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States

MIMichigan CDL permit test guide

The core course follows the national manual text most states use. When your state manual gives a different number, it wins.

Licensing agency
Michigan Secretary of State
Official CDL page
michigan.gov ↗
Official CDL manual
michigan.gov ↗
Testing, fees and appointments
michigan.gov ↗
Knowledge-test language
Confirm with the agency

We have not confirmed this state's current language policy from an official source. Ask the agency before you book.

Source collection date

Steps to your CDL (federal minimums)

  1. Choose your class (A, B or C) and endorsements.
  2. Get a DOT medical exam from a provider on the National Registry and a medical examiner's certificate.
  3. Pass the knowledge tests at the state agency to get your commercial learner's permit (CLP).
  4. Hold the CLP at least 14 days and practice with a qualified CDL holder. A CLP is valid for up to one year (some states less).
  5. Complete entry-level driver training (ELDT) with a registered provider.
  6. Pass the skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control and road test, in English.
  7. Get your CDL. You must be 21 to drive across state lines.

What is different in this state

Knowledge tests

Group A takes a 70-question knowledge test (includes 20 combination questions); Groups B and C take 50 questions. Air Brakes is 25 questions, endorsements 20 each and Hazmat 30; 80% passes, and only one test per category per day.

Source: michigan.gov

Learner permit (CLP)

You must hold the CLP and wait 14 days before the skills test, and you need a CLP to take it. Road-test results stay valid for 1 year.

Source: michigan.gov

Fees

CDL vehicle group designation costs $25 and each endorsement $5 ($10 for X), on top of the license fee ($25 standard operator, $35 standard chauffeur). Skills-test prices are set by the private testing businesses, not the state.

Source: michigan.gov

Age

You may drive a CMV inside Michigan at 18, but you must be 21 to drive across state lines or carry placarded hazardous materials.

Source: michigan.gov

Also important

CDL skills tests are given only by state-approved third-party Driver Testing Businesses. Michigan also offers a seasonal restricted CDL for agri-business Group B/C drivers within 150 miles.

Source: michigan.gov

Where this state's manual differs

  • 5.1.11 Michigan's manual says the low-air warning must come on before tank pressure falls below 60 psi (national text: 55 psi).
  • 5.2 In the dual air brake section, Michigan uses 60 psi as the level the warning light and buzzer must come on before (national: 55 psi).

State-only topics in the manual

  • Michigan Section 1: driving-type certification, medical rules, age, fees, test chart and third-party skills testing.
  • Michigan seasonal restricted CDL and disqualification rules; Truckers Against Trafficking insert.

Source collection date:

The three permit tests

General Knowledge

Required for every CDL class.

Mock exam

Air Brakes

Needed to drive a vehicle with air brakes without an "L" restriction.

Mock exam

Combination Vehicles

Needed for Class A (tractor-trailers).

Mock exam
Study the core course

7CDL is an independent study aid. It is not a government website, not affiliated with any state agency, FMCSA or AAMVA, and not an ELDT provider. Always check your state's official CDL manual and agency.