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Get your Michigan CDL — government fees ($50), ELDT training, skills test, and step-by-step guide. Verified 2026 data. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Commercial Driver's License
Most information on this page has been verified.
92% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
$50
TOTAL GOV FEES
$3,000-$7,000
TRAINING COST
4 years
RENEWAL CYCLE
18+
INTRASTATE AGE
Obtain Michigan Driver's License
Must hold a valid Michigan driver's license.
Obtain Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)
Visit a Secretary of State office, provide required documents, pass vision test and CDL knowledge test(s).
CLP valid for 12 months; may be issued before ELDT completion. 1-day wait between knowledge test retakes.
Fee: $25Complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)
Complete required ELDT from a provider registered on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry. HAZMAT ELDT must be completed before knowledge test.
Required for first-time CDL applicants
Hold CLP for Minimum 14 Days
Practice driving with a qualified CDL holder in the passenger seat.
Schedule and Pass CDL Skills Test
Schedule with an approved third-party driver testing business. Pass all three parts: vehicle inspection, basic control maneuvers, and on-road driving.
All skills tests conducted through third-party providers; Michigan SOS does not administer skills tests
Fee: $150–$250 (third-party)Visit Secretary of State to Receive CDL
After passing skills test, visit a Secretary of State office to pay CDL fee and receive temporary permit. Photo CDL arrives by mail.
$45 for Enhanced CDL
Fee: $25Commercial Driver’s Licenses are divided into three classes based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of the vehicle being operated.
Class A CDL
26,001+ lbs GCWR
Towing: Towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class B CDL
26,001+ lbs GVWR
Towing: Towed vehicle under 10,000 lbs
Common examples
Class C CDL
Under 26,001 lbs GVWR
Towing: Does not meet Class A or B thresholds
Common examples
Government Fees
Endorsement Fees
Training Cost
CLP ($25) + CDL ($25) + state skills test (N/A - third-party only, not included)
Government Fees (You Still Pay)
Training Cost
Note: $0 (company-paid programs available)
Costs vary by school and program length
Ready to start your CDL training?
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides.
Passing Score: 80%
Test Components
Three-Part Exam
All CDL skills tests in Michigan are conducted through approved third-party driver testing businesses. Michigan does not administer CDL skills tests at Secretary of State offices.
Third-party fee: $150–$250 (Varies by provider; some charge separately for vehicle rental ($250+))
Intrastate Minimum Age
18 years old
Interstate Minimum Age
21 years old (federal requirement)
Medical Card (DOT Physical)
Required
Valid State Driver's License
Required
Clean Driving Record
No disqualifying offenses per 49 CFR 383.51
Residency Requirement
Must be a resident of Michigan
| Code | Endorsement | Test Type | State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| T | Double/Triple Trailers | Knowledge | $5 |
| P | Passenger | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
| N | Tank Vehicle | Knowledge | $5 |
| H | Hazardous Materials | Knowledge | $5 |
| X | Hazmat + Tank Combo | Knowledge | $10 |
| S | School Bus | Knowledge + Skills | $5 |
HAZMAT Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (H and X) requires a TSA background check ($85.25) and fingerprinting in addition to the state fee shown above. The TSA security threat assessment must be completed before the state will issue the endorsement.
CLP Fee
$25
Holding Period
14 days
Validity
12 months
CLP Requirements
CLP Restrictions
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$25
Standard CDL renewal; $45 for Enhanced CDL
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
HAZMAT endorsement requires written knowledge retest and new TSA background check at every renewal. Vision test required. No other written tests required for renewal unless upgrading class, removing air brake restriction, or adding new endorsement.
Regulatory Board
Visit a Secretary of State office, surrender out-of-state CDL, pass vision test, pass knowledge test(s), and pay fees. Must schedule skills test through an approved third-party testing business.
Transfer Fee
$25
Standard CDL; $45 for Enhanced CDL
Timeline
Within 30 days of establishing Michigan residency
Transfer Requirements
Retesting Required
Mostly verifiedVision test and knowledge test(s) required; skills test may be waived for valid CDL transfers
Qualified military service members may have the CDL skills test waived. Must have at least 2 years of military CMV operation experience.
Eligibility
Active duty or recently separated military with at least 2 years equivalent vehicle operation experience
Search accredited CDL training programs and compare costs, schedules, and job placement rates.
160 Driving Academy →Nationwide CDL training with flexible schedules, financial aid options, and job placement assistance.
TruckingTruth School Reviews →Real student reviews and ratings of CDL schools to help you choose the right program.
Employer-Sponsored CDL Programs
Many trucking companies offer paid CDL training in exchange for an employment commitment. These are not affiliate links — check directly with carriers like Schneider, Werner, CRST, and Swift for current company-sponsored training programs in Michigan.
Typical self-pay CDL training costs in Michigan range from $3,000 to $7,000. Costs vary by school and program length
Some links above may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Unique to Michigan
Michigan relies exclusively on third-party testing businesses for all CDL skills tests; the state does not offer skills tests at Secretary of State offices. Michigan has some of the lowest government CDL fees in the nation ($25 CLP + $25 CDL). Enhanced CDL option available for cross-border travel. CLP can be issued before ELDT training is completed, which is unusual.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#34 of 51
Cost
#4 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (SOC 53-3032)
Entry Level
$47,620
25th percentile
Median
$55,140
-4% vs. national avg ($57,440)Experienced
$61,690
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
59,910 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers" covers CDL holders driving tractor-trailers specifically. Wages for other CDL vehicle types may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+2.6%
Below AverageNew Jobs
+53,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
228,600
per year (avg.)
2.1M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: Applying for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Michigan SOS
Estimated total: 6–16 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Applying for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Michigan SOS
1–2 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Applying for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Michigan SOS
Study guides and practice tests for the commercial driver's license exam.
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All data verified as of 2026-03-21. Sources consulted:
Prepare for your CDL written exams with online practice tests and study guides. Complete your permit prep before attending a driving school.
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Exploring other careers? Compare licensing requirements for real estate agents, insurance agents, and notaries in Michigan.