Career guide · All careers
How to get a CDL and become a truck driver in Michigan
To get a Class A CDL in Michigan, you get a commercial learner's permit from the Secretary of State, finish federally required entry-level driver training with a registered provider, hold the permit at least 14 days, then pass the skills test. You can drive inside Michigan at 18 but must be 21 to cross state lines. Training often takes about 3 weeks. Truck drivers earn a median of $27.49 an hour, with about 6,650 openings a year.
Last checked: October 2026. Pay is the Michigan median from the federal government (May 2025).
Quick facts: truck driver (cdl) in Michigan
| Median pay | $27.49 an hour ($57,180 a year) |
|---|---|
| Typical range | $23 to $30 an hour |
| Openings | About 6,650 a year, growing 2.0% through 2034 |
| Training | Often about 3 weeks. Federal rules set skills, not minimum hours. |
| Age | 18 to drive in Michigan only. 21 to cross state lines or haul hazardous materials. |
Sources: BLS, Michigan wages (May 2025) · Michigan Hot 50 (MCDA) · MCDA projections 2024 to 2034 · Michigan Secretary of State, CDL · FMCSA, entry-level training · Mid Michigan College
Ways to get trained, cheap or free
The steps
1. Get a DOT medical card. 2. Pass the knowledge tests for a commercial learner's permit (80% to pass). 3. Finish entry-level driver training with a provider on the federal Training Provider Registry. 4. Hold the permit 14 days. 5. Pass the skills test with an approved tester.
Cost
Community college examples run about $5,200 for Class A (Mid Michigan College and Lake Michigan College, about 3 weeks). These short courses usually can't use FAFSA aid.
Who can help pay
Michigan Works! may cover much or all of it if you qualify. Some trucking companies train new hires in exchange for a work commitment, so read the contract.
Short training for this job may qualify for Workforce Pell once Michigan approves specific programs, so ask the provider.
Not sure this is the one?
Common questions
How old do you have to be to get a CDL in Michigan?
18 to drive a commercial vehicle within Michigan. You must be 21 to drive across state lines or haul placarded hazardous materials.
Source: Michigan Secretary of State
How much does CDL training cost in Michigan?
Community college Class A programs run about $5,200 for roughly 3 weeks. Michigan Works! may cover the cost if you qualify, and some employers train new hires.
Source: Mid Michigan College