A "CDL" is a Commercial Drivers License. It meets certain "standards" that are the same for every state. It differs from your Michigan "operator's" or "chauffeur's" licenses. It is required if you drive certain kinds of commercial vehicles either within Michigan or outside of Michigan.

 

 

It is a law passed by the United States Congress which requires ALL the individual states to comply with certain standards in regards to the licensing of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Michigan driver licensing standards comply with the law, requiring CMV drivers to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) when driving applicable vehicles. A CDL license can ONLY be issued in the driver's STATE OF LEGAL RESIDENCE, and if you have a CDL, you can have NO OTHER DRIVER'S LICENSE in ANY other state.

 

 

A CDL is required if you operate any of the following CMV's . . .

• A vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 lbs.
• A vehicle towing a unit with a manufacturer's GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs. when the GVWR exceeds 26,000 lbs.
• A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the operator) or any vehicle carrying children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
• A vehicle of any size that carries hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding.

 

 

Yes, a few . . .

• Active Duty Military . . . with military licenses operating military vehicles.
• Firefighters . . . meeting approved training standards and operating authorized emergency vehicles.
• Farmers . . . in certain cases.
• Individuals ....operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for non-business purposes.

 

 

You must meet the following requirements to obtain a CDL . . .

• You must be 21 years old. (18 years if all driving is done within Michigan and if no hazardous materials requiring placarding are transported).
• Possess a valid medical certificate in accordance with MCSR regulations. 49 CFR 391.41 - 391.49.
• You must otherwise qualify for the license based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from obtaining a CDL . . .
• If you possess a license from any state other than your State of Residence.
• If you are currently subject to any disqualification of your commercial driving privilege in Michigan or any other state.
• If your license is currently suspended, revoked, denied, or cancelled.
• If you have a conviction for operating a CMV (commercial motor vehicle) while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application.
• other technical rules, and further restrictions that pertain only to MICHIGAN are covered in detail within our course.
   

 

It refers to the type of vehicle that you may operate . . .

• CLASS A . . . allows you to operate vehicles which tow trailers or other vehicles with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds when the combined GVWR is over 26,000 pounds. A Class "A" license also allows you to operate Class B and C vehicles. Applicable endorsements are required.
• CLASS B . . . allows you to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more OR a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, towing trailers/vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds GVWR or less. A Class "B" license also allows you to operate Class C vehicles. Applicable endorsements are required.
• CLASS C . . .allows you to operate vehicles under 26,001 lbs. GVWR; that are designed to transport 16 or more persons including the driver; or that carry 15 or less people (including the driver) transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation, or carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placarding. Applicable endorsements are required.

 

 

Endorsements are necessary for certain commercial driving requirements as follows . . .

• AIR BRAKES endorsement for vehicles with air brakes.
• (T) DOUBLE or TRIPLE TRAILERS. For tractors pulling two or three trailers.
• (P) PASSENGER. For vehicles which are designed to carry 16 or more people (including the driver);
• (S) SCHOOL BUS. Any vehicle transporting children to or from school and home regularly for compensation.
• (N) TANK VEHICLES. For vehicles designed to haul liquids or liquefied gases in bulk in permanently mounted tanks or portable tanks rated at 1,000 gallons or more.
• (H) HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. To carry hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards.
• (X) Endorsement code designating a Tank (T) vehicle that carries Hazardous Materials (H).

 

 

Yes . . . with restrictions. Until your 21st birthday, you cannot drive a commercial vehicle out of Michigan. You cannot drive a vehicle requiring HAZMAT placarding.

 

 

Yes! If you are 21 years or older it is good throughout the entire United States.

 

 

Yes, there are MANY reasons that your CDL can be suspended or revoked. Improper use of alcohol or drugs, traffic violations, and failure to notify top the list. The Michigan CDL Course details ALL of the rules regarding suspension or revocation. The point to remember is that alcohol or drug use is not tolerated and your record WILL FOLLOW YOU THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES FOREVER!!!

 

 

No! Those days are gone. One computer system keeps track of all licenses THROUGHOUT the United States. In a matter of seconds it can be determined if you possess more than one license.

 

 

Yes . . . You will have to pass written exams and skills exams. Just how many exams you will have to take and pass will depend upon the type(s) of commercial vehicles you will be driving and what type of "cargo" you will be transporting. Tri Area Driving School will assist you on these exams.

 

 

The "written" exams consist of the knowledge portion of your Michigan CDL exams. There are seven different written exams. Which ones you will be required to take and pass depends upon the type of commercial vehicle that you will be driving. A description of these written exams follows . . .

• General Knowledge Test . . . Must be taken and passed by ALL CDL applicants no matter what Class of CDL or Type of Endorsement(s) are needed. You WILL take this written test. You WILL pass this written test if you are to obtain a CDL.
• Air Brakes Test . . . Must be taken and passed if any vehicle you drive has air brakes.
• Combination Vehicles Test . . . Must be taken and passed if you drive combination vehicles requiring a Class "A" CDL.
• Passenger Transport (P) Test . . . Must be taken and passed by all bus driver applicants. An additional written test may be required if transporting children to and from school.
• Hazardous Materials (H) Test . . . Must be taken and passed if you transport hazardous materials requiring "placarding".
• Tank Vehicles (N) Test . . . Must be taken and passed if you drive a "tank" with a capacity of more than 1000 gallons.
• Doubles & Triples (T) Test . . . Must be taken and passed if you pull double or triple trailers.

 

 

The "skills" exams consist of the practical portion of your Michigan CDL exams. They consist of three parts as follows . . .

• Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection Test . . . You will be tested to see if you know whether your vehicle is safe to drive. The examiner will score each item that you correctly inspect and explain.
• Basic Vehicle Control Test . . . You will be tested on your basic skills in controlling the vehicle . . . including moving your vehicle forward, backward, and turning within a defined area. You will be scored on how well you stay within the exercise boundaries and how may pull-ups you make.
• On-Road Test . . . You will be tested on your skill to safely drive your vehicle in a variety of traffic situations.

The skills exams are taken in the same "type" vehicle that you will be licensed in.

 

 

You you can apply for your CDL. You must provide proof that you possess a valid DOT medical certificate (you will need to get a physical . . . the medical form is included with the CDL Course package), fill out the forms, provide documentation, and pay the appropriate fees.

 

 

There is a total of 620 questions on the actual Michigan CDL Course tests, which covers the entire POOL of questions used on the actual CDL examinations. Questions on your ACTUAL TESTS will come from this POOL of questions. Each "CLASS" of CDL and each "ENDORSEMENT" is covered in a separate section. You are required to take only those exams that apply to your driving requirements. Tri Area Driving School's CDL Course includes complete "self testing" practice tests and "self scoring" BLANK and CORRECT answer sheets.