicle controls test, and pass the road skills test in the type of vehicle for which they are applying. All three parts of the exam must be taken concurrently and in sequential order, and each test must be passed before moving on to the next. Michigan does not provide vehicles for road skills tests. Applicants must provide their vehicle, which must be driven to the testing location by a properly licensed driver.
After passing all tests and submitting all required documentation, you must return to a Secretary of State branch office and pay the required fee to add CDL privileges to your license.