ELDT Training in Michigan — FMCSA-Registered Online Course

New CDL applicants in Michigan, from Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights and Lansing, need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) from a registered provider before Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) will give them the skills test. Lowest Cost ELDT is on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so the MI theory portion is done online for $20 and your Michigan record is reported automatically.

How to get your CDL in Michigan

  1. Get your CLP from Michigan Secretary of State (SOS)

    Pass the CDL knowledge tests, plus any endorsement tests, at a MI licensing office.

  2. Complete ELDT theory online

    Finish the Class A or Class B theory course here, $20, at your own pace from anywhere in Michigan; bus drivers add the passenger course and school bus drivers both the passenger and school bus courses.

  3. We report it to the FMCSA Training Provider Registry

    Your completion is submitted automatically, usually within minutes; the MI licensing agency checks the registry electronically before your skills test.

  4. Finish behind-the-wheel training in Michigan

    Range and public-road training is done in person with one of the registered MI providers listed below, for example in Detroit; it can be a different provider from your theory course.

  5. Pass the CDL skills test in Michigan

    Federal rule 49 CFR 383.25 requires you to hold the MI CLP at least 14 days first; then book the pre-trip, basic control and road test with Michigan Secretary of State (SOS).

Michigan licensing details

CLP fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Michigan SOS site
CDL fee
Varies; check the current fee on the Michigan SOS site
  • Michigan calls its CDL classes Groups A, B and C; a Group A applicant takes both the general knowledge and combination vehicle written tests.
  • The driving skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control and on-road) is given by state-authorized driver testing businesses, not at Secretary of State offices.

These MI fees and procedures are set by the agency and change without notice; confirm them on the official site before you go. Training costs are separate from Michigan fees: see what ELDT costs in 2026.

Behind-the-wheel schools in Michigan

MI has 55 registered training locations across 43 cities on the FMCSA registry: 53 registered for Class A, 38 for Class B, 24 for the passenger endorsement and 20 for school bus. 35 of the 55 (64%) publish a website, and the newest MI registry record dates from October 2026.

Browse by city: Detroit CDL schools, Grand Rapids CDL schools and Sterling Heights CDL schools, or open the full Michigan school directory with phone numbers and the classes each location teaches.

Counts come from the FMCSA registry export. We do not endorse any MI school; confirm courses, schedules and prices with the provider.

Hazmat endorsement in Michigan

27 of the 55 registered Michigan locations are hazmat (H) theory locations. Hazmat ELDT is theory only, so MI drivers can take the $20 hazmat endorsement course online, warm up with the free hazmat practice test, then pass the Michigan hazmat knowledge test and complete the TSA security threat assessment.

Courses accepted in Michigan

Each course is the federal curriculum, reported to the Training Provider Registry when a MI driver passes.

Class A

CLASS A CDL

For combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001+ lbs, where the towed vehicle is over 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class A applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class A application. Already hold a Class B CDL and want Class A? Choose the Class B to Class A Upgrade course instead.

30 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class B

CLASS B CDL

For single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001+ lbs, or towing vehicles under 10,000 lbs.

For first-time Class B applicants. Reported to FMCSA as a New Class B application.

29 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Class A

CLASS B TO CLASS A UPGRADE

Class B to Class A upgrade theory curriculum covering advanced commercial vehicle operation, safety procedures, inspections, control skills, and compliance requirements for drivers moving from Class B to Class A CDL.

Class B to Class A upgrade. Reported to FMCSA as an Upgrade. Only for drivers who currently hold a valid Class B CDL.

3 hours
22 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
School Bus

SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT

Required endorsement for all school bus drivers, covering safety protocols and procedures.

11 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Passenger

PASSENGER ENDORSEMENT

Required for drivers operating vehicles designed to transport 16+ passengers.

5 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll
Hazmat

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ENDORSEMENT

Required theory training for transporting hazardous materials safely and legally.

12 hours
13 lessons
English
  • FMCSA Compliant Curriculum
  • TPR Submission Included
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Mobile-Friendly Access
$20
View CourseEnroll

Michigan ELDT questions

Where do I take the CDL driving test in Michigan?
At a driver testing business authorized by the Secretary of State. Written tests are taken at an SOS office, but the skills test is run by these third-party testers.
Does Michigan accept online ELDT?
Yes. The Secretary of State verifies training through the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, so online theory from a registered provider satisfies the requirement.
What written tests does a Michigan Group A CDL require?
The general knowledge test plus the combination vehicle test, along with a separate test for each endorsement such as tank, doubles or hazmat.
Where can I do behind-the-wheel training in Michigan?
With one of the 55 Michigan locations on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry, including locations in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Sterling Heights; 53 are registered for Class A training and 38 for Class B. Theory and behind-the-wheel training can come from different registered providers, so you can finish the online theory first and then choose a school. Each school sets its own schedule and pricing, and some registered providers, such as school districts and transit agencies, train only their own drivers, so confirm before you enroll; we do not endorse any of them.

Start your MI CDL training today

$20 online theory, accepted in Michigan and reported to the FMCSA registry automatically.

Start TrainingSee All Courses