Michigan CDL Guide: What You Need To Know

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.

• 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

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.

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.

If you were injured in a truck accident in Michigan, call now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.

Michigan Auto Law is Michigan’s largest and most successful law firm that specializes exclusively in helping people who have been injured in auto accidents.

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Unlike other law firms, our attorneys are never too busy to promptly return phone calls and answer questions. 

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More importantly, this client-focused approach leads to better and faster settlements for our clients. Michigan Auto Law has recovered more million-dollar settlements and trial verdicts for motor vehicle accidents than any other lawyer or law firm in Michigan. We’ve also recovered the highest ever reported truck accident and car accident settlement in the state.

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