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The CDL general knowledge test is required to be taken by all CDL applicants. The Michigan CDL test consists of 50 questions. To pass, you must correctly answer at least 40 questions (80%). The general knowledge test covers the contents of the Michigan CDL Manual.
All CDL applicants (Class A, B and C) must study the following sections: Driving Safely, Transporting Cargo Safely, Air Brakes (if you plan to operate vehicles equipped with air brakes), Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Control Skills Test, Road Test. In addition, the Class A CDL test will include questions based on the Combination Vehicles section. Take this CDL practice test now to prepare for the actual MI general knowledge test!
To get your CDL, you must pass both the knowledge and skills tests. CDL knowledge tests include: General Knowledge, Passenger Transport, Air Brakes, Combination Vehicles, Hazardous Materials, Tanker Vehicles, Doubles/Triples, School Bus, Firefighter. Depending on what class of license (A, B or C) and endorsements you need, you must take one or more knowledge tests. A special endorsement is also required to drive certain types of vehicles. The following endorsements may be used with a Class A, B or C CDL: HazMat (H), Tank Vehicles (N), Tank Vehicles Transporting Hazardous Materials (X) and Passenger Transport (P). The School Bus endorsement (S) is only available for Class A or B CDL, and the Doubles/Triples endorsement (T) is only available for Class A driver's licenses.
1.
When a vehicle is hydroplaning:
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the clutch is stuck.
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the tires lose their contact with the road.
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the spray from large trucks reduces visibility.
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2.
To make the brakes work, air brakes use:
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compressed air.
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nitrogen.
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hydraulic air.
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3.
When driving on a long and/or steep downgrade, drivers should:
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select an appropriate safe speed, and then use a low gear.
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use a low gear and release the brakes.
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release the clutch.
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4.
When driving on wet roads, you should:
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pull of the road and get some rest.
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reduce speed by about one-third.
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follow the vehicle ahead more closely than under ideal driving conditions.
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5.
Your chances of avoiding an accident depend upon how well you take action. When you are about to hit an obstacle ahead, you should remember that:
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you can almost always turn to miss an obstacle more quickly than you can stop.
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stopping is always the safest thing to do in an emergency.
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leaving the road is more risky than hitting another vehicle.
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6.
The best way to see the rear and sides of your vehicle is to:
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check your mirrors regularly.
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use your rear view camera.
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roll down your driver's window.
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7.
When you have to back, you should always try to back toward the driver's side. Why?
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You can see better and watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window.
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You can watch the front of your vehicle by looking out the side window.
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All of the above.
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8.
Placards are used to:
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indicate the maximum speed that the vehicle can travel.
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indicate the maximum speed that the vehicle can reach on a level road.
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identify the hazard class of the cargo.
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9.
What should you do if you doubt you have safe space to pass under a low bridge?
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Increase the weight of your vehicle to clearing under the bridge.
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Go slowly, and take another route if you are not sure you can make it.
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If no warnings are posted, assume there is enough clearance under the bridge and proceed slowly.
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10.
Do NOT use a B:C fire extinguisher on:
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electrical equipment fires.
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wood fires.
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gasoline fires.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The age requirements for obtaining a class O driver's license in Michigan are established by the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program:
- For a Level 1 Learner's License, you must be at least 14 years and 9 months old.
- For a Level 2 Intermediate License, you must be at least 16 and have held a learner’s license for at least six months.
- For a Level 3 Full License, you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for at least six months.
If you are age 18 or older, you have to apply for a temporary instruction permit and pass a driving skill test to obtain a standard operator's license.
If you are under 18, after completing the required hours of both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, you must pass a DMV written test at your state-certified driver’s education provider. Once you pass and receive a Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 of the GDL program, you can apply for your learner’s license at a Secretary of State office with your parent/legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you can schedule an appointment and take the permit test directly at a Secretary of State office.
Before your appointment, make sure you have the required documents:
- One proof of your Social Security Number.
- One proof of your legal presence.
- One proof of identity (if applicable, provide evidence of any name changes).
- Two proofs of Michigan residency.
- Driver Education Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 (for individuals under 18).
You can use this checklist to ensure you have all the correct documents.
The DMV written test at all Secretary of State offices is offered in Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, English, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. If you have difficulty speaking or reading English, you can request an interpreter by contacting the Department of State Information Center at 888-767-6424 in advance. Additionally, if you are hearing-impaired, a sign language interpreter can assist you.
The DMV written test is based on the official Michigan Driver's Handbook, 'What Every Driver Must Know'. The manual is also available here in other foreign languages. Focus on road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. After studying it, test your preparation with our free practice tests!
The DMV written test includes 80 questions. The questions cover various topics to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of the rules of the road. Carefully study the manual to enhance your chances of passing the exam.
You need a score of 70% or higher. You should get at least 56 questions right, and you're allowed to miss up to 24 questions out of the total 80. Stay focused and take the time to read the questions carefully.
For individuals with a learner's license:
- Driving is allowed only under the supervision of a licensed parent/legal guardian or a licensed individual aged 21 or older who has been authorized by your parent/legal guardian.
- Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
For individuals with an intermediate license:
- Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger under 21 (except siblings) is forbidden unless accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, a designated licensed driver aged 21 or older, or for work/authorized activities.
- Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
Once you have held your intermediate license for 6 months without a traffic violation and have reached at least 17 years of age, these restrictions no longer apply.
If you are under 18 and enrolled in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, your learner's license expires on your 18th birthday. For individuals over 18 years old, the permit is valid for 180 days. You can renew your temporary permit either online or by contacting the Michigan Department of State.
You have three chances to pass the DMV written test. If you don't pass the exam after three attempts, you'll be required to retake the course and pay the enrollment charge again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.