CDL TESTS INFORMATION

What Tests Do I Need To Take?

All drivers applying for their original (first) commercial driver license must take and pass the appropriate CDL

knowledge (written) tests and a skills test.

 

Drivers with a CDL from another state must always take the H-Hazardous Materials endorsement written test to

keep the H-endorsement. Transferring drivers must also pass the appropriate knowledge tests when changing

their group designator, removing restrictions or adding endorsements. They may also need to take the CDL skills

tests if upgrading their group designator, removing restrictions or adding a passenger (P) or school bus (S)

endorsement to their CDL.

 

Knowledge Tests

You will take one or more knowledge tests. The following chart summarizes the type of tests and number of

questions you are required to pass depending on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of cargo you haul. It

is recommended that you study this manual very carefully as it contains the information you need to pass

the CDL tests. SEE APPENDIX B FOR SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS.

 

CDL TESTS

 

CDL TESTS GROUP KNOWLEDGE TESTS SKILLS TESTS

 

Group A  70 Questions   Yes  * This includes a 20-question combination vehicle test.

 

Group B  50 Questions   Yes

 

Group C  50 Questions   Yes

 

 

ENDORSEMENTS KNOWLEDGE TESTS SKILLS TEST

 

T – Double Trailer               20 Questions            

 

P – Passenger                   20 Questions

 

S – School Bus                  20 Questions

 

N – Tank Vehicles              30 Questions

 

H – Hazardous Materials     30 Questions

 

AIR BRAKES TEST                                                                

If you want to be licensed to drive vehicles with air brakes, you must pass a 25-question air brake

knowledge test. The vehicle you use for the skills test must be equipped with air brakes. If either of

these conditions has not been met, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.

All CDL knowledge tests are administered in written form. A minimum passing score of 80% is required to pass

each test. If you have limited reading skills, you may request to take the oral tests which are available on

audiocassettes for all the tests except the hazardous materials and school bus endorsement tests. Anyone

applying for the H-Hazardous Materials and/or S- School Bus endorsement must pass a written knowledge test.

 

 Air Brake Training  CDL Traning  Click Here ( make sure your pop up blocker is off )

CDL Skills Test          

 

You will also need to pass the CDL skills test which includes three parts:  A vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety check. A Vehicle Inspection

Memory Aid is available on the last page of this manual [Appendix C] and may be used during the test.

  •  An off-street basic control skills test.
  •  An on-street driving test.

All three parts are conducted during the same testing session, in the order listed above. Each portion must be

passed before continuing on to the next. A failure of any segment terminates testing. On subsequent attempts,

you must always start with the vehicle inspection regardless of which part you previously failed. You are allowed

one (1) attempt per day. The Secretary of State has the right to randomly retest anyone tested by a third party

tester.

  • You must supply an empty vehicle with a GVWR representative of the type you plan to drive (including a
  • The vehicle must be equipped with at least two permanently mounted seats for yourself and the examiner.Safety belts are also required for both the driver and examiner (except for the examiner on buses).
  • Applicants applying for the P-Passenger endorsement must pass the skills test in a vehicle with a seatingcapacity of 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
  •  You must also be able to furnish the third party organization with your Michigan photo driver license, CDL
  • Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card, School Bus card) or medical waiver.

 

CDL Skills Test  Click Here ( make sure your pop up blocker is off )

 

What CDL Restrictions Could I Receive?

  

Restriction Code 30 - “CDL-P or S endorsement valid in Group C vehicles only.”

 

Adding a P-Passenger endorsement to your current Group A or B vehicle group designation and completing

your CDL skills test in a Group C bus, will limit the P-Passenger endorsement to operation of a Group C bus.

Adding a P-Passenger and S-School Bus endorsement to your current Group A or B vehicle group

designation and completing your CDL skills test in a school bus, will limit the P-Passenger and S-School Bus

endorsement to operation of Group C school buses.

 

SEASONAL RESTRICTED CDL

 

A special seasonal restricted CDL is available for agri-business employees operating Group B and C vehicles on

routes within 150 miles from the place of business. Buses and school buses cannot be operated with this

restricted license. Although CDL knowledge and skills tests are not required, applicants must have held a valid

driver license for at least one year and possess a clean driving record for the three-year period preceding

application for the seasonal CDL.

This limited CDL must be applied for each calendar year. Within a one-year period, applicants can choose to

have the CDL valid for 180 days from date of issue or valid for the seasonal periods from April 2 through June

30 and September 2 through November 30. The restricted CDL permits the driver to transport the following

limited amounts of hazardous materials without the H or X endorsements.

•

 Diesel motor fuel in quantities of 1,000 gallons or less.

• Liquid fertilizers in quantities of 3,000 gallons or less.

• Solid fertilizers that are not transported with any organic substance.

 

What License Fees Do I Pay?

Type of License Fees

Base Operator $25

Base Chauffeur $35

PLUS

CDL Vehicle Group Designation $25

CDL Endorsements (if any)

$5 each

$10 for “X” Endorsement

Correction Fee (if applicable) $18

 

Third Party Driver – Schedule and Skills Test Fee Requirements

 

Third party driver skills test fees and refund policies vary. Be sure to discuss and understand your test fees

and scheduling requirements with the third party organization that you have selected before taking your test.                                                

 

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