Who Needs a CDL?

Any resident who intends to operate:

VEHICLES:

• Having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more

COMBINATION VEHICLES:

• Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more

ANY VEHICLES:

  • • Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the driver)
  • • Carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards

Important Definitions:

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the recommended maximum total weight of the vehicle and load as designated by the vehicle manufacturer. The GVWR label is usually found on the driver side door post of the power unit and on or near the front of the trailer.

Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a combination vehicle. In the absence of a label, the GCWR will be calculated by adding the GVWR of the power unit to the GVWR of the vehicle(s) or trailer(s) being towed.

How Old Must I Be To Obtain a CDL?

21

Interstate Commerce

Drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines

18

Intrastate Commerce (Michigan only)

Drive within Michigan (except hazardous materials requiring placards - must be 21)

Driving Record Eligibility Requirements

Before a person may apply for an original CDL, they must qualify based on their driver record. Any of the following will disqualify a person from applying:

  • •The inability to make required certifications on the CDL Certification Form (BFS-103)
  • •Having a license from more than one state
  • •An active Michigan or out-state suspension, revocation, denial, or cancellation of driving privilege
  • •A suspension or revocation in the 36 months immediately preceding application
  • •Conviction of any six-point violation in the 24 months immediately preceding application
  • •Conviction for operating a commercial motor vehicle while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application

NOTE: Suspensions for Failure to Appear in Court (FAC), Failure to Comply with a Court Judgment (FCJ), failure to appear for a Driver Assessment re-examination, financial responsibility, non-sufficient funds checks, and suspension/revocation for temporary medical condition will NOT disqualify an applicant.

What Type of CDL Do I Need?

GROUP A

Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is 10,001 pounds or more.

A Group A endorsement will allow a driver to operate a Group B or Group C vehicle provided they possess required endorsement(s).

GROUP B

Any single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less.

A Group B endorsement will allow a driver to operate a Group C vehicle provided they possess required endorsement(s).

GROUP C

Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or less, or combination of vehicles where the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is 10,000 pounds or less designed to:

  • ○ Transport 16 or more persons (including the driver)
  • ○ Transport hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards

What Endorsements Do I Need?

In addition to the appropriate CDL vehicle group designation, endorsements are required to operate the following:

T

DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS

(Triple trailer combinations are not permitted in Michigan)

P

PASSENGER

For vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver)

N

TANK

For vehicles designed to haul liquids/liquefied gases in permanently mounted cargo tanks rated at 119 gallons or more, or portable cargo tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more

H

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards

X

Combined TANK and HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

When an applicant adds both the tank and hazardous materials endorsements

S

SCHOOL BUS

For commercial motor vehicles used to transport pre-primary, primary, or secondary school students

Driver Qualification Requirements

Unless exempt, you must comply with the federal commercial driver qualification requirements, including the medical/physical qualifications found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 CFR Part 391 — Qualifications of Drivers.

When applying for your CDL, you will sign a certification form (BFS-103) that states you meet these requirements before receiving your CDL.

Before taking any CDL driver skills tests, you must provide a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (commonly known as a DOT card) or medical waiver to your examiner.

Additional Information on Medical/Physical Requirements:

Intrastate (in Michigan):

Michigan Center for Truck Safety

www.truckingsafety.org

Interstate (across state lines):

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

315 W. Allegan St., Room 205, Lansing, Michigan 48933

Phone: 517/377-1866

www.fmcsa.dot.gov

School bus requirements:

Michigan Department of Education

Office of School Support Services

P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, Michigan 48909

Phone: 517/373-6388

Are There CDL Exemptions?

The following people do NOT need a Commercial Driver License (CDL):

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY

Operating military vehicles with military licenses (includes National Guard)

POLICE AND FIREFIGHTERS

Operating authorized emergency vehicles

FARMERS

Operating vehicles within a 150 mile radius of their farm

An F-endorsement is needed by farmers operating combination vehicles whose towing vehicle has a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. A knowledge test, but no skills test, is required. The F-endorsement is NOT a CDL.

INDIVIDUALS

Operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for non-business purposes

How Do I Obtain a CDL?

1

Visit Secretary of State Branch Office

  • • Show your driver license
  • • Show proof of Social Security number
  • • Fill out CDL Certification form (BFS-103)
  • • Meet driver eligibility requirements
2

Pass Required Tests

  • • Pass required knowledge and vision tests to obtain a CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP)
3

Pay Fees

  • • Pay your CDL Group Designation and Endorsement fees
4

Schedule Skills Test

  • • Schedule and take your CDL skills test through an approved third party driver skills test organization
5

Receive Certificate

  • • After passing, receive Michigan Department of State Driver Skills Test Certificate (TPT-010). Valid for 1 year from date of issuance.
6

Get Your CDL

  • • Take skills test certificate to SOS branch office, pay correction fee, and receive your photo CDL in the mail within about 10 business days

Need Help with CDL Requirements?

Expert guidance on Commercial Driver License requirements and testing

Call (248) 478-8382

24175 Industrial Park Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335