The Michigan Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

There are several steps involved in obtaining a CDL to drive a semi truck in the State of Michigan. First, the truck driver must pass a physical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to prove he or she has the physical capability to handle a semi truck without medical restrictions. One part of the exam is a drug test.  If the driver passes the exam, then he receives a medical certificate, valid for two years.  This information will be in the truck drivers personnel file and is discoverable by an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney who is investigating a case on behalf of an injured client or an estate if the truck accident caused a fatality. 

The next part is a written exam that most states model, including Michigan, after the guide created by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration (AAMVA). In addition, each commercial driver’s license applicant must pass a general knowledge test.

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, and if they pass these tests, the truck driver is then endorsed to drive this type of specialized vehicle.

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

1. The pre-trip inspection in which the truck driver shows his understanding of the pre-trip regimen.
2. The truck driver must show his understanding of the basic controls of the vehicle.
3. The actual road skills test must actually be successfully completed.

A CDL is normally valid for four years, but there are a number of violations which can cause a truck driver to lose his privileges or make him unqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle or 18 wheeler tractor trailer truck. Most of these safety violations will involve alcohol and drug abuse or unsafe tractor trailer truck driving practices.

It is extremely helpful for the personal injury attorney handling a truck accident case to have knowledge of these basic licensing requirements.    Often, a truck driver who has negligently caused a serious motor vehicle accident in Michigan will deny they are responsible.  Careful questioning by an attorney during the deposition of the truck driver about basic safety violations, and access to these materials if the truck driver still denies liability, have caused many defense attorneys to re-evaluate their position.  Remember, many defense lawyers also lack the experience and knowledge of these basic truck safety regulations, and too many truck drivers and  truck company safety directors are more interested in avoiding civil liability for the motor vehicle injury accidents they have caused then admitting responsibility.

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