Introduction: Michigan’s Commercial Driver License Program

1 2019 michigan Commercial Driver License Manual 2005 CDL Testing System Section 1 Introduction 1 Is the GCWR 26,001 or more pounds? Is the GVWR of the trailer/tow unit 10,001 or more pounds? Is the GVWR of the power unit 26,001 or more pounds? Is the vehicle transporting hazardous materials in a placardable quantity? Is the vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the Driver ? This Section Covers: Who Needs a CDL Eligibility Requirements Medical/Physical Requirements CDL Groups/Endorsements/Exemptions Application Procedures Tests Fees Restrictions Serious Traffic and RRX Violations Drug/Alcohol-Related Violations Please read this section very carefully to determine if you need a CDL. This manual will help you pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests, but it is not a substitute for a truck Driver training class or Program .

2 Formal training is the most reliable way to learn the skills required to safely operate a Commercial vehicle. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of this information, laws and procedures are subject to change. For exact wording of a law or a specific guideline, contact the Department of State Information Center at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424). Who Needs a CDL? You do if you intend to operate: Vehicles Having a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Combination Vehicles Towing a trailer or other vehicles with a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. Any Vehicles Designed to transport 16 or more people (including the Driver ). Carrying hazardous materials in amounts requiring placards. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the recommended maximum total weight of the vehicle and load as designated by the vehicle manufacturer.

3 The GVWR label is usually found on the Driver -side door post of the power unit and on or near the front of the trailer. The GVWR should not be confused with the elected GVW, which is declared by the vehicle owner for registration purposes. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a combination vehicle. In the absence of a label, the GCWR will be calculated by adding the GVWR of the power unit to the GVWR of all vehicles or trailers being towed. Introduction: michigan s Commercial Driver License Program 2019 michigan Commercial Driver License Manual 2005 CDL Testing System 2 Section 1 Introduction What are the Driving Record Eligibility Requirements? Do you, or will you, use a CDL to operate a CMV in interstate or intrastate commerce? Interstate commerce is when you drive a CMV: From one state to another state or a foreign country; Between two places within a state, but during part of the trip, the CMV crosses into another state or foreign country; or Between two places within a state, but the cargo or passengers are part of a trip that began or will end in another state or foreign country.

4 Intrastate commerce is when you drive a CMV within a state and you do not meet any of the descriptions above for interstate commerce. If you operate in both intrastate commerce and interstate commerce, you must choose interstate commerce. Before you may apply for an original CDL, you must qualify for the CDL based on your driving record. Any of the following will disqualify you from applying for a CDL: The inability to make required certifications on the CDL Certification Form (BFS-103). See Appendix A. Effective Jan. 30, 2012 in accordance with state law and federal regulations, a Driver applying for an original or renewal of a CDL must certify to one of four federally defined types of CMV operation. They are: 1. Non-excepted interstate. Operates a CMV outside of michigan and must provide a legible copy of one of the following medical certification documents to the Secretary of State: A completed Medical Examiner s Certificate signed by a federally approved medical professional.

5 The Medical Examiner s Certificate must be carried with you when operating a CMV for up to 14 days after its issuance to allow for processing by the Secretary of State. A Medical Examiner s Certificate and a FMCSA Skills Performance Evaluation Certificate, 49 CFR 391, or, An FMCSA waiver or FMSCA exemption, 49 CFR 381, Subpart C, authorizing the operation of a CMV. The FMCSA Skills Performance Evaluation certificate, FMCSA waiver or FMCSA exemption must always be in your possession when operating a CMV. 2. Excepted interstate. Operates a CMV outside of michigan , only for excepted purposes listed below. 49 CFR (f): State and federal transportation, occasional transportation of personal property not for compensation, transportation of human corpses or sick/injured persons, fire trucks and rescue vehicles, Commercial vehicles designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the Driver ), transportation of propane winter heating fuel.

6 49 CFR : Farm custom operations, apiary industries (beekeepers seasonally transporting bees), certain farm vehicle drivers . 49 CFR : Private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness). 49 CFT : Driver of migrant workers. 3. Non-excepted intrastate. Operates a CMV only within michigan (intrastate commerce). Your medical certification or a Motor Carrier Division Medical Waiver does not need to be provided to the Department of State However, the medical certification or a Motor Carrier Division Medical Waiver must be in your possession when operating a Commercial vehicle. 4. Excepted intrastate. Operates a CMV only within michigan (intrastate commerce) for an excepted purpose listed. Excepted Intrastate Purpose [MCL (2)-(4)]: A self-propelled implement of husbandry or an implement of husbandry being drawn by a farm tractor or another implement of husbandry, public utility, telephone and cable 2019 michigan Commercial Driver License Manual 2005 CDL Testing System Section 1 Introduction 3 television company service vehicles that do not meet the definition of a CMV in 49 CFR 383, or a public utility service vehicle used in cases of emergency.

7 The CDL portion of a Driver s operator or chauffeur s License is valid for the same amount of time as the medical certificate or SPE; however, the time can vary, up to a maximum of 2 years. If a Driver fails to certify to a type of CMV operation, and if required by driving type certification, fails to submit a medical examiner s certificate or SPE, the Driver may only apply for a noncommercial motor vehicle Driver s License . You can find additional information regarding certification to driving type and medical certifications at the Secretary of State website at Having a License from more than one state. An active michigan or out-state suspension, revocation, denial or cancellation of your driving privilege. The License action must be resolved before you can apply for an original CDL. A suspension or revocation in the 36 months immediately preceding application.

8 Note: Suspensions for Failure to Appear in Court (FAC), Failure to Comply with a Court Judgment (FCJ), failure to appear for a Driver Assessment re-examination, financial responsibility, nonsufficient funds and a suspension or revocation for a temporary medical condition will not disqualify you for a CDL. Conviction of any six-point violation in the 24 months immediately preceding application. Conviction for operating a CMV while impaired in the 24 months immediately preceding application. How Old Must I Be to Obtain a CDL? You must be age 21 to drive a CMV across state lines (interstate). You may drive a CMV in michigan (intrastate) at age 18, except when transporting hazardous materials in a quantity that requires the vehicle be marked or placarded. To transport hazardous materials, you must be 21 or older. What are the Driver Qualification Requirements for the CDL?

9 Unless exempt, you must comply with the federal Commercial Driver qualification requirements, including the medical and physical qualifications found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, 49 CFR 383 CDL Standards, Requirements and Penalties and 391 Qualifications of drivers . This includes drivers who operate Commercial vehicles only in michigan . When applying for your CDL, you will certify by signing a CDL Certification Form (BFS-103 See Appendix A) stating that you meet these requirements before receiving your CDL. Before taking any CDL skills tests, you must provide one of the following four items to the third-party examiner, allowing you to operate your truck or bus. Ask your employer about the medical, physical and other Driver qualification requirements. A valid Medical Examiner s Certificate (commonly known as a DOT card) FMCSA waiver FMCSA exemption Valid Medical Examiner s Certificate (DOT card) and a FMCSA Skills Performance Evaluation certificate How Can I Get Additional Information on Medical and Physical Requirements?

10 Intrastate (in michigan ) medical and physical requirements, state Commercial truck and bus rules and regulations, contact: michigan Center for Truck Safety at Interstate (across state lines) medical and physical requirements and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for trucks and buses, contact: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 315 W. Allegan St. Room 205, Lansing, michigan 48933; 517-853-5990 or at Note: The Lansing FMCSA office does not distribute any forms or sell the FMCSR rule books. School bus medical and physical requirements and other school bus regulations, contact: michigan Department of Education, Pupil Transportation Program , Box 30008, Lansing, michigan 48909; 517-373-6388 or at 2019 michigan Commercial Driver License Manual 2005 CDL Testing System 4 Section 1 Introduction What Type of CDL do I Need?