CDL Driver Manual FINAL REV 0825 (1).pdf

MICHIGAN

COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

MANUAL

JOCELYN BENSON

SECRETARY OF STATE

2025 Michigan Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System

Note: Throughout this manual, a commercial motor vehicle will be referred to as a “CMV” and a commercial driver’s license as a “CDL.”

Due to frequent changes in federal and state regulations, the Michigan Department of

State cannot ensure the accuracy of the material contained in the Michigan

Commercial Driver’s License Manual beyond the date of publication.

To obtain current information, please visit Michigan.gov/SOS.

This document is not intended for legal purposes.

This material is based upon work supported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Administration under Cooperative Agreement No. DTFH61-9-X-00017. Any opinions, finding, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Federal Motor Carrier

Safety Administration.

COPYRIGHT © 2005 AAMVA. All rights reserved

This material has been created for and provided to State Driver License Agencies (SDLAs) by AAMVA for the purpose of educating driver’s license applicants (commercial or non-commercial). Permission to reproduce, use, distribute or sell this material has been granted to SDLAs only. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author/publisher. Any unauthorized reprint, use, distribution or sale of this material is prohibited.

http://www.michigan.gov/sos

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud, and coercion to control their victims.

Any minor engaged in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Trafficking can occur in many locations, including truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, brothels, strip clubs, private homes, etc. Truckers are the eyes and the ears of our nation’s highways. If you see a minor working any of those areas or suspect pimp control, call the National Hotline and report your tip:

1-888-373-7888 (US)

1-800-222-TIPS (Canada) 01800-5533-00 (Mexico)

For law enforcement to open an investigation on your tip, they need “actionable information.” Specific tips helpful when reporting to the hotline would include:

▪ Descriptions of cars (make, model, color, license plate number, etc.) and people (height, weight, hair color, eye color, age, etc.)

▪ Take a picture if you can

▪ Specific times and dates (When did you see the event in question take place? What day was it?)

▪ Addresses and locations where suspicious activity took place

Trafficking red flags to Look for:

▪ Lack of knowledge of their community or whereabouts

▪ Not in control of own identification documents (ID/passport)

▪ Restricted or controlled communication--not allowed to speak for self

▪ Demeanor: fear, anxiety, depression, submissive, tense, nervous

Questions to ask:

▪ Are you being paid?

▪ Are you being watched or followed?

▪ Are you free to leave? Come and go as you please?

▪ Are you physically or sexually abused? Are you or your family threatened? What is the nature ofthe threats?

Report by email: Report@PolarisProject.org

Warning: Please do not approach traffickers. Call the hotline, and they will call the FBI and local police to deal with them and rescue the victims. Approaching traffickers is not only dangerous for you and their victims but could lead to problems in the eventual prosecution of traffickers. Go to truckersagainsttrafficking.org for more information.

mailto:Report@PolarisProject.org

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Table of Contents

PART ONE - Overview

Section 1: Introduction to Michigan’s Commercial Driver’s License Program

Section 2: Driving Safely

Section 3: Transporting Cargo Safely

PART TWO - Endorsements

Section 4: Transporting Passengers Safely

Section 5: Air Brakes

Section 6: Combination Vehicles

Section 7: Doubles and Triples

Section 8: Tank Vehicles

Section 9: Hazardous Materials

Section 10: School Buses

PART THREE – Skills Tests

Section 11: Vehicle Inspection Test

Section 12: Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test

Section 13: On-Road Driving

APPENDICES

Appendix A: Applying for a Commercial Driver’s License

Appendix B: Sample Test Questions

Appendix C: Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid

Section 1 – Introduction 1

This section covers:

✓ Who needs a CDL

✓ Eligibility requirements

✓ Medical/physical requirements

✓ CDL groups/endorsements/exemptions

✓ Application procedures

✓ Tests

✓ Fees

✓ Restrictions

✓ Serious traffic and RRX violations

✓ Drug/Alcohol-related violations

Please read this section very carefully to determine if you need a CDL.

This manual will help you pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests, but it is not a substitute for a truck driver training class or program. Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the skills required to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this information, laws and procedures are subject to change. For exact wording of a law or a specific guideline, contact the Department of State Information Center at

888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).

Introduction: Michigan’s Commercial

Driver’s License Program

2 Section 1 – Introduction

Who needs a CDL?

You do if you intend 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.

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. The GVWR should not be confused with the elected GVW, which is declared by the vehicle owner for registration purposes.

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 all vehicles or trailers being towed.

Drug and Alcohol testing requirements

As of Nov. 18, 2024, the Secretary of State is required to check the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) prior to completing licensing transactions, such as the issuance, renewal, transfer, and upgrade of a CLP or CDL. The Secretary of State is also required to downgrade a person’s CLP or CDL if notified by FMCSA of a DACH violation.

The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) is an FMCSA program and is not administered by the Michigan Department of State. For more information, visit clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov or call the FMCSA information line at 1-800-832-5660.

For a more detailed FMCSA overview of the DACH process for employers, visit:

clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Registration-Employer-Instructions.

National Registry requirements

As of June 14, 2025, the Secretary of State is required to check the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) for drivers certifying to non-excepted interstate when issuing a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Due to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements, Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) will only be accepted electronically from the National Registry.

Is the vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver?

Is the vehicle transporting hazardous materials in a placardable quantity?

Is the GVWR of the power unit

26,001 or more pounds?

Is the GVWR of the trailer/tow unit

10,001 or more pounds?

Is the GCWR 26,001 or more pounds?

https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/ https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Registration-Employer-Instructions

Section 1 – Introduction 3

Certified medical examiners must report the results of all CMV drivers’ physical qualification examinations performed (including the results of examinations where the driver was found not to be qualified) to the National Registry by midnight (local time) of the next calendar day following the examination.

CDL and CLP holders certifying their driving type as non-excepted interstate must have a valid MEC on file to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Please note that a paper copy of the MEC must still be presented to law enforcement when requested if you are certified as non-excepted intrastate.

The National Registry is an FMCSA program and is not administered by the Michigan Department of State. For more information visit nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/ or call the FMCSA information line at 1-800-832-5660 or 1-617-494-3003.

What are the driving record eligibility requirements?

Do you, or will you, use a CDL to operate a CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce?

Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV:

✓ From one state to another state or a foreign country.

✓ Between two places within a state, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another state or foreign country: or

✓ Between two places within a state, but the cargo or passengers are part of a trip that begins or will end in another state or foreign country.

Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV within a state and you do not meet any of the descriptions above for interstate commerce.

If you operate in both intrastate commerce and interstate commerce, you must choose interstate commerce.

Before you may apply for an original CDL, you must qualify for the CDL based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from applying for a CDL:

✓ The inability to make required certifications on the CDL Certification Form (BFS-103). See Appendix A.

• Effective Jan. 30, 2012, in accordance with state law and federal regulations, a driver applying for an original or renewal of a CDL must certify to one of four federally defined types of CMV operation. They are:

1. Non-excepted interstate. Operates a CMV outside of Michigan and must have a valid Medical Examiner’s

Certificate (MEC) on your driver’s record.

• Medical Examiner’s Certificates must be submitted electronically from the National Registry. Paper copies will not be accepted.

• Drivers that are issued a Medical Examiner’s Certificate which indicates a FMCSA Skills Performance Evaluation (SPE) is required, must always have a paper copy of the SPE and MEC in possession when operating a CMV.

2. Excepted interstate. Operates a CMV outside of Michigan, only for these listed “excepted” purposes:

• 49 CFR §390.3(f): State and federal transportation, occasional transportation of personal property not for compensation, transportation of human corpses or sick/injured persons, fire trucks and rescue vehicles, commercial vehicles designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver), transportation of propane winter heating fuel.

• 49 CFR §391.2: Farm custom operations, apiary industries (beekeepers seasonally transporting bees), certain farm vehicle drivers.

• 49 CFR §391.68: Private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness).

• 49 CFR §398.3: Driver of migrant workers.

4 Section 1 – Introduction

3. Non-excepted intrastate. Operates a CMV only within Michigan (intrastate commerce). Your medical certification or a Motor Carrier Division Medical Waiver does not need to be provided to the Department of State, however, the medical certification or a Motor Carrier Division Medical Waiver must be in your possession when operating a commercial vehicle.

4. Excepted intrastate. Operates a CMV only within Michigan (intrastate commerce) for a listed excepted purpose.

• [MCL 480.15(2)-(4)]: A self-propelled implement of husbandry or an implement of husbandry being drawn by a farm tractor, or another implement of husbandry, public utility, telephone and cable television company service vehicles that do not meet the definition of a CMV in 49 CFR §383, or a public utility service vehicle used in cases of emergency.

• The CDL portion of a driver’s operator’s or chauffeur’s license is valid for the same amount of time as the medical certificate or SPE; however, the time can vary, up to a maximum of 2 years.

• If a driver fails to certify to a type of CMV operation, and if required by driving type certification, and a valid

Medical Examiner’s Certificate has not been posted, or SPE, the driver may only apply for a noncommercial motor vehicle driver’s license.

• You can find additional information regarding certification to driving type and medical certifications on the

Secretary of State website at Michigan.gov/SOS.

✓ Having a license from more than one state.

✓ An active Michigan or out-state suspension, revocation, denial or cancellation of your driving privilege. The license action must be resolved before you can apply for an original CDL.

✓ A suspension or revocation in the 36 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, nonsufficient funds and a suspension or revocation for a temporary medical condition will not disqualify you for a CDL.

✓ Conviction of any six-point violation in the 24 months immediately preceding application. Conviction for operating a CMV while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.

How old must I be to obtain a CDL?

You must be age 21 to drive a CMV across state lines (interstate). You may drive a CMV in Michigan (intrastate) at age 18, except when transporting hazardous materials in a quantity that requires the vehicle to be marked or placarded. To transport hazardous materials, you must be 21 or older.

What are the driver qualification requirements for the CDL?

Unless exempt, you must comply with the federal commercial driver qualification requirements, including the medical and physical qualifications found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 CFR §383 – CDL Standards, Requirements and Penalties and §391 – Qualifications of Drivers. This includes drivers who operate commercial vehicles only in Michigan.

When applying for your CDL, you will certify by signing a CDL Certification Form (BFS-103 – See Appendix A) stating that you meet these requirements before receiving your CDL.

As of February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires customers applying for a first-time

CDL or upgrading a CDL to complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an approved driver education provider.

Information about finding a provider can be found on FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry. ELDT must be completed before you can take a hazardous materials endorsement knowledge test. For other CDL classes and endorsements, you may take knowledge tests and obtain a commercial learner’s permit (CLP), but you must complete ELDT before scheduling a CDL skills test through a driver testing business. Proof of completion of ELDT will show up in our system automatically through the federal government’s Commercial Skills Test Information Management System. Entry level driving training providers may be found at the following website: fmcsa.dot.gov.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Section 1 – Introduction 5

Before taking any CDL skills tests, you must provide one of the following four items to the third-party examiner, allowing you to operate your truck or bus. Ask your employer about the medical, physical, and other driver qualification requirements.

• A valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (commonly known as a DOT card)

• FMCSA waiver

• FMCSA exemption

• Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card) and a FMCSA Skills Performance Evaluation certificate

How can I get additional information on medical and physical requirements?

For intrastate (in Michigan) medical and physical requirements and state commercial truck and bus rules and regulations, contact the Michigan Center for Truck Safety at truckingsafety.org.

✓ For interstate (across state lines) medical and physical requirements and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety

Regulations for trucks and buses, contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 315 W. Allegan

St. Room 205, Lansing, Michigan 48933; 517-853-5990 or at fmcsa.dot.gov. Note: The Lansing FMCSA office does not distribute any forms or sell the FMCSR rule books.

✓ For school bus medical and physical requirements and other school bus regulations, contact the Michigan

Department of Education, Pupil Transportation Program, P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, Michigan 48909; 517-373-

6388 or at Michigan.gov/MDE.

What type of CDL do I need?

You will need the appropriate group designation on your CDL to operate the following vehicles:

✓ 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 any towed vehicles is 10,001 pounds or more.

Group A designation will allow you to operate a Group B or Group C vehicle provided you have the required endorsement.

✓ 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.

Group B designation will allow you to operate a Group C vehicle provided you have the required endorsement.

✓ Group C

• Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that meets neither the definition of Group A nor that of

Group B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous and require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the

Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR, part 172, subpart F).

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 which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver).

✓ N - Tank: For commercial vehicles designed to transport any liquid or gaseous material within a tank or tanks having an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons and an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more that are either permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle or the chassis. If a commercial motor vehicle transports 1 or more tanks manifested either as being empty or containing only residue, those tanks shall not be considered in determining whether the vehicle is a tank vehicle.

✓ H - Hazardous Materials: To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.

https://truckingsafety.org/ https://www.michigan.gov/MDE

6 Section 1 – Introduction

✓ X - Combined Tank and Hazardous Materials: For hauling liquids, liquefied gases and hazardous materials.

✓ S - School Bus: For CMVs used to transport pre-primary, primary or secondary school students from home to school, school to home or to-and-from school-sponsored events.

Are there CDL exemptions?

You do not need a CDL for the following:

✓ Individuals: Operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for nonbusiness purposes.

✓ Active-duty military: Operating military vehicles with military licenses (includes the National Guard).

✓ Police and firefighters: Operating authorized emergency vehicles.

✓ Farmers: Operating vehicles within a 150-mile radius of their farm.

Farmers will need either an F-endorsement or a CDL under the following conditions:

• An F-endorsement is needed when operating combination vehicles whose towing vehicle has a GVWR of

26,001 pounds or more. A knowledge test, but no skills test, is required to obtain the F-endorsement. The

F-endorsement is not a CDL.

• A CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement is required when carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards while operating combination vehicles whose towing vehicles have a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, or a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.

How do I obtain a CDL?

When ready to apply for your first CDL, schedule a visit to a Secretary of State office (Michigan.gov/SOS) and present:

✓ Your driver’s license.

✓ Proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, payroll check stub, W-2 Form).

✓ Proof of legal presence in the United States. Acceptable proof for legal presence is:

Acceptable proof of legal presence for U.S. citizenship

Acceptable proof of legal presence for non-U.S. citizenship

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or passport card **Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card issued by USCIS or INS (I-551)

**Foreign unexpired passport with Machine Readable Immigrant Visa with Temporary I-551 Language

Original or certified copy of birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or an outlying possession of the U.S., bearing an official seal

**Temporary I-551 stamp in valid, unexpired foreign passport or passport card

**Employment Authorization Card (I-766) (unexpired)

Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S.

Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545)

**Refugee Travel Document (I-571) (valid, unexpired) with stamped I-94

**Foreign passport (unexpired) with an I-94 Arrival/ Departure form

**Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578) **Foreign passport (unexpired) with an admission stamp and/or U.S. visa

**Approved U.S. Department of Labor Certification with Foreign Passport (unexpired) with a port-of-entry stamp or U.S. visa (unexpired)

**Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (N-560 or N-561) **Currently expired USCIS documents accompanied by an I-797 receipt showing a request-in-process to extend or adjust status may be accepted if the adjustment or change in status can be verified in SAVE.

Documents annotated with an (**) must be verified in SAVE https://www.michigan.gov/sos

Section 1 – Introduction 7

✓ Per 49 CFR 383.23, the Secretary of State cannot issue a non-domiciled CLP or CDL to a Mexican or Canadian citizen with one exception: a non-domiciled CLP or CDL may be issued to a Mexican citizen who has approved Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status and who has never held a Mexican Licencia Federal de Conductor (CDL). An applicant with DACA status must present a valid EAD which reflects a category of C33 and an I-797 that indicates DACA was approved. All other applicants that are citizens of either of these countries must obtain their CDL from their country of citizenship or obtain U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency status.

✓ Fill out the CDL Certification Form (BFS-103, see Appendix A), which includes a statement certifying that you meet the commercial driver medical qualifications. If you have had any change in your physical condition that could affect your ability to drive since your last driver’s license renewal, the service agent may give you a physician’s statement to be completed by your physician before you can apply for a driver’s license renewal.

✓ Meet the driver eligibility requirements. (See pages 2 and 3)

✓ Pass the required knowledge and vision tests. You must pass all required knowledge tests to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). This allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a driver who has a CDL for the type of vehicle you are operating. A CLP is also required for taking the CDL skills tests.

✓ Prior to scheduling your skills test, you must pass all applicable Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements

✓ Schedule your skills test (must be 14 days after issuance of your CLP).

✓ Pay your CDL Group Designation and Endorsement fees.

CDL group designations and endorsement fees

Operator’s License $25 – Standard $45 – Enhanced

Chauffeur’s license $35 – Standard $50 – Enhanced

Fees for group designation or endorsement

CDL vehicle group designation $25

CDL endorsements (if any) $5 ($10 for an “X” endorsement)

Correction fees

Operator’s license $18 – Standard $24 – Enhanced

Chauffeur’s license $18 – Standard $33 – Enhanced

✓ Contact an approved third-party testing organization to schedule and take your CDL skills test.

✓ These public and private organizations are certified by the state to administer the CDL skills tests.

Call the Department of State Information Center at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) or visit the department website at

Michigan.gov/SOS for information about approved third-party testing organizations in your area.

✓ After passing your CDL skills test, you will:

• Need to visit a Secretary of State office. Please note: Results from road skills tests are valid for one year from the date the test was taken. If you have not applied for your CDL within one year of passing your road skills tests, you will have to re-take and pass all required tests before your CDL can be issued.

• Pay a correction fee to receive a temporary CDL permit allowing you to operate a CMV for the CDL tests passed.

• Receive the photo CDL in the mail in approximately 30 business days from the time the CDL permit was issued.

What tests do I need to take?

Note: State and federal regulations require that any new CDL applicant caught cheating or making fraudulent statements on their application will be denied a new application for 60 days. Any current CDL applicant applying to upgrade their license caught cheating or making fraudulent statements on their application will have their CDL privileges suspended for 60 days from the date of the incident.

http://www.michigan.gov/SOS

8 Section 1 – Introduction

All drivers applying for their original (first) CDL must take and pass the appropriate CDL written knowledge 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 vehicle group, removing vehicle group restrictions, or adding vehicle endorsements. They may also need to take the CDL skills tests if upgrading their vehicle group, removing vehicle group restrictions, or adding a vehicle endorsement of either

P-Passenger or S-School Bus to their CDL.

CDL tests

CDL group Knowledge tests Skills test

Group A

Group B

Group C

70 Questions*

50 Questions

50 Questions

*The Group A knowledge test includes a 20-question combination vehicle test.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Endorsements Knowledge tests Skills tests

T – Double Trailer

P – Passenger

S – School Bus

N – Tank

H – Hazardous

20 Questions

20 Questions

20 Questions

20 Questions

30 Questions

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

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.

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.

All CDL knowledge tests are administered in written form. A minimum passing score of 80 percent is required to pass each test. Anyone applying for the H-Hazardous Materials or S-School Bus endorsement must pass a written knowledge test.

Applicants are only allowed to take one test per day from each testing category.

CDL skills test

If a CDL skills test is required, you must obtain a CLP and wait 14 days to take the test. The CDL skills test will consist of three parts:

1. A vehicle inspection test to measure your ability to perform a vehicle safety check. A Vehicle Inspection Memory Aid is available in Appendix C in the back of this book and may be used during the test.

2. A basic control skills test performed off the road.

3. An on-road driving test.

Section 1 – Introduction 9

All three test segments must be passed, in the order listed above. The test is terminated after failure of any test segment, and you will need to schedule a retest attempt. You are not required to retest with the same tester. You will receive credit for any segment you passed, but the credit expires on the date your CLP expires. For example, if you fail the on-road segment after passing the vehicle inspection and the basic control, your retest will include only the on-road segment, as long as you retest on the same CLP. When you schedule a retest after you passed one or two test segments, tell the tester about the segments you passed so they can confirm that they are on your record. Call the

Department of State Information Center at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) or visit the department website at

Michigan.gov/SOS for information about approved third-party testing organizations in your area.

Skills test fees and refund policies

Skills test fees and refund policies vary. Be sure to discuss and understand your test fees and scheduling requirements with the third-party testing organization before taking your test.

When taking your CDL skills test

✓ You must supply an empty vehicle with a GVWR representative of the type you plan to drive (including a trailer if required). Any vehicle or trailer used for a skills test must have a manufacturer’s data plate showing the GVWR. You must have a valid CLP to operate the vehicle.

✓ 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 seating capacity of

16 or more passengers, including the driver. Drivers who are training to become school bus drivers cannot operate a school bus with students on board if they only hold a commercial learner’s permit.

✓ You must show valid registration and proof of insurance for your test vehicle.

✓ You must also be able to furnish the third-party testing organization with your Michigan photo driver’s license, CLP and

Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card, school bus card) or medical waiver.

See Sections 11, 12 and 13 at the end of this manual for more information about CDL skills tests and the third-party skills testing program.

Adding CDL privileges – removing a CDL restriction – upgrading a CDL group

Adding CDL privileges, including adding a passenger endorsement, removing a restriction and changing a lower group designation to a higher group designation requires new skills tests in the appropriate vehicle. These are considered new

CDLs and are charged accordingly, along with a correction fee.

What CDL restrictions could I receive?

✓ Restriction Code L: “No air brake-equipped CMV”

• If you do not pass the air brake knowledge test, do not correctly identify the air brake system components, do not properly conduct an air brake system check, or if the vehicle you use for the CDL skills tests is not equipped with air brakes, you will be restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.

✓ Restriction Code M: “No Class A passenger vehicle”

• Adding a P-Passenger endorsement to your current Group A vehicle group designation and completing the CDL skills test in a Group B bus will limit the operation of buses to Groups B and C buses.

• Adding the P-Passenger and S-School Bus endorsement to your current Group A designation and completing the CDL skills test in a Group B school bus will limit the operation of buses to Group B or C school buses.

✓ Restriction Code N: “No Class A and B passenger vehicle”

• 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.

10 Section 1 – Introduction

• Adding a P-Passenger and S-School Bus endorsement to your current Group A or B designation and completing your CDL skills test in a Group C school bus will limit the P-Passenger and S-School Bus endorsement to operation of Group C school buses.

✓ Restriction Code V: “CDLMedical Variance”

• If the State is notified by the FMCSA that a medical variance has been issued to the driver, the State must indicate the existence of such a medical variance on the CDLIS driving record and the CDL document using a restriction code “V” to indicate that there is information about the medical variance on the CDLIS record.

✓ Restriction Code K: “CDLIntrastate Only”

• This restriction is displayed if you are under 21 or if you self-certify to either “excepted intrastate” or “non-excepted intrastate” as your commercial driving type.

✓ Restriction Code E: “No Manual transmission-equipped CMV”

• If the driver takes the Skills Test in a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, then an “E” no manual transmission restriction is placed on their license.

✓ Restriction Code O: “No Tractor-trailer CMV”

• If the driver takes the Skills Test in a Class A vehicle that is not a tractor-type, or that has a pintle hook or other non-fifth wheel connection, they will have an “O” restriction placed on their license restricting them from driving any Class A tractor-type vehicle with a fifth wheel connection.

✓ Restriction Code Z: “No full air brake-equipped CMV”

• If the driver takes the CDL skills test in a vehicle with an air over hydraulic brake system, then they will have a “Z” no full air brake restriction placed on their license.

The following restrictions are valid only for a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP):

✓ Restriction Code X: “No Cargo in CMV tank vehicle CMV”

• If you have a tank vehicle endorsement on your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) you will be restricted from hauling any cargo in the CMV tank vehicle.

✓ Restriction Code P: “No Passengers in CMV bus”

• If you have a passenger/school bus vehicle endorsement on your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) you will be restricted from transporting passengers in the CMV bus.

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’s 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 20 and

September 2 through November 20.

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.

Section 1 – Introduction 11

What about major and serious traffic violation convictions while driving a CMV?

If you have a CDL and are convicted of certain major or serious traffic offenses (as defined by federal regulations, 49

CFR §383.51) while operating either a CMV or non-commercial vehicle, your CDL will be subject to suspension or revocation.

Your operator’s or chauffeur’s license may also be affected, depending on the traffic offense, and your privilege to operate a noncommercial vehicle may be restricted, suspended, or revoked.

Other traffic convictions that result in the suspension or revocation of your operator’s or chauffeur’s license when you were driving a non-commercial vehicle will also suspend or revoke your license to operate a CMV.

The following information explains the various traffic offenses, convictions for major and serious offenses, drug or alcohol-related offenses and railroad crossing offenses if those offenses were committed while operating a CMV.

Major traffic violations

Major traffic violations

Under the influence of alcohol.

Having an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or greater while operating a CMV.

Operating under the influence of a controlled substance. Refusing to take an alcohol test.

Leaving the scene of an accident. Using the vehicle to commit a felony.

Causing a fatality through the negligent operation of a CMV.

Using the vehicle in the commission of a felony involving the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing a controlled substance.

Operating a CMV only while CMV privileges are suspended, revoked, cancelled or disqualified.

Using the vehicle in the commission of a felony involving an act or practice of severe forms of trafficking in persons, as defined and described in 22 U.S.C. 7102(11)

If charged and convicted for any of the major traffic offenses listed above while driving *any type of motor vehicle, your privileges to operate a CMV for a:

• First conviction: 1-year suspension; 3-year suspension if transporting hazardous materials when stopped.

• Two convictions, separate incidents, 10-year revocation minimum.

Conviction for:

• Negligent Homicide, Fleeing/Eluding Law Enforcement: 1-year suspension of CMV privileges.

• Committing a felony involving the manufacture, distribution or dispensing of a controlled substance: CMV privileges revoked for life.

• Using a CMV in the commission of severe forms of trafficking in persons will result in CMV privileges revoked for life.

Serious traffic violations

Serious traffic violations

Speeding 15 mph or more over the posted limit A traffic violation connected with a fatal accident

Following too closely Reckless driving

Improper or erratic lane changes Operating a CMV without a CDL

Operating a CMV without a CDL in the driver’s possession Driving a CMV without proper class of CDL and/or endorsements

Drove a CMV with no license in possession Moving violation causing death

Texting while driving a CMV Using hand-held mobile telephone while operating a CMV

If charged and convicted for any of the serious traffic violations while operating a CMV, your privilege to operate a

12 Section 1 – Introduction

CMV will be suspended for the following:

• Two convictions, separate incidents within 3 years: 60 days

• Three or more convictions, separate incidents within 3 years: 120 days suspension of your CMV privileges

Also, depending on the severity of the traffic conviction, your noncommercial vehicle privileges may also be suspended, which will include your privilege to operate a CMV.

Railroad crossing violations

Railroad crossing violations

For drivers who are not required to always stop

Failing to slow down and check that the tracks are clear of an approaching train

Failing to stop before reaching the crossing when the tracks are not clear

For drivers who are always required to stop

Failing to stop before driving onto the crossing

For all drivers

Failing to have sufficient space to drive completely through the crossing without stopping

Failing to obey a traffic control device or the directions of an enforcement official at the crossing

Failing to negotiate a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance

If charged and convicted of a railroad crossing violation, your CDL will be suspended for:

• First conviction: 60 days

• Second conviction within three years: 120 days

• Three or more convictions within three years, separate incidents: 1 year

Points assessed for convictions

A major, serious or railroad crossing conviction will also be assessed for points and posted to your driving record. If you accumulate a total of 12 or more points within a two-year period, Driver Assessment, by law, may require your appearance at a re-examination to assess your driving activities and to determine if a suspension or revocation of your driving privilege is required.

What about serious alcohol violations while operating a CMV?

You will be ordered out-of-service for 24 hours if you:

✓ Refuse to take a preliminary breath test (PBT)

✓ Consume alcohol within four hours prior to operating a CMV

✓ Consume alcohol while operating a CMV; or

✓ Have a bodily alcohol content (BAC) of 0.015 grams or more per 100 milliliters of blood, per 210 liters of breath or per 67 milliliters of urine

Other alcohol violations: If you have consumed too much alcohol, you may be charged with:

✓ Operating while intoxicated

✓ Operating with a BAC of 0.04 < 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters of blood, per 210 liters of breath or per 67 milliliters of urine

✓ Operating with a high bodily alcohol content of 0.017

✓ Operating while impaired by liquor

✓ Operating while under the influence, while intoxicated or with a high bodily alcohol content causing serious injury or death

Section 1 – Introduction 13

✓ Operating under the influence of or while impaired by controlled substances

Refusal to submit to a chemical test (Implied Consent): Implied consent means that any person who holds a CDL is considered to have agreed to such testing; consent is implied by operating a motor vehicle. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test (Implied Consent), or if you are convicted of any of the alcohol offenses listed above, your CDL will be:

✓ Suspended for one year for a first offense, or three years if transporting hazardous materials; and

✓ Revoked for a minimum of 10 years for a second or third offense.

What are the CDL consequences for violations committed while operating noncommercial vehicles?

Your CDL is a special privilege attached to your operator’s or chauffeur’s license. Therefore, if while operating a non-commercial motor vehicle (including your personal vehicle), you are convicted of a traffic violation that suspends or revokes your operator’s or chauffeur’s license, it will also suspend or revoke your privilege to operate a CMV.

The length of the suspension or revocation of driving privileges will vary from 90 days to five years, depending on the current conviction posted to your driving record and how many and the type of convictions already on your driving record. Complete conviction information is in the Michigan Vehicle Code or on the Secretary of State website at

Michigan.gov/SOS. Following is a partial list of convictions:

✓ Refusal to submit to a chemical test (Michigan’s Implied Consent law)

✓ Operating under the influence of liquor or controlled substance

✓ Operating while impaired by liquor or controlled substance

✓ Under 21 with a bodily alcohol content of 0.02 < 0.08

What are the CMV operator’s responsibilities regarding notification of convictions and suspensions?

You must notify your employer in writing of:

✓ Traffic violations (other than a parking ticket) committed in any motor vehicle within 30 days of conviction. The notification must include:

• Your full name and signature

• Your driver’s license number

• Date of conviction

• Specific violations committed

• Whether the violation was in a CMV

• The location of the violation

You should also notify your employer in writing of:

✓ Any driver’s license action, such as a suspension, revocation, cancellation, other loss of driving privileges or a driving privilege disqualification by the end of the first business day that follows the day you received notice of the license action

✓ Any out-of-service order within 24 hours

How do I renew my CDL? Can I renew my CDL by mail?

CDLs cannot be renewed by mail. An operator’s or chauffeur’s CDL must be renewed every 4 years. To renew (or request a duplicate) CDL online, you will need your driver’s license or renewal notice, your updated DOT medical card (if applicable) and a credit or debit card or e-check/bank account number for payment. Hazardous materials endorsements cannot be renewed online. CDLs may also be renewed at a Secretary of State office.

At the Secretary of State’s office, you will do the following:

✓ Complete a BFS-103 CDL Certification Form (BFS-103, Appendix A) at every CDL application.

✓ If required, present proof of Legal Presence in the United States. Acceptable proof is listed on page 6 of this manual.

14 Section 1 – Introduction

✓ Take a vision test after the branch receives clearance from both a state and national check:

• If the commercial driver portion of your driver’s license has expired for two or more years, you will be required to retake all applicable vision, knowledge, and road skills tests.

• If the state or national checks reflect that your driving privilege is suspended, revoked, canceled or denied, you cannot apply for an original or a renewal of a CDL until the state and national checks reflect clear.

What tests do I need to take to renew my CDL?

Unless your CDL has been expired over two years, or you have a Hazmat Endorsement, no other tests are required.

If you currently have a hazardous materials endorsement on your CDL (H or X), you will be required to take the hazardous materials endorsement test again and pass it with a score of 80 percent or higher, to renew the endorsement. The hazardous materials endorsement test is a written knowledge test consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. An oral test for this endorsement is not permitted.

All information needed to pass this test is in this manual. You must present a Federal Security Threat Assessment letter from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence to apply for or renew a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement. Acceptable proof for U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence is outlined in the following chart.

Acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship Acceptable proof of lawful permanent residency

Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card. Valid Permanent Resident Card issued by USCIS or INS.*

Original or certified copy of birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or an outlying possession of the U.S., bearing an official seal.

*Documents marked with an asterisk are subject to verification using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements System (SAVE).

Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S.

Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350 or FS-545).

Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570 or N-578).*

Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (N-560 or N-561).*

Hazardous materials endorsement (H) – additional requirements: When applying for or renewing a CDL that will include a hazardous material endorsement (H), you must apply for a background record check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and receive TSA approval to include a H-endorsement on your four-year CDL. Enrollment information is available on the Secretary of State website at Michigan.gov/SOS or on the TSA website at:

tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/programs/hme. You may also contact TSA at 855-347-8371.

What happens if I fail the hazardous materials endorsement test?

You may continue using your CDL and hazardous materials endorsement until your driver’s license expires (on your birthday). If you fail to pass the hazardous materials endorsement test, you may take it again on the same day only with approval by the Secretary of State branch manager. If your driver’s license has not expired, you will be encouraged to delay its renewal for as long as possible while trying to pass the hazardous materials endorsement exam.

However, if your CDL is about to expire, you may want to renew it without the hazardous materials endorsement. This will allow you to continue to operate private and commercial motor vehicles but not transport hazardous materials that require placards. If you pass the hazardous materials endorsement test after you renewed your driver’s license, you may add the

H-endorsement to your CDL by paying a correction fee and a $5 endorsement fee.

http://www.michigan.gov/sos

Section 1 – Introduction 15

State of domicile requirement

To qualify for a Michigan CDL, Michigan must be your state of domicile. The state of domicile is defined as the state where a person has his/her true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which he/she intends to return whenever he/she is absent.

Per 49 CFR 383.23, the Secretary of State cannot issue a non-domiciled CLP or CDL to a Mexican or Canadian citizen with one exception: a non-domiciled CLP or CDL may be issued to a Mexican citizen who has approved Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status and who has never held a Mexican Licencia Federal de Conductor (CDL). An applicant with DACA status must present a valid EAD which reflects a category of C33 and an I-797 that indicates DACA was approved. All other applicants that are citizens of either of these countries must obtain their CDL from their country of citizenship or obtain U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency status.

Do I need a chauffeur’s license?

A chauffeur’s license is required when a person is:

✓ Employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR, GCWR, GCW or GVW of 10,000 pounds or more

✓ Operating a motor vehicle as a carrier of passengers or as a common or contract carrier of property

✓ Operating a bus or school bus

✓ Drivers operating a single vehicle or a combination of vehicles with a GVW, GVWR, GCW or GCWR of 10,000 pounds or more must meet the commercial driver medical requirements (including possession of the appropriate medical card or medical waiver).

✓ Operating a commercial vehicle that requires a CDL with a Hazardous materials endorsement (H)

If required, the CDL group designations and CDL endorsements are added to the chauffeur’s license.

What is required to convert my out-of-state CDL to a Michigan CDL?

When moving to Michigan from another state, you must apply for a Michigan CDL to operate a CMV. To obtain a

Michigan CDL, you must visit a Secretary of State office and complete the following requirements.

✓ Surrender your out-of-state CDL.

✓ Complete a computer check of your driving eligibility status through national and state records.