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Commercial Driver's License
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
$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
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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+))
Ready to pass the CDL Knowledge Test?
Practice exams built for the CDL licensing exam — so you can pass faster.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Preparing for the written and skills tests? Read our CDL exam prep guide for study tips and what to expect on test day.
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CDL Knowledge Test
Browse study guides
CDL Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic CDL Knowledge Test practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
CDL Knowledge Test
Passing Score
80%
Format
Written multiple choice
Key Topics Covered
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CDL Knowledge Test.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CDL Knowledge Test
Prepare for your CDL Knowledge Test with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, online courses, and practice tests.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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
Not sure if you need a CDL? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 (H + N = two $5 endorsements; displayed as X on license) |
| 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
Michigan has 3% below average — nationally the ratio is 1 per 164 residents.
Michigan has average cdl truck drivers density relative to population.
Michigan ranks #29 out of 51 states by cdl truck drivers per capita.
Renewal Cycle
4 years
Renewal Fee
$25
Standard CDL renewal; $45 for Enhanced CDL
Medical Renewal
Every 2 years
Details
Hazmat (H) endorsement requires written knowledge test and TSA background check at renewal. Vision test required for all CDL renewals. No other knowledge tests required unless upgrading class, removing air brake restriction, or adding new endorsement.
Regulatory Board
Learn more about the renewal process in our CDL renewal requirements guide.
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
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
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.
See our picks for the best CDL schools in Michigan.
Start Your CDL Training in Michigan
State-approved online courses you can start today.
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.
CDL Schools in Michigan
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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Official Sources
CDL Driver requirements in Michigan verified against Michigan Department of State / Secretary of State, April 2026.
All data verified as of 2026-04-02. Sources consulted: