How to Get a Michigan CDL License

The Michigan Secretary of State runs the commercial driver’s license program. Individuals interested in driving large truck, buses and similar commercial vehicles must determine the requirements for a Michigan CDL license. Applicants who need a commercial driver’s license must first pass a written knowledge test. After that, they can get a permit to train on the Michigan roads. After training, applicants can get a Michigan commercial driver’s license by passing a hands-on skills test with a third-party CDL testing service.

Step 1:

Access the “Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual” at Michigan.gov/documents/cdlmanul_16090_7.pdf. Look on Pave iv to get more information and links for the required medical exam for CDL holders. Complete your exam before scheduling your CDL test.

Step 2:

Use the Michigan CDL manual to study for your written knowledge test. You need to first pass this test to get a Michigan CDL permit for training purposes.

Note that the CDL test is a bit different than the standard driver’s license test. It has edorsement tests for certain classes of vehicle operation. For example, a school bus driver must get a school-bus and passenger-vehicle endorsement to operate a school bus. You do not have to study those portions of the Michigan CDL manual that are endorsements for vehicles you do not intend to drive. However, if you are not sure about your job prospects after licensing, then you can be on the safe side and study and test on the entire manual.

Step 3:

Visit a local Michigan Secretary of State office to take your written CDL test. You will receive your permit if you pass this first part of the exam.

Step 4:

Get local Michigan CDL training.The Professional Truck Driver Institute has a list of certified truck driving schools in Michigan at Ptdi.org/schools/schoolslist.aspx#michigan. Schools have become a fairly common way to get truck driver training. However, some employers offer free training. For example, Greyhound has free bus-driver training for certain applicants. You can also contact your Michigan school district if you want to seek CDL work as a school bus driver.

Step 5:

Complete your training and schedule a CDL skills test. Michigan certifies a number of third-party testing services for this portion of the commercial driver’s exam. Your local Secretary of State office can give you a list of companies performing this service. Speak to individual testers for information about the skills test, including the availability of a vehicle for testing. Otherwise, you will need to have your own vehicle. Schools and employers sometimes provide a vehicle for this purpose. In some places, you may need to rent a truck or other commercial vehicle to take the skills test.

Step 6:

Complete the skills test. You can then receive a Michigan CDL license from the local branch of the Michigan Secretary of State.

Sources:

Michigan Truck Driver Schools

Michigan CDL Manual