Michigan CDL Michigan Commercial Learner Permit and Supervised Practice

The applicant passes the knowledge tests required for the intended group, brakes, and endorsements before MDOS issues a CLP. The permit supports supervised practice and is required before a CDL skills test. Passing only General Knowledge does not authorize practice in a combination, passenger, school-bus, tank, or other configuration for which another module or endorsement is required.

Michigan requires the skills test to be scheduled for a date at least 14 days after issuance of the qualifying CLP. ELDT completion, prior noncommercial experience, or an available appointment does not shorten that federal holding period. Count from the current permit's issue date.

Public-road practice requires direct supervision by a driver whose valid CDL covers the group and endorsements of the vehicle being operated. The supervisor must occupy the proper adjacent or first-row position and remain able to observe and instruct. The learner must obey all permit restrictions and medical limits.

First-time Group A or B applicants, a Group B-to-A upgrade, and first-time P or S applicants must complete applicable ELDT before the skills test can be scheduled. A first-time H applicant completes HazMat theory before the knowledge test. N and T additions do not independently trigger ELDT for an existing CDL holder.

The learner may practice only in the class and configuration supported by the CLP and accompanying driver. Passenger and school-bus learners cannot conduct ordinary service, tank practice must obey empty-tank limits, and placarded hazardous material requires full lawful authority rather than a learner shortcut. Employer permission cannot expand the permit.

Apply the rule to the exact Michigan vehicle, credential, age, applicant, cargo, passenger use, commerce category, date, test stage, and operating facts. Current Michigan Department of State pages control time-sensitive procedures; the current official manual controls tested safety content unless a newer official notice expressly changes it.