Checked against official Michigan sources on Oct 7, 2026
Michigan CDL practice test
Every state needs at least 80% on each CDL written test, and Michigan follows the same federal rule. Below are the fees, ages and rules we checked against the official Michigan source, and a free practice test.
FirstTry CDL is not affiliated with any DMV, FMCSA or government agency. Practice questions are exam-style questions built from the official CDL manual, not actual test questions.
Michigan CDL facts
| What | What Michigan says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | Ages 18 to 20 can drive a commercial vehicle only inside Michigan. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or to carry placarded hazardous materials | Official page |
| Knowledge test passing score | 80 percent on each test | Official page |
| Knowledge test limit | You can take only one test per day from each testing category | Official page |
| Knowledge test retest wait | If you fail a knowledge test, you must wait one day to retake it. There is a one day wait before any later retest too | Official page |
| Group A knowledge tests | 70 questions, which is the Group A general knowledge test, plus a 20 question combination vehicle test. Group B and C general knowledge tests are 50 questions | Official page |
| Group B and Group C knowledge tests | 50 questions on each test | Official page |
| Endorsement test lengths | Doubles/triples, passenger, school bus and tank: 20 questions each. Hazardous materials: 30 questions. Air brakes: 25 questions | Official page |
| Endorsement fee | $5 for each endorsement. The 2024 manual says $10 for an X endorsement | Official page |
| Fees in the 2024 manual | The 2024 manual (page 7) lists a $25 CDL vehicle group designation fee, $5 per endorsement ($10 for X), and license fees of $25 standard or $45 enhanced for an operator's license and $35 standard or $50 enhanced for a chauffeur's license. The newer web pages only list the endorsement fee and correction fees, so check at the office | Official page |
| Cost to add endorsements to a license | The state web page lists $18 for a new standard photo license ($33 for an enhanced license), plus $5 for each endorsement | Official page |
| Fee after passing the skills test | Pay the $5 per endorsement fee and $9 to correct your standard license. You then get a temporary CDL permit and the photo CDL comes in the mail | Official page |
| Skills test fee | Set by each driver testing business, not by the state. Fees and refund rules vary | Official page |
| CLP holding period | Drive with a CLP for at least 14 days before the skills test | Official page |
| Who can ride with a CLP holder | A driver or instructor who has a CDL for the type of vehicle you drive | Official page |
| Skills test booking notice | Schedule the skills test at least 2 days before the day you are eligible to test | Official page |
| Skills test results valid | One year from the test date. After that you must retest all required tests | Official page |
| Skills test parts | Pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. All three must be passed in that order | Official page |
| Skills test retest credit | If you fail one part, you get credit for parts you passed, but the credit ends when your CLP expires | Official page |
| ELDT | Required for a first Class A or B CDL, upgrades, and first time H, P or S endorsements. A CLP can be issued before ELDT is done | Official page |
| ELDT and hazmat | First time hazmat applicants must finish the hazmat part of ELDT before the hazmat knowledge test | Official page |
| ELDT hours | There is no minimum number of training hours for ELDT | Official page |
| Air brake test | If you fail the air brake test or bring a vehicle without air brakes, your CDL is restricted from air brake vehicles | Official page |
| Hazmat background check | The federal TSA background check fee is $86.50. Michigan does not collect this fee. Plan 45 to 60 days before you need the endorsement | Official page |
| Hazmat age | You must be 21 to get the hazardous materials endorsement | Official page |
| Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse | Michigan checks the Clearinghouse before any CLP or CDL issue, renewal, transfer or upgrade. A violation means your CLP or CDL is downgraded | Official page |
| Dropped endorsement | If you dropped an endorsement in the last two years, you can add it back without a new knowledge test | Official page |
Fees and rules change. Confirm on the official Michigan CDL page before you go. Read the official Michigan CDL manual.
CDL test formats
We show the national defaults for question counts and time limits. Check the official Michigan manual for anything that differs.
| Test | Questions | To pass | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge | 50 | 40 (80%) | About 60 minutes |
| Air Brakes | 25 | 20 (80%) | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Combination Vehicles | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Hazardous Materials | 30 | 24 (80%) | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Tanker | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| Passenger | 20 | 16 (80%) | 20 to 25 minutes |
| School Bus | 20 (25 questions in some states) | 16 (80%) | About 25 minutes |
| Doubles/Triples | 20 | 16 (80%) | About 20 minutes |
Practice any of them: all CDL practice tests.