Michigan CDL Guide: What You Need To Know

What is a Michigan CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)?

A CDL is a commerical driver’s licence and every truck driver is required to be licensed with one in Michigan or in their state of principal residence, with a driving record kept in a centralized computer for access by each state. According to federal law, each state is required to adopt uniform testing standards for commercial drivers prior to being issued a commercial driver’s license.

A Michigan CDL (or any state) is required to operate the following vehicles:

• Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the GCWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds;
• Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more people, including the driver; and
• Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded with transporting hazardous materials.

However, a state may waive CDL requirements for the following vehicles:

• Farm equipment operators;
• Vehicles used to transport farm products, equipment or supplies to and from a farm;
• Vehicles used within 150 air miles of a farm;
• Vehicles not used in operations of a contract carrier;
• Individuals operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for non-business purposes;
• Police and firefighters operating authorized emergency vehicles; and
• Firefighting equipment operators, military vehicle operators and recreational vehicle operators, if the vehicle is primarily used for personal use.

For certain vehicles, special endorsements are required for a commercial driver:

• Double/triple tractor-trailers,
• Passenger vehicles,
• Tank vehicles,
• Semi-trucks carrying hazardous materials,
• Combination tank and hazardous materials, and
• Vehicles with air brakes.

Michigan CDL Requirements

• Must reside in the state of Michigan
• Must be 21 years old to obtain a license to drive across state lines
• If between the ages of 18-21 you can obtain a Michigan CDL with a K restriction allowing you to drive in the state of Michigan only
• Provide proof of Legal Presence in the United States
• To transport hazardous materials in a vehicle that is marked or placecarded for them, you must be: 21 or older, have proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence and present a Federal Security Threat Assessment (TSA Approved).
• Must obtain the necessary certifications on the CDL BFS-103 Certification Form
• Must be licensed in only one state
• Must not have any current suspensions, revocations, denials or cancellation of your license
• Must not have a conviction of any 6 point driving violation within 24 months upon application
• Must not have a suspension or revocation within 36 months upon application
• Must comply with federal or state medical/physical before obtaining a Michigan CDL

Commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations

A commercial driver’s license is normally valid for four years, but there are a number of CDL violations that can cause a truck driver to lose his or her privileges. Most safety violations will involve alcohol and drug abuse, fatigued driving, not following a proper pre-trip inspection, and general unsafe truck driving practices.

Proving these safety violations is an important part of any truck accident case in Michigan, especially when a truck driver who has negligently caused a crash denies responsibility.

Careful questioning by an experienced truck accident lawyer during the deposition of a truck driver or company safety director and access to the driver file will often prove negligence and cause many defense attorneys and insurance companies to re-evaluate their positions.

About Michigan CDL Tests

There are several steps involved in obtaining a Michigan CDL which include:

1. Physical exam

The truck driver must pass a physical examination by a qualified medical practitioner on the national registry to prove that he has the physical capability to handle a large truck without medical restrictions. For more information on:

• Visit https://www.mitrucking.org/ for Michigan CDL medical/physical requirements (intrastate)
• Visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ for interstate (across state lines) medical/physical requirements
• Visit https://www.michigan.gov/mde for school bus medical/physical requirements

2. Drug test

The driver must also take a drug test. If the driver passes the exam, he receives a medical certificate that’s valid for two years. More on truck driver drug testing

3. Written test

The next part is a written test modeled after the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration guide. Most states, including Michigan, use this written test.

4. Additional certifications

There are additional tests a truck driver may be required to take for combination vehicles, air braked vehicles, double or triple tractor-trailers or hazardous materials.

5. Road skills test

Once the written exam is completed, the driver then takes a road skills test, which consists of three parts:

1. Understanding the Michigan CDL pre-trip inspection.
2. Learning about basic vehicle controls.
3. Successfully completing the actual road skills test.

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