Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Michigan is a key step toward a career in trucking. The final challenge is the Michigan CDL skills test, a three-part exam administered by Michigan Department of State (MDOS) approved third-party testers. This test evaluates your ability to inspect, maneuver, and safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) according to Michigan-specific regulations.
At CDL eXpert, we offer a CDL Skills Exam course designed to help you understand test formats, key components, and examiner expectations. Led by veteran examiner Al Hanley, this course gives you the knowledge needed to maximize training and pass on your first try.
Follow this link or enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
What’s on the Michigan CDL Skills Test?
The Michigan CDL skills test consists of three parts:
Pre-trip vehicle inspection
Basic vehicle control (backing maneuvers)
On-road driving
Each section tests your ability to safely and efficiently operate a commercial vehicle under Michigan MDOS guidelines.
Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection
The pre-trip inspection evaluates your ability to assess your vehicle’s condition before driving. You must inspect key components, explain their function, and identify potential safety issues.
What to Expect
You will inspect critical vehicle components, including:
Engine compartment
Brakes
Tires and wheels
Lights and reflectors
Steering system
Trailer coupling devices (if applicable)
If your vehicle has air brakes, you must perform a full air brake system check, including the air brake leakage test and emergency brake test.
You must verbally explain each part of the inspection using correct terminology such as:
"Properly mounted and secure"
"Not damaged or leaking"
Michigan-Specific Requirements
Michigan CDL pre-trip inspections are pass/fail. If you fail to identify critical components, you must retake the entire test.
Air brake system checks are mandatory for vehicles equipped with air brakes. Failing this test will result in immediate disqualification from an air brake endorsement.
Michigan’s wet and cold climate can impact vehicle performance. Examiners focus on checking brakes, tires, and electrical connections for weather-related wear and corrosion.
The Michigan CDL handbook provides a required pre-trip checklist that applicants must follow exactly to pass.
Basic Vehicle Control (Backing Maneuvers)
This section evaluates your ability to maneuver the vehicle in a controlled space. You must complete a series of backing and parking maneuvers while staying within boundaries and avoiding obstacles.
What to Expect
Michigan CDL examiners typically test the following maneuvers:
Straight-line backing – Reversing the vehicle in a straight path between two sets of cones.
Offset backing (left or right) – Backing into a space offset from your starting position.
Parallel parking (driver-side or conventional) – Parking the vehicle within a marked boundary.
Alley docking – Backing the vehicle into a simulated dock or parking space at a 90-degree angle.
Michigan-Specific Requirements
Parallel parking is required for all CDL applicants in Michigan. Unlike in some states, this maneuver is tested for all commercial drivers.
Offset backing and alley docking are commonly tested. The required maneuvers may vary slightly based on the testing location.
Excessive pull-ups, hitting cones, or crossing boundary lines will result in deductions. Too many errors can lead to failure.
Testing locations may emphasize different maneuvers, so confirming with your test site beforehand is recommended.
On-Road Driving
The final portion of the test assesses your ability to operate a CMV safely in real traffic conditions. The examiner will evaluate your driving on city streets, highways, and possibly rural or congested urban roads, depending on the testing site.
What to Expect
During the on-road driving test, you will be evaluated on:
Lane positioning and speed control
Proper use of mirrors and signals
Turning, intersections, and right-of-way rules
Shifting gears (for manual transmissions)
Merging onto highways and handling traffic
Railroad crossings, school zones, and work zones
Michigan-Specific Requirements
Michigan CDL tests frequently include freeway driving. You must demonstrate proper merging, lane changes, and maintaining highway speeds.
Winter driving conditions may be tested. Examiners may assess your ability to handle wet, icy, or snow-covered roads.
Strict lane change and blind spot rules apply. Examiners look for proper mirror use, turn signal activation, and blind spot checks before merging or changing lanes.
School zones and work zones are strictly enforced. Any violation results in automatic failure.
Proper railroad crossing procedures are required. Even if no train is present, failing to stop when required results in immediate failure.
Michigan CDL Testing Locations
The Michigan CDL skills test is only conducted at MDOS-approved third-party testing centers—MDOS does not administer CDL road tests. Due to high demand, appointments should be scheduled well in advance.
Some of the busiest CDL testing locations in Michigan include:
Detroit
Grand Rapids
Flint
Lansing
Kalamazoo
Scheduling your test early is strongly recommended.
How CDL eXpert Helps You Prepare
Our CDL Skills Exam course is designed to help you understand the CDL skills test format, key components, and examiner expectations. Led by veteran examiner Al Hanley, this course provides the knowledge you need to maximize training and pass on your first try.
What You’ll Get:
Step-by-step pre-trip inspection guidance – Learn how to inspect your vehicle, explain each component, and use proper terminology.
Backing maneuvers and vehicle control techniques – Master vehicle positioning, mirror usage, and correcting mistakes safely.
On-road driving strategies – Understand Michigan-specific traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and how to handle highway merging.
Air brake system knowledge – Get in-depth training on air brake inspections, a key focus of the Michigan CDL skills test.
Course Details:
Price: $29.95
Content: 37 lessons, 2.5 hours of video instruction
Instructor: Veteran examiner Al Hanley
Bonus: Free preview available
Final Thoughts
The Michigan CDL skills test is a challenging but necessary step in earning your CDL. With the right preparation, you can pass on your first attempt. The CDL Skills Exam course gives you the knowledge and support you need to succeed.
From mastering the pre-trip inspection to understanding vehicle control and road safety, this course ensures you are fully prepared for this critical step in your CDL journey.
Start your CDL training today and be ready for test day!
Follow this link or enter "skillsblog" at checkout for $5 off!
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