Michigan CDL Practice Test 2026: CLP, SOS Fees & Skills Test

Michigan issues a commercial driver’s license as a privilege attached to an operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Applications, knowledge tests, and final issuance go through the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State), while the three-part driving skills test is provided by an approved public or private Driver Testing Business.

Michigan CDL Quick Facts

Chauffeur License or CDL?

Do not decide from the presence of air brakes alone. A Michigan CDL is required when the vehicle or combination meets CDL weight thresholds, is designed or used for 16 or more people including the driver, or carries hazardous materials requiring placards. An air-brake test determines whether an air-brake restriction applies; it does not by itself turn every smaller commercial vehicle into a CDL vehicle.

Michigan’s chauffeur license may apply to certain for-hire or commercial operations below CDL thresholds, subject to statutory exemptions. Check the actual GVWR, GCWR, passenger design capacity, cargo, and business use before applying. When an employer says “chauffeur license,” ask for the exact vehicle ratings and duties.

Select the Correct Michigan Tests

Michigan’s current testing page lists 70 questions for Group A General Knowledge plus a 20-question Combination Vehicles test; Group B and C tests contain 50 questions. Air Brakes has 25 questions, HazMat 30, and T/P/S/N endorsements 20 each.

• General Knowledge diagnostic
• Air Brakes diagnostic
• Combination Vehicles diagnostic
• Hazardous Materials diagnostic
• Tanker diagnostic
• Doubles and Triples diagnostic
• Pre-Trip Inspection diagnostic

The T endorsement is still used for double trailers in Michigan, but Michigan SOS specifically states that triple-trailer combinations are not permitted in the state.

Michigan CDL Application Steps

1. Verify your driving record and documents

Bring a valid Michigan driver license, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, and proof of Social Security number. Complete the CDL Certification form and identify your commercial operating category. A prohibited Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status prevents issuance, renewal, upgrade, or transfer until the return-to-duty process is complete.

2. Complete medical certification

If your category requires federal medical qualification, complete the DOT physical with a certified examiner and ensure SOS has the current information. Bring required waiver or Skills Performance Evaluation documents when applicable.

3. Pass vision and knowledge tests

Test at an SOS office for the group and endorsements needed. Each test requires 80%. If you fail, wait until another day; Michigan permits only one attempt per testing category per day.

For first-time HazMat, complete the HazMat portion of ELDT before the knowledge test and complete the federal security threat assessment.

4. Obtain the CLP and practice for at least 14 days

The CLP authorizes supervised operation only for the class and endorsements shown. The supervising driver must hold the proper CDL. Use the waiting period for vehicle inspection, backing, coupling, braking, and on-road practice in the type of vehicle you will test in.

5. Complete applicable ELDT

Michigan receives ELDT completion electronically through the federal system. For Class A/B and P/S applicants, ELDT can be completed after obtaining the CLP but must appear before the testing business schedules the skills test. There is no federal minimum number of training hours; the provider must certify proficiency.

6. Schedule an approved testing business

Michigan does not set the commercial skills-test price, so contact more than one approved business and ask what is included: full test, vehicle rental, cancellation, and retest fees. The appointment must be scheduled at least two days after you become eligible.

The test covers vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Passing results remain valid for one year. Complete issuance before they expire.

7. Return to SOS for the credential

Bring the passing result and pay the applicable group, endorsement, and photo/correction charges. Michigan’s application page currently lists $18 for a new standard photo license or $33 for enhanced, plus $5 per endorsement, where applicable. SOS issues a temporary permit while the photo CDL is mailed.

Michigan-Specific Planning

• Enhanced CDL: Michigan offers an enhanced version useful for qualifying land or sea returns from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. Verify federal travel-document rules before relying on it for a route.
• Winter operation: Lake-effect snow and freezing conditions require speed and following-distance decisions based on traction. Study manual procedures, not rigid reductions presented as state law.
• Test-vehicle restrictions: A non-air-brake, automatic-transmission, or non-tractor-trailer test vehicle can create restrictions. Compare the vehicle to the work you want before paying the tester.
• Cross-border work: A Michigan CDL does not replace carrier authority, customs documents, medical qualification, or employer cross-border requirements.

Official Sources

• Michigan SOS — Applying for a CDL
• Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual
• Michigan license and CDL fees
• Michigan CDL FAQ
• FMCSA Training Provider Registry

Michigan CDL FAQ

Do air brakes automatically require a CDL?

No. CDL status is based on vehicle or combination ratings, passenger capacity, and placarded HazMat. Air-brake knowledge and equipment affect restrictions once the vehicle is otherwise subject to CDL rules.

How much is the skills test?

Michigan does not regulate the amount charged by approved Driver Testing Businesses. Ask for the full-test, vehicle, cancellation, and retest prices before booking.

How long are passing skills results valid?

One year. Return to SOS and finish issuance before the result expires.