CDL Testing

Why Choose Us?

  • Testing for CDL type A, B, and C
  • One of the few places with an indoor facility with lobby, reception, bathroom
  • If the weather is bad, pre-trip test can be performed indoors
  • All our examiners truly care
  • We give an unbiased and fair assessment
  • We want all of our drivers to succeed while still meeting the requirements
  • Follow state guidelines
school bus parked in cones

HOW THE CDL TEST WORKS

THE CDL TEST IS ADMINISTERED IN THREE PARTS IN THIS ORDER: THE VEHICLE INSPECTION, THE BASIC CONTROL SKILLS, AND THE ROAD SKILLS TEST. YOU MUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE EACH PART BEFORE ADVANCING TO THE NEXT PART. FAILURE IN ANY PART REQUIRES A 2 DAY WAITING PERIOD BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE TEST AGAIN.

THE APPLICANT MUST ONLY INSPECT ITEMS ON THE VEHICLE AS OUTLINED IN SECTION 11 IN THE MICHIGAN CDL TRAINING MANUAL. YOU CAN OBTAIN A COPY FROM A SOS BRANCH OR ONLINE AT MICHIGAN.GOV/SOS

YOU CAN LOSE POINTS OR FAIL THE TEST BY NOT FOLLOWING THE INSPECTION ITEMS IN SECTION 11. YOU MUST USE ONLY THOSES DESCRIPTIONS IN THAT SECTION. IF YOU CONTINUE TO INSPECT PARTS OF THE VEHICLE NOT LISTED IN SECTION 11 YOU WILL FAIL FOR INEXPERIENCE.

FOR EXAMPLE, THE TRANSMISSION DIP STICK IS NOT IN SECTION 11 BECAUSE IT IS AN ITEM FOR THE MECHANIC AND WILL NOT BE INSPECTED BY THE DRIVER.

THE TEST/VEHICLE INSPECTION BEGINS IN THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE WITH THE APPLICANT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE EXAMINER WILL READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THAT POSITION.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE IN-CAB PORTION FIRST AND SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE AIR BRAKE PROCEDURE AS OUTLINED IN THE MICHIGAN CDL MANUAL TO CONTINUE WITH THE REST OF THE VEHICLE INSPECTION.

YOU MUST SAY AND DO THE COMPLETE AIR BRAKE PROCEDURE IN THE EXACT ORDER OF EACH SENTENCE IN THE MICHIGAN CDL MANUAL (INCLUDING WHAT IS IN PARENTHESES). YOU MUST LOOK, SAY, AND DO THESE PROCEDURES. YOU MAY ASK FOR A REDO. YOU MUST RESTART AT THE BEGINNING OF THE AIR BRAKE PROCEDURE.

THE EXAMINER CAN NOT HELP YOU INSPECT THE LIGHTS. IF YOU MISS A LIGHT, YOU DO NOT GET CREDIT FOR THAT ITEM. THE EXAMINER MAY HELP YOU CHECK THE BRAKE LIGHTS IF YOU ASK THEM.

DURING THE TEST IF YOU DISREGARD INSTRUCTIONS OR REFUSE TO PERFORM ANY MANEUVER IN GOOD FAITH (PURPOSELY AVOIDING PERFORMING MANEUVER AS INSTRUCTED) YOU WILL GET ONE WARNING.

happy people with paperwork in front of bus
men with certificates in classroom
school bus driving around cones

CDL Road Test Fees and Information

Appointment Fee

The cost of your appointment will be as follows:

  • CDL Class A = $180.00
  • CDL Class B = $150.00
  • CDL Class Bp/s = $160.00
  • CDL Class C = $150.00
  • CDL Class Cp/s = $160.00

All appointments are pre paid. You may pay with cash, check or credit card. If you choose to pay with a credit card, your credit card issuer may charge you a service fee.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your appointment at least two (2) preceding business days before scheduled appointment, the testing fee will be refunded or may be applied toward the cost of a rescheduled appointment.

No-Show Policy

Please be on time. If you are late, you will forfeit your appointment and fee. Full fees will be charged for rescheduled appointments.

CDL Testing Rental Fees and Other Policies

Rental Fees

The rental fee for either a Class A automatic with air brakes or a Class B straight automatic truck with air brakes is $150 for a one day rental or $100/day for rentals lasting two or more days. Rental for a Class A manual truck is $175/day or $125/day for rentals lasting two or more days. Payment is due at the time of scheduling. If payment or other approved arrangements are not made in a timely manner, your equipment is not reserved.

Proof of Responsibility

The following documents are required:

  • valid Michigan picture driver’s license
  • Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Cancellation Policy

If notice of cancellation of the rental is given at least 48 hours before your appointment, the equipment deposit will be refunded or applied towards the cost of rescheduling the rental.

Damage Policy

The renter agrees to be totally responsible for and agrees to pay the total cost of physical damage to equipment or loss from theft of equipment. Renter also agrees to pay for all tickets, fines, and penalties resulting from the use and operation of the equipment.

Retest Fee

If it is necessary to rent the equipment a second time due to failure on the pre-trip, we will waive the rental fee. If it is necessary due to a behind-the-wheel failure (either the Basic Control Skills or the Road Skills segments) the full rental fee will be charged.

Weather Conditions

straight on view of parking lot

Appointments will be rescheduled if weather conditions in Lawton do not meet state requirements or are otherwise unfavorable for the road test. If the weather may be questionable to you, please call to confirm the appointment.

If we cancel the road test we will call the number provided to us when the test was scheduled to confirm that the test is canceled.

We will reschedule your appointment at a future date and time that works for both parties.

You will not lose your Testing Fee.

If the weather appears questionable to you, please call and confirm your appointment.

Retest Fee

If it is necessary to retest an applicant because of a failure, the following retesting fees will apply:

Reason for Failure CDL Class A CDL Class B/C
Documentation Full Fee Full Fee
Pre-trip or Equipment Failure Full Fee Full Fee
Behind The Wheel Failure Discounted Fee Discounted  Fee
semi academy semi truck

What to Bring

men with folder

Personal Documents

  • valid driver’s license
  • current and legible CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit)

Equipment Documents

Document Class A Test Class B/C Test
current and legible registration both tractor and trailer vehicle (and trailer, if applicable)
current and legible proof of insurance both tractor and trailer vehicle (and trailer, if applicable)

Equipment

The equipment must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) safety requirements. The State of Michigan prohibits us from conducting CDL Skills Tests in a loaded vehicle.

  • If the following items are not present, the result will be an automatic equipment failure:
  • The following items must pass the pre-trip vehicle inspection:
Horn Fuel System (leaks) Suspension Parts (broken, loose, missing)
Mirrors Safety Equipment Coupling Parts (broken, loose, missing)
Windshield Wheels Steering Parts (broken, loose, missing)
Wipers/Washers Tires Brake System defects (air or hydraulic)
Speedometer Lugs (broken, loose, missing) Doors (driver/passenger doors must operate
Safety Belts Frame (cracked, broken) Lights (head, tail, brake, 4-ways, turn signals)

Please Be Prepared

Please refer to the Michigan Commercial Driver License Manual as issued by the Michigan Secretary of State. It is available at your local Secretary of State’s office or you can download a PDF copy here. You will want to pay special attention to the overview (found between sections 10 and 11) as well as sections 10, 11, and 12. These sections cover:

  • the pre-trip vehicle inspection test (note that the air brake check requirements are very important!)
  • the basic vehicle control skills test
  • the on-road driving test
semi academy exterior