CDL TEST TYPES

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    If you are not sure what type of Commercial Drivers’ License you will need, call us and we will be happy to assist you with determining what license you will require.

    (Please note all possible CDL restrictions listed at the bottom of this page)

    Below is a list of classes of vehicles to give you an idea of what you may need. We offer state-of-the-art vehicles for rent for both Class A and Class B skills tests.f

    • Class A Test: A combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, with a trailer that has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
    • Class B Test: A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
    • Class C Test: A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of LESS than 26,001 pounds, and is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or for any size vehicle hauling hazardous (HAZMAT) materials, which requires placards.
    • Passenger Driving Test: This is an endorsement that is added to your CDL. This endorsement is for those intending to drive vehicles (generally buses) that are designed to transport 16 or more passengers, counting the driver. This endorsement can be added to a Class B or C CDL. Most people will earn the Passenger Endorsement to a Class B vehicle (bus). Although the driver will not be able to drive a Class A Passenger Endorsement vehicle, they can still drive a Class A vehicle and also drive Class B Passenger vehicles (buses). Keep in mind that when you test in a Class B vehicle (bus), your license will have a 29 Restriction to indicate you have no Class A Passenger vehicle privileges. Special Note: The Passenger CDL does not grant you permission to drive Yellow School Buses. See School Bus Driving Test for details.
    • School Bus Driving Test: This is an endorsement that is added to your CDL. This endorsement is for those intending to drive Yellow School Buses. The passenger endorsement is still required if the Yellow School Bus is designed to seat 16 of more people, including the driver. Class B, or Class C CDL. However, you must test in a vehicle that represents the class you intend to drive. Therefore, if you intend to drive a Class B (Single Unit with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more) Yellow School Bus, you must bring a Class B Yellow School Bus to the driving exam.

      If you intend to have a Class A CDL with a School Bus endorsement, you will be required to take two CDL driving exams—One to earn your Class A CDL, and a second to earn your Passenger and School Bus endorsements. Keep in mind that your CDL will have a 29 Restriction meaning you would not be allowed to drive a Class A Passenger vehicle due to the fact that the vehicle you used to earn your Passenger endorsement was a Class B, not a Class A.
    • ALL CDL DRIVING TESTS CONSIST OF THREE (3) PARTS:
    • Vehicle Pre-trip Inspection
    • Maneuverability “Skills” Test
    • On-the-Road Driving

    All three parts must be passed for an applicant to earn their Commercial Driver’s License.

    Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection
    Applicant must demonstrate how to perform a thorough vehicle inspection by pointing to or touching the items he/she is inspecting and explaining to the examiner what they are inspecting that particular item for.

    Maneuverability “Skills”
    The applicant must maneuver his/her vehicle through three different coned maneuvers in as few mistakes as possible. Points are scored by crossing over boundary lines, and doing pull-ups. The applicant tries to maneuver through the exercises without acquiring points. The more points, the worse your score; the fewer points, the better.

    There are three maneuvers the applicant may be asked to complete. They are Straight Line Backing, Offset Back Right or Left, and Alley Dock.

    Road Test
    The applicant will drive on actual public streets, roads, and freeways while demonstrating their ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. Again, the fewer the points, the better the applicant’s score, and the higher the points, the worse the applicant’s score.

    Applicants should refer to the Michigan CDL Drivers Manual for more detail and direction to the parts of the test.

    • Possible CDL Restrictions

    There are several new restrictions that all CDL applicants should be aware of before taking their CDL Skills Test. All restrictions can be lifted off the CDL by once again completing the entire CDL Skills Test in the appropriate vehicle equipped with the component not present during the initial test.

    E — Not valid to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) equipped with manual transmission

    L — Not valid to operate a CMV equipped with air brakes

    Z — Not valid to operate a CMV equipped with full air brakes

    M — Not valid to operate Group A passenger CMV

    N — Not valid to operate Group A or B passenger CMV

    O — Not valid to operate Group A tractor-trailer combination connected by fifth-wheel CMV (pickup truck with a goose neck trailers are not exempt from this rule)

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      It’s a friendly environment with positive teachers and students. The daily routines make you understand what you need to learn, and everyone teaches everyone. The environment was fun to come to every day.

      Henry S.

      The people are a huge bonus. The staff, with all the different personalities and lessons, was a blessing. I appreciated the variety of vehicles to practice on. I was impressed with how clean the facility is. I thought the whole program was well structured and organized. Top-notch school! I’m very pleased with my decision.

      William M.

      The admissions process was a most wonderful experience with a very receptive administrative staff. Trainers are most excellent, and above and beyond. The school premises and environment is wonderful. The technical aspects of the CDL lessons are very involving.

      Mike M.

      I was very impressed on how each day was organized from the get-go to make sure every student got one on one attention. Their methods are organized and specific, so be willing to pay attention and work hard. I highly recommend WMCDL!

      Kimberly P.

      I can’t say enough positives. If you’re dedicated to your new career, this is the place to train. Very professional! Great staff! From beginning, to test day, I never felt out of place. The instructors, facility, and equipment are top notch.

      Mark D.

      The whole staff, from the ladies in the office, to all the instructors, are awesome people. Very knowledgeable and patient. The equipment was good, and what companies are currently using today. Thanks again West Michigan CDL for your flexibility and helping me meet my requirements.

      Richard B.

      They take the time to prepare you for the test. Very professional, but approachable. They will go out of their way to help. The amount of recruiters that visit the school means you will have no issues finding work once school is over. If you want your CDL wmcdl is the place to go.

      Grahame A.

      Everyone at West Michigan CDL is very warm-hearted and willing to help everybody as a whole; me as an individual. Thank you for believing in me and building my self-confidence. I see longevity and prosperity in West Michigan CDL!

      Henry A.

      Everyone working with me really put all they could into me to make my dream come true. West Michigan CDL is simply the best thing to ever happen to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your support! I’m grateful to the entire staff!

      Cheyenne S.

      I liked the hands-on training, small groups, and lots of drive time. It was a great experience. I had lots of fun, learned a lot, and it was definitely worth the 1 1/2 hour drive every day! I would recommend everybody to come to school here!

      Zachary M.