BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S PERMIT/LICENSE

• You must be at least 21 to drive a vehicle over state lines. You must be 18 years of age to be able to drive a commercial vehicle in Michigan. If you wish to drive a vehicle transporting hazardous materials, you must be 21 or above and also present Federal Security Threat Assessment. More information on Federal Security Threat Assessment is available here.
• Must meet requirements for a Michigan driver's license.
• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (888) 767-6424 for more information.
• Provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate. You can obtain one by having a licensed medical professional fill out the appropriate Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness reports. The medical examiner should provide you with a Medical Examiner's Certificate.
• Provide proof your Social security number
• Provide proof of identity, legal presence and Michigan residency.
• Provide your military identification card if applicable.
• Pass the knowledge and vision tests.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR A CDL PERMIT/LICENSE

1. You must meet the requirements for a Michigan driver's license.
2. Fill out the CDL application form and hand in in-person to a SoS office. For more information see Instruction Permit section below.
3. Pay the fee for your permit.
4. Pass the CDL knowledge exams. See the CDL Manual for the required information. The exam can be taken at any SoS location.
5. Pass the vision screening test.
6. Attend and then provide proof that you have taken a Commercial driver's education program specifically for commercial motor vehicles.
7. Take road test.
8. Pay license and endorsement fees.

INSTRUCTION PERMIT

In order to be eligible for a Michigan CDL, you must first obtain a CDL temporary instruction permit (TIP). First, you must fill out the CDL application form. Then show proof of legal presence and US residency. Next, pay the permit fee. Lastly, pass the CDL general knowledge exam. Also, you must have your instruction permit for 30 days before obtaining a CDL. A TIP allows you to drive under the supervision of a driver who has a CDL for the kind of vehicle you wish to drive. Michigan Instruction Permits expire in 180 days.

FEES

The cost is $25.00 for a base operator's CDL license. Please see the list of fees for more information.

CDL ENDORSEMENTS

The following is a list of endorsements you can get on your CDL:

• Hazardous Material (Class H).
• Tank Vehicles (Class N).
• Passenger-Carrying Vehicle (Class P).
• School Bus (Class S).
• Towing a Double or Triple Trailer (Class T).

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (HAZMAT)

This is an endorsement required if you are driving a commercial motor vehicle that transports hazardous materials. There are specific background checks and knowledge exams that you need to pass in order to receive this endorsement on your CDL. Please see the HAZMAT endorsement article for more detailed information.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR INTERSTATE DRIVERS

The following is a list of federal requirements for interstate drivers.

• Certify that you are in agreement with state motor carrier safety regulations. See Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or call (888) 767-6424 for more information.
• Have the correct class of license. See Classes of CDLs, Restrictions and Endorsements for more details.
• See Michigan's Commercial Driver's Manual for more information on state regulations and guidelines.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• If you already have a CDL, see CDL renewal.
• For more information regarding test centers and hours and locations see you local SoS office.
• See Michigan's Commercial Driver's Manual for knowledge exam information.
• Information on drivers exempt from obtaining a CDL can be found here.