How to Become a Local Truck Driver in Michigan

A Michigan truck driver needs a special license.

Local truck drivers can work for a variety of companies, from warehouses and manufacturing companies to supermarket suppliers, food service organizations and other companies. Indeed.com notes that Michigan truck drivers earn an average of $54,000 in 2010. To become a truck driver, you need to have a clean driver's record and obtain a special driver's license. This process is not challenging, but those who aren't skilled drivers or who have blemished driver's records may not be able to work as a Michigan truck driver.

Instructions

1. Make sure you meet the Michigan commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements before you apply. You must have a CDL to be a truck driver in Michigan. To become a CDL you need proof of Michigan residency (such as a Michigan driver's license), valid Social Security number, and proof that you're medically fit to drive a truck. Obtain a medical form from the Michigan Department of Transportation. You also need to have a clean driving record for the past two years, so those with unclean driver's records need to wait.

2. Download the CDL manual from the state of Michigan and study its contents before scheduling your written exam. This contains all information you need to pass the CDL written exam.

3. Choose the relevant license based upon the weight of the truck you wish to drive then schedule your exam by contacting a Driving Skills Testing organization near you (see Resources).

   Michigan drivers can select Group A, B or C license. Group C is for a single vehicle under 26,000 lbs. while Group B is for a single vehicle over 26,000 lbs. Group A is for multiple vehicles. Groups B and C have a 50-question exam; the Group A exam contains 70 questions.

4. Pass the written exam to receive a temporary instruction permit (TIP).

5. Find a truck driver's instruction course near you to learn how to drive the truck. Earning your TIP is the prerequisite for this step. Complete the course to learn how to drive, then schedule your driving exam through the Michigan Driving Skills Testing organizations as before.

6. Pass the driving exam to obtain your Michigan CDL. You'll need to perform a visual inspection of your truck and drive safely as observed by an instructor. Apply for truck driving jobs to begin working as a local truck driver.

References

• The Unofficial dmv Guide: Applying for a New CDL
• Indeed.com: Truck Driver Salaries in Michigan

Resources

• Michigan.gov: Commercial Driver's License Manual
• Michigan.gov: Driving Skills Testing Locator
• American Truck Driving School