Michigan CDL General Knowledge Practice Test

The Michigan CDL General Knowledge test has 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly — an 80% passing score — to proceed to endorsement tests and the skills test.

No. Michigan CDL testing and licensing is administered by the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS), not a DMV. CDL knowledge tests are available at SOS branch offices; skills tests are conducted at SOS-approved third-party testing sites. Visit michigan.gov/sos for CDL information.

Michigan CDL holders are subject to a 0.04% BAC limit while operating any commercial motor vehicle — half the standard adult OWI threshold. An OWI conviction in any vehicle triggers CDL disqualification: 1 year for a first offense, lifetime for a second offense. Michigan uses the term OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) instead of DUI/DWI.

A Michigan CDL is valid for 4 years. Your DOT medical certificate must remain current throughout the CDL's validity — typically requiring renewal every 24 months. HazMat endorsement holders must renew their TSA security threat assessment every 5 years. Michigan also requires CDL holders to self-certify their medical status category.

Michigan CDL skills tests are conducted at SOS-approved third-party testing sites throughout the state. You must provide the appropriate commercial vehicle for your CDL class. The skills test includes pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. Contact the Michigan SOS at michigan.gov/sos for a list of approved CDL third-party testing sites.

A Class A CDL allows you to operate any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 lbs — this includes tractor-trailers and double/triple trailer rigs. A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs — this includes straight trucks and large buses. A Class C CDL is required for vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or for vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placarding, when those vehicles do not qualify for Class A or B.

CDL fees vary by state and by the class and endorsements you obtain. Most states charge separate fees for the CDL knowledge test ($10–$30 per attempt), the CDL skills test ($50–$150), and the CDL license itself ($50–$100). Additional fees apply for each endorsement (HazMat, Tanker, Passenger, etc.). The HazMat endorsement also requires a TSA security threat assessment fee of approximately $86. Check your Michigan DMV website for current fee schedules.

Federal regulations (49 CFR 383.133) require that CDL applicants be able to read and speak the English language sufficiently to understand highway traffic signs and signals and to respond to official inquiries. Many states offer CDL knowledge tests in Spanish and other languages for non-commercial knowledge questions, but the actual CDL test must be taken in a language that allows the driver to meet the English proficiency requirement. Check with the Michigan DMV for available language options.

In most states, a CDL is valid for 4–8 years (commonly 4–5 years). To renew your Michigan CDL, you typically need to visit a DMV office, pass a vision test, pay the renewal fee, and update your medical certification (DOT physical). If you hold a HazMat endorsement, your TSA background check must also be current. CDLs cannot generally be renewed online due to federal requirements for in-person verification of medical certification.

If you fail the CDL General Knowledge test in Michigan, you are typically required to wait a specified period (commonly 1–7 days) before retaking it. Most states allow 2–3 attempts before requiring additional waiting periods or study requirements. There is usually a retest fee for each attempt. Focus on the areas you missed — most states provide a score sheet showing which topic areas you need to review.