Michigan · SOS

How to get your CDL permit in Michigan

In Michigan you book a Secretary of State office visit, pass a vision test and your CDL knowledge tests, and get your CLP. A Michigan CDL is a group designation added to your operator's or chauffeur's license.

Last checked September 26, 2026 against official SOS sources

Start the free Michigan permit classroom Official Michigan CDL manual

Minimum age: 18 (in-state only; 21 for hazmat) · 21 to cross state lines
Permit fee: Check with SOS
Permit valid for: Check with SOS
Wait before road test: 14 days
Knowledge test language: Not published
Passing score: 80%

Step by step

1Hold a current valid Michigan driver's license.
2Gather proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and proof of your Social Security number.
3Book an appointment at a Secretary of State office online.
4Sign the CDL Certification Form (BFS-103) to self-certify your type of driving.
5Pass the vision test and your knowledge tests at an SOS testing station.
6Finish HazMat theory training before the HazMat knowledge test if you want that endorsement.
7Hold your CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT before scheduling your skills test.
8Pass your skills test, then pay for your CDL at an SOS office.

What to bring

Your current Michigan driver's license
Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency: U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, naturalization or citizenship certificate, or Permanent Resident Card
Proof of your Social Security number
Signed CDL Certification Form (BFS-103)

Medical card

You self-certify your type of driving on form BFS-103. Michigan only accepts medical certificates sent electronically from the FMCSA National Registry, and non-excepted interstate drivers need one on file before skills testing.

Fees

CDL group designation (original or renewal)Added to your base operator's or chauffeur's license fee.	$25
Endorsement$10 for the X (tank + hazmat) endorsement.	$5 each

Fees change. Confirm the current amount with SOS before you go.

The tests you'll take

General Knowledge (everyone) — 70 questions for Group A, 50 for Groups B and C
Combination Vehicles (Group A, 20 questions)
Air Brakes (25 questions, if your truck has air brakes)
Tank, Passenger, School Bus, Doubles/Triples (20 questions each, if you want them)
HazMat (30 questions, if you want it)

Testing in Michigan

Knowledge tests are taken on computers at SOS offices, not online.
You need to pass each test with 80%.
If you fail, you can retest the next day. You get one try per test per day.
A vision test is part of getting your CLP.
Skills test results are good for 1 year. Passed skills segments expire when your CLP does.

Study for these tests in the Michigan classroom

Good to know in Michigan

The Group A General Knowledge test is 70 questions, longer than the 50 most states use.
A chauffeur license costs more than an operator's license, so check which one you need.
HazMat also requires a TSA security threat assessment.
Adding an endorsement later costs $5 each plus a new photo license fee.

Non-domiciled applicants

Michigan has not issued or renewed any non-domiciled CDL credentials since the federal rule change in September 2025. Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents meet its legal presence list.

Confirm with SOS before you go

We couldn't confirm these from official sources, so we left them out rather than guess:

The CLP fee and knowledge test fee — confirm with the SOS before you go.
How long a Michigan CLP is valid and whether it can be renewed — ask the SOS.
Skills test fees — skills tests may be given by third-party examiners who set their own price.
Which languages CDL knowledge tests are offered in — ask the SOS.
The vision standard for the CDL — ask the SOS.

Federal rules that apply in every state(show)

Age: You can get a CLP at 18, but until you turn 21 you can only drive a commercial vehicle inside your own state. Hauling hazmat requires you to be 21.
Knowledge tests: Everyone takes General Knowledge. Class A adds Combination Vehicles, and anyone driving a truck with air brakes takes Air Brakes. You need at least 80% on each test.
14-day wait: You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can take the skills (road) test. Some states make you wait longer.
Driving on a CLP: A CDL holder with the right class and endorsements must sit in the front seat whenever you drive. Hazmat is never allowed on a CLP. With a passenger or school bus permit you can't carry passengers, and with a tank permit the tank must be empty.
Entry-Level Driver Training: You must finish ELDT with a provider on FMCSA's Training Provider Registry before your Class A or B skills test. You do not need it to get the permit itself.
Medical card: You self-certify the kind of driving you will do. Most new drivers are 'non-excepted interstate' and need a DOT physical from a certified medical examiner, who now sends the results to your state electronically.
Clearinghouse check: Before issuing a CLP, your state checks FMCSA's Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. A 'prohibited' status blocks the permit until return-to-duty is complete.

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Official sources

This page is a study aid, not legal advice, and we are not affiliated with Michigan Department of State. Rules and fees change, so always check with SOS before you apply.