A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Michigan to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Michigan CDL fees start at $25 for a 4-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Michigan CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Valid 5 years. Important for automotive paint/chemical supply haulers and fuel delivery in Michigan.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Common for fuel, chemical, and liquid cargo haulers throughout Michigan.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Michigan requires background check and fingerprinting for school bus drivers.
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Class A CDL required. Common on I-94, I-96, and I-75 runs through Michigan.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Michigan →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to the Michigan Secretary of State. Intrastate-only CDL holders may qualify for Michigan-specific medical waiver under certain conditions.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Michigan Secretary of State office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Michigan residency. Pass the required knowledge tests, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the skills test. The CDL original fee is $25 — among the lowest in the US. Visit michigan.gov/sos for scheduling.
Michigan CDLs are valid for 4 years. Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate is separate and must be renewed every 24 months for most interstate drivers, or more frequently if required by your medical examiner.
A Michigan Class A CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Michigan) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying CMV — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
Michigan has the most restrictive spring weight restrictions in the US. Restrictions typically run February through late April, and nearly all non-Interstate routes post reduced weight limits — often 25–35% below normal limits. Interstate highways are not restricted. Spring restrictions are strictly enforced and violations carry significant fines. Always check MDOT for current road posting status before routing on any non-Interstate Michigan road during this period.
Yes. Cross-border freight between the US and Canada via Detroit-Windsor requires C-TPAT/FAST lane enrollment or standard CBP clearance, accurate cargo manifests, and compliance with both FMCSA and Transport Canada regulations. CDL drivers on border crossings should ensure their CDL, medical certificate, and any endorsements are current. Contact CBP or a freight broker for specific cross-border documentation requirements.
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Michigan CDL fee is $25 for original and renewal — among the lowest in the nation. Knowledge tests are included in the CDL fee. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at michigan.gov/sos before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Michigan MI Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026