CDL Group Designations
A Michigan resident needs a CDL with the appropriate group designation as follows:
Group A to operate a combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR)* of 26,001 pounds or more including a towed trailer or vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)** of more than 10,000 pounds.
Group A allows you to operate Group B and Group C vehicles.
Group B to operate a single vehicle having a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more.
Group B allows you to operate Group C vehicles.
Group C to operate a single vehicle having a GVWR under 26,001 pounds or a vehicle having a GVWR under 26,001 pounds towing another vehicle or trailer and carrying hazardous materials on which a placard is required, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.
*Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) means the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a combination vehicle. In the absence of a label, the GCWR can be calculated by adding the GVWR of the power unit to the GVWR of the vehicle(s) or trailer(s) being towed.
**Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the recommended maximum total weight of the vehicle and load as designated by the vehicle manufacturer. The GVWR label is usually found on the driver side door post of the power unit and on the front left side of the trailer. The GVWR should not be confused with the elected gross vehicle weight (GVW) which is declared by the vehicle owner for registration purposes.
Endorsements
In addition to the appropriate CDL group designation, endorsements are required for the following:
For CLPs issued on or after July 8, 2015 the only endorsements allowed are:
Restrictions
You could receive restrictions on your CDL under the following conditions:
For CLPs issued on or after July 8, 2015, the following restrictions have been standardized:
P - For No passengers in CMV bus
X - For No cargo in CMV tank vehicle
L - For No Air brake equipped CMV
V - For medical variance
M - For No Class A passenger vehicle
N - For No Class A and B passenger vehicle
K - For Intrastate only
Any additional jurisdictional restrictions that apply to the CLP driving privilege
For CDLs issued on or after July 8, 2015, the following restrictions have been standardized:
L - For No Air brake equipped CMV
Z - For No Full air brake equipped CMV
E - For No Manual transmission equipped CMV
O - For No Tractor-trailer CMV
M - For No Class A passenger vehicle
N - For No Class A and B passenger vehicle
K - For Intrastate only
V - For medical variance
At the discretion of the State, additional codes for additional restrictions, as long as each such restriction codes are fully explained on the front or back of the CDL document. Such restrictions are reported through CDLIS using the ‘J’ (Other) or ‘I’ (Restricted – Other) codes.
Seasonal Restricted CDL
A special seasonal restricted CDL is available for agri-business employees operating Group B and C vehicles on routes within 150 miles from the place of business. Buses and school buses cannot be operated with this restricted license. Although CDL knowledge and skills tests are not required, applicants must have a clean driving record for the prior three-year period and have held an operator or chauffeur license for at least one year prior to application for a seasonal restricted CDL.
This CDL must be applied for each calendar year. Within a one-year period, applicants can choose to have the restricted CDL valid for 180 days from date of issue or valid for the seasonal periods from April 2 through June 30 and September 2 through November 30. The restricted CDL permits the driver to transport the following limited amounts of hazardous materials without the H or X endorsements: