CDL Tests Information
Knowledge Tests, Skills Tests & Requirements
What Tests Do I Need To Take?
Original (First) CDL Applicants:
All drivers applying for their original commercial driver license must take and pass the appropriate CDL knowledge (written) tests and a skills test.
Drivers with CDL from Another State:
- • Must always take the H-Hazardous Materials endorsement written test to keep the H-endorsement
- • Must pass appropriate knowledge tests when changing group designator, removing restrictions, or adding endorsements
- • May need to take CDL skills tests if upgrading group designator, removing restrictions, or adding P (Passenger) or S (School Bus) endorsement
Knowledge Tests
You will take one or more knowledge tests. The following chart summarizes the type of tests and number of questions required depending on the type of vehicle you drive and the type of cargo you haul.
CDL Tests by Group
Group A
Includes 20-question combination vehicle test
70 Questions
Skills Test: Yes
Group B
50 Questions
Skills Test: Yes
Group C
50 Questions
Skills Test: Yes
Endorsements
20 Questions
Knowledge only
20 Questions
Knowledge + Skills
20 Questions
Knowledge + Skills
30 Questions
Knowledge only
30 Questions
Knowledge only
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.
Test Format & Passing Score:
- All CDL knowledge tests are administered in written form
- Minimum passing score of 80% is required to pass each test
- Oral tests available on audiocassettes for limited reading skills (except H-Hazardous Materials and S-School Bus)
- H-Hazardous Materials and S-School Bus endorsements must pass written knowledge test
CDL Skills Test
You will need to pass the CDL skills test which includes three parts:
Vehicle Inspection Test
To measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety check. A Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid is available and may be used during the test.
Off-Street Basic Control Skills Test
Testing your ability to control the vehicle in various maneuvers
On-Street Driving Test
Testing your ability to drive safely in traffic
Important Testing Rules:
- • All three parts are conducted during the same testing session, in the order listed above
- • Each portion must be passed before continuing 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
Vehicle & Documentation Requirements:
- You must supply an empty vehicle with a GVWR representative of the type you plan to drive (including a trailer if applicable)
- The vehicle must be equipped with at least two permanently mounted seats for yourself and the examiner
- Safety belts are required for both driver and examiner (except for examiner on buses)
- Applicants applying for P-Passenger endorsement must pass skills test in a vehicle with seating capacity of 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- You must furnish: Michigan photo driver license, CDL Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), and Medical Examiner's Certificate (DOT card, School Bus card) or medical waiver
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 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 P-Passenger and S-School Bus endorsements to your current Group A or B designation and completing your CDL skills test in a school bus will limit both endorsements 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.
Requirements:
- • Buses and school buses cannot be operated with this restricted license
- • CDL knowledge and skills tests are NOT required
- • Applicants must have held a valid driver license for at least one year
- • Must possess a clean driving record for the three-year period preceding application
Validity Period:
This limited CDL must be applied for each calendar year. Within a one-year period, applicants can choose:
- • Valid for 180 days from date of issue, OR
- • Valid for seasonal periods: April 2 - June 30 and September 2 - November 30
Permitted Hazardous Materials (without 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?
PLUS
$10 for "X" Endorsement
Third Party Driver 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.
Need Help with CDL Testing?
Expert guidance on CDL tests, requirements, and preparation
Call (248) 478-838224175 Industrial Park Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48335
