Free Michigan CDL practice test online
Take a free Michigan CDL practice exam online with clear explanations—no sign-up. Coverage includes general knowledge, vehicle systems, combination vehicles, cargo, and endorsements. Then verify current requirements with Michigan Department of State.
CDL knowledge tests are federally regulated, so the passing score in Michigan is the same as everywhere else: 80% correct on every knowledge test. You must also hold a commercial learner’s permit for 14 days before the skills test.
New to the knowledge test? CDL endorsements explained · One-week study plan
Requirements before you test
Michigan CDL test requirements
Commercial licensing is largely federal. Any figure above credited to a 49 CFR section applies in every state — see 49 CFR 383.135(a)(1) and 49 CFR 383.25(e). A figure credited to Michigan Department of State is Michigan’s own, and may be stricter than the federal floor. Test length, fees, and scheduling are set by Michigan Department of State (official source).
Entry-Level Driver Training comes first
Since February 7, 2022, a new Class A or Class B CDL, a class upgrade, or a first passenger, school bus, or hazardous materials endorsement requires training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (49 CFR 380.600). Practice questions are study material and do not satisfy that requirement.
FMCSA Training Provider RegistryYou need a Michigan licence first
A commercial learner’s permit only counts if you already hold an ordinary licence from the same state (49 CFR 383.25(a)(2)). The Michigan non-commercial knowledge test runs 50 questions and needs 35 correct, with permits issued from age 14 years, 9 months.
Michigan permit practice testWhat you will practice
Build coverage topic by topic.
Each question carries a topic, difficulty, explanation, and source section so your review has context.
Sample questions
5 Michigan CDL practice questions
Try these Michigan sample questions now — each shows the correct answer with a plain-language explanation and a source section. The full 600-question bank is in the practice run.
1. By color convention, the emergency (supply) glad-hand line is usually:
- Red
- BGreen
- CYellow
- DBlue
Answer: Red. Red is typically the emergency/supply line; blue is the service/control line.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Combination vehicles — air lines
2. Brake drums must not have cracks longer than:
- One half the width of the friction area
- BThe full circumference always
- COne inch regardless of drum size
- DAny visible mark
Answer: One half the width of the friction area. Also reject linings that are loose, grease-soaked, or dangerously thin, and hoses that are cut or rubbed.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Air brakes — walkaround inspection
3. To test parking brakes, stop, set the parking brake, and:
- ADisconnect the emergency line
- BFan pressure to 20 psi first
- CRev to governed RPM in top gear
- Gently pull against it in a low gear to see that it holds
Answer: Gently pull against it in a low gear to see that it holds. The parking brake must hold the vehicle. If it does not, do not drive until repaired.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Air brakes — parking brake test
4. Drivers say liquid shifting is a problem with anything other than:
- ABaffled only
- BHalf full
- Full or empty
- DPressurized only
Answer: Full or empty. Partial loads need the most careful speed, braking, and direction control—especially on ramps.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Tank vehicles — partial loads
5. Slight melting that makes ice wet is especially hazardous because wet ice is:
- ALess slippery than dry ice
- Much more slippery than ice that is not wet
- COnly a problem for motorcycles
- DEasy to see from a distance always
Answer: Much more slippery than ice that is not wet. Bridges and shaded spots often ice first and stay slippery longer than open pavement.
Source: Commercial Driver License Manual — Driving in winter — slippery surfaces
CDL knowledge areas
Classes and endorsements, organized.
Each area below scopes the reviewed question bank to one knowledge test. The material is federal, so it applies in Michigan just like everywhere else — the endorsement guide explains how the codes fit together.
The foundation for commercial driving: inspections, space, speed, communication, hazards, and safe operation.
- Pre-trip inspection
- Space and speed management
- Railroad crossings
- Emergency procedures
Understand air-brake components, inspections, warning devices, stopping distance, and controlled braking.
- Dual air systems
- Low-air warnings
- Brake lag and fade
- Applied-leak and static checks
Prepare for safe coupling, inspection, turning, backing, and handling of tractor-trailer combinations.
- Fifth-wheel inspection
- Coupling and uncoupling
- Off-tracking
- Trailer skid prevention
Study hazard communication, shipping papers, placards, loading rules, parking, and emergency response responsibilities.
- Hazard classes
- Placards and labels
- Shipping papers
- Loading and segregation
Learn how liquid surge, outage, bulkheads, and high centers of gravity change vehicle handling.
- Liquid surge
- Outage requirements
- Smooth braking
- Rollover prevention
Practice converter-dolly inspection, coupling order, rearward amplification, and stability principles.
- Coupling sequence
- Converter dollies
- Rearward amplification
- Space management
Prepare to inspect, load, and operate buses while keeping passengers, aisles, and exits safe.
- Vehicle inspection
- Passenger loading
- Emergency exits
- Prohibited practices
Review student loading, danger zones, mirrors, emergency procedures, and special railroad-crossing duties.
- Danger zones
- Student loading
- Mirror use
- Railroad crossings
More midwest practice
Nearby CDL practice tests
Jump to another midwest state hub, or browse every jurisdiction.
Common questions
What this practice can—and cannot—tell you.