How To Get A CDL in Michigan: Licensing Steps and Requirements

To drive large-size trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles in Michigan, a CDL is considered a “must-have item”. If you are still having trouble with how to get a CDL in Michigan, this guide walks you through the CDL process: from eligibility requirements right to passing the required exam. We will be detailing all that you would need to know to go about successfully getting your CDL and starting off your career in commercial driving. Uncover the interesting things with us right now!

What are the requirements for CDL in Michigan?

In accordance with the State of Michigan, the following requirements which you have to comply with to get a CDL in Michigan are:

• Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to get an intrastate CDL and 21 years old for interstate driving.
• Residency: Must be a legal resident of Michigan.
• Medical Certification: Such a program has to be undertaken where a DOT medical exam must be passed to fathom whether one is medically fit for the operation of a commercial vehicle.
• Driver’s License: You must have an active Michigan driver’s license or a valid one.
• Driving Record: You must have a clear record of driving. Severe on-road discipline or a suspension record may be an obstacle in your way to obtaining a CDL.
• Vision test: Not color blind, 20/40 vision on each eye or better.
• CDL test: You must pass the written test to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and skill test.
• ELDT requirement: Must be completed Entry Level Driver Training.

How to get a CDL in Michigan?

To acquire a CDL in Michigan, one must follow through with a set of steps involved in its issuance, both written and practical. Here’s the breakdown in steps:

Pass the CDL written knowledge test

To start a CDL, you must pass a written knowledge tests covering:

• General knowledge test: This is a required test and covers the very basic field of issues, including vehicle operations, driving safety, and state regulations. Any individual applying for a CDL is forced to take this test, which will cover the basics of driving commercially. There are 50 multiple-choice questions, and the correct answer is 80% passing condition.
• Endorsement tests (if applicable): Depending on your plans, you may be driving specialized vehicles or hauling particular types of cargo for which you will also take additional endorsement tests. Each one of these endorsement tests will take a particular focus on rules and safety procedures concerning that type of driving. Studying for these exams involves preparation with materials concerning the endorsement that you seek to obtain. Passing your written test, you receive a Commercial Learner’s Permit.

• Air brakes test (if applicable): an essential part of the CDL licensure process if you are looking forward to driving those vehicles that are equipped with air brakes, such as large trucks and buses. The written test comprises 25 multiple choice questions measuring your knowledge about how air brakes work, including terms such as brake lag, levels of air pressure, proper braking techniques to avoid skids, and brake failure. It is one of the requirements you should fulfill to obtain an air brakes endorsement on your CDL that by law qualifies you to operate all air-brake-equipped commercial vehicles.
• Combination vehicles test (if applicable): required for drivers who will operate combination vehicles consisting of a truck, or tractor pulling one or more trailers. This covers the skills peculiar to the operation of combination vehicles safely, including such things as trailer swing and sway, turning and jackknifing hazards. The test has 20 multiple choice questions to answer and 80% or more correct required to pass.

The number of knowledge tests depend on your type of CDL class and whether taking any endorsements or not. Once finished, you will obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and wait for 14 days to take the skills tests.

Take the Michigan CDL practice test now!

Take the CDL skill test

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection: Before you can take the road test, you will have to show you can precheck your vehicle safely before driving. You will be required to describe-and point out-actual locations of particular parts of the vehicle and demonstrate you understand their function and why they may cause a hazard.
• Basic vehicle control: This section will be about your demonstration of control of the vehicle through a set of specific maneuvers. Certain basic driving skills and your ability to maneuver a large vehicle in tight spaces are tested through these tasks.
• On-road driving: You will drive a commercial vehicle on public roads during this test, under the directions of the examiner. You will be expected to successfully operate the vehicle in real-life driving situations like traffic, stops at intersections, and highway driving.

Get the actual CDL Michigan license

Once you have passed both the knowledge and skills tests, you will be required to pay the related fees, and a Michigan CDL will be issued. This information will be processed through the Secretary of State’s office, and it will issue your CDL license to legally drive commercial vehicles.

FAQs

1. Can you get a CDL with a DUI in Michigan?

A first-time DUI conviction in Michigan can lead to a one-year suspension of your CDL. The period for this one year will be the same, regardless of whether at the time of the drunk driving arrest, you were driving a commercial vehicle or not.

2. Can you get a CDL with 2 DUI in Michigan?

Having two DUIs will disqualify you from a CDL in Michigan due to the strict laws of the state when it comes to repeated offenses.

3. Can you get a CDL with a felony in Michigan?

Not every felony can be a disqualification for a driver to get a CDL. But there are offenses that do not allow drivers to obtain such as arson, bribery, extortion, smuggling, treason, kidnapping, and others provided by law.

4. How to get a class B license in Michigan?

To obtain a Class B CDL, one must undergo the same process as for any other CDL but with additional special training and tests that provide the required qualification to drive medium-heavy vehicles, like straight trucks and buses.

5. What disqualifies you from getting a CDL in Michigan?

You may be disqualified from getting a CDL in Michigan for having multiple DUI/DWI offenses, committing specific felonies, or having a poor record of driving due to repeated traffic violations.

6. How much is it to get a CDL in Michigan?

The cost of obtaining a CDL in Michigan is based on the type of license one has and also on the endorsements needed. The average application and testing fee ranges from $25 to $60.

7. Can a felon get a CDL in Michigan?

A felon can get a CDL in Michigan, provided that his crime did not involve using a commercial vehicle or any of the other offenses that would disqualify him. Each case is considered separately.

8. Can you get a CDL with 2 DWI in Michigan?

Two convictions for DWI will most likely be disqualified from obtaining a CDL in Michigan since state laws are strict in regard to repeat alcohol-related offenses.

9. How to get CDL in Michigan online?

While you’re able to study for the CDL exams online, it’s not possible to completely prepare for the CDL license online. The knowledge and skills tests are required to be taken in person at one of the Michigan testing facilities.

Final thought

It is very important to learn how to get a CDL in Michigan whenever one enters the sphere of driving commerce. The entire procedure will involve meeting the state’s requirement for licensing, passing the written knowledge and skill test, and obtaining the license from the Secretary of State office. The preparation and thorough knowledge of how it goes will ease the passage to the process, thereby opening the way for driving in commercial vehicles all over Michigan and around. Keep your focus on the goal, study earnestly, and your CDL is ready!