Michigan has a unique geography. Surrounded by four of five Great Lakes and bordering on Canada, the state often depends on commercial truck drivers to bring goods between the upper and lower peninsulas, as well as shipping out the state’s main exports of vehicles. The commercial trucking industry is going strong and projected to continue to grow through 2022, making it not only a useful job in the state but a smart career choice. If you’re interested in becoming a commercial trucker, you’ll first need to pass a Michigan CDL written test and most likely additional tests if you choose to add endorsements. You can study for these exams by using the {current-year) Michigan CDL Manual.
How to Prepare
You’ll need to read the entire CDL manual and take notes as you go along. All the questions you’ll be asked will come directly from the handbook, so pay attention to your reading, and you can know all the answers. Endorsements are not required for your CDL but open more job prospects and can include Hazmat, passenger transport, air brakes, tanker, combination vehicle, multi-trailer, and school bus driver. The general knowledge and endorsements tests have hundreds of possible questions, so it’s important to study before you take the exams. There is a lot of information so if you feel your thoughts start to lose focus, take a short break, and then come back with fresh energy. After you’ve read the manual, look over your notes; check for any areas that may still seem a bit fuzzy or that you don’t remember as well, go back, and reread those sections. Remember, what you’re learning will not only keep you safe, but it will protect the other people on the road.
Final Steps
Once you’re feeling confident with what you’ve learned, it can be beneficial to read over the handbook one more time to keep everything fresh in your mind. The written test will be multiple-choice so stay calm, remember what you’ve learned, and you’ll do great!