Michigan CDL Practice Test

Correct answer: 70 questions, which includes a 20-question combination vehicle test

Michigan publishes its test formats: the Group A knowledge test has 70 questions, and that total includes a 20-question combination vehicle test. Group B and Group C applicants take a 50-question test.

Correct answer: 50 questions

Group B and Group C applicants take a 50-question knowledge test. Only Group A applicants take the 70-question version, because it adds the 20-question combination vehicle test.

Correct answer: A 25-question air brake knowledge test, and take the skills test in a vehicle equipped with air brakes

Michigan requires a 25-question air brake knowledge test, and the vehicle you use for the skills test must be equipped with air brakes. If either condition is not met, you are restricted from operating vehicles with air brakes.

Correct answer: After a one-day wait — you may only take one test per day from each testing category

Michigan allows only one test per day from each testing category. If you do not pass a knowledge test, you must wait one day to retake it, and there is a one-day wait for any later retest as well.

Correct answer: $25

The Michigan CLP fee is $25. The CDL vehicle group designation is also $25, and most endorsements are $5 each ($10 for an "X" endorsement).

Correct answer: Pass all required knowledge tests and the vision test

You must pass all required knowledge and vision tests before a CLP can be issued. The CLP then lets you practice under the supervision of a driver who holds a CDL for the type of vehicle you are operating.

Correct answer: A minimum of 14 days

You must hold your CLP a minimum of 14 days before taking the road skills test, and you must schedule the skills test at least two days in advance.

Correct answer: Vehicle inspection, basic control skills, then on-road driving

The skills test has three segments taken in order: a vehicle inspection test, a basic control skills test off the road, and an on-road driving test. The test ends as soon as you fail any segment.

Correct answer: You keep credit for passed segments, but the credit expires when your CLP expires

You receive credit for any segment you passed and retest only on the failed segment — but the credit expires on the date your CLP expires, and the retest must be on the same CLP. You are not required to retest with the same tester.

Correct answer: One year from the date the test was taken

Road skills test results are valid for one year. If you have not applied for your CDL within one year of passing, you must retake and pass all required tests before your CDL can be issued.

Correct answer: An ordinary cold pill or cold medicine

Many medicines can make you sleepy; the most common is an ordinary cold pill. Such medicines carry a label warning against operating vehicles or machinery. If you must drive with a cold, you are better off suffering the cold than the effects of the medicine.

Correct answer: No — the only cure for fatigue is rest; drugs that hide fatigue are dangerous

Do not use any drug that hides fatigue — the only real cure for fatigue is rest. Stimulants may keep you awake a while but they will not make you alert, and eventually you will be even more tired.

Correct answer: Prohibited — the law forbids driving under their influence

The law prohibits being under the influence of any controlled substance, including amphetamines ("pep pills," "uppers," "bennies"), narcotics, or any other substance that can make the driver unsafe.

Correct answer: Seven or eight hours

The average person needs seven or eight hours of sleep every 24 hours. Leaving on a long trip when you are already tired is dangerous — make sure you get enough sleep before you go.

Correct answer: No — a sleep debt can only be paid off by sleeping; you cannot overcome it with willpower

Sleep is not like money — you cannot save it up ahead of time. If you do not sleep enough you build a sleep debt that can only be paid off by sleeping. You cannot overcome it with willpower and it will not go away by itself.

Correct answer: Between midnight and 6 a.m.

Your body is used to sleeping during certain hours. Many heavy motor vehicle accidents occur between midnight and 6 a.m., when tired drivers can easily fall asleep — especially drivers who do not regularly drive at those hours.

Correct answer: A brief nap of four or five seconds — at 55 mph that is more than 100 yards traveled with no one driving

If you are drowsy you can have "micro-sleeps" — brief naps lasting around four or five seconds. At 55 mph that is more than 100 yards. Sleep is not voluntary: you can fall asleep and never even know it.

Correct answer: Stop and sleep, or at least pull off at a safe place and take a nap

When your body needs sleep, sleep is the only thing that will work. Stop at the first signs of sleepiness, even if earlier than planned. If you cannot stop for the night, pull off at a safe place and take a nap — a half-hour nap beats a half-hour coffee stop.

Correct answer: Keep a window or vent cracked open, or use the air conditioner, to stay cool and alert

A hot, poorly ventilated vehicle can make you sleepy. Keep the window or vent cracked open or use the air conditioner. Also take short breaks before you feel really drowsy — stop, walk around, and inspect your vehicle.

Correct answer: Do not drive — but in an emergency you may drive to the nearest place where you can safely stop

If you become so ill that you cannot operate a motor vehicle safely, you must not drive. However, in case of an emergency, you may drive to the nearest place where you can safely stop.