How many questions are on the Michigan CDL General Knowledge test?

50 questions, with 40 correct (80%) needed to pass.

How many questions are on the Michigan CDL Air Brakes test?

25 questions, with 80% needed to pass.

How many questions are on the Michigan CDL Combination Vehicles test?

20 questions, with 16 correct (80%) needed to pass. Required for Class A CDL.

How many times can I retake a failed Michigan CDL knowledge test?

Michigan requires a 1-day wait between retake attempts following a failed test.

What language are Michigan CDL knowledge tests given in?

Tests are administered at Secretary of State offices; check with your local office for available language options.

Michigan CDL Test Questions 2026: What to Expect

📅 Updated July 2026 📌 Source: Michigan Secretary of State ⏱ 6 min read

Exact question counts and passing scores for every core Michigan CDL knowledge test, plus the state's 1-day retake wait period.

Question Counts and Passing Scores

The 1-Day Retake Wait

Test	Questions	Passing Score
General Knowledge	50	40 correct (80%)
Air Brakes	25	80%
Combination Vehicles	20	16 correct (80%)

Michigan requires a 1-day wait between knowledge test retake attempts following a failed test. This applies specifically after a failed attempt, not to scheduling your very first try at any given test.

What Each Test Covers

General Knowledge covers vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, driving safety, transporting cargo, hazardous materials awareness, night and adverse conditions, emergency procedures, speed management, seeing and communicating, and Michigan-specific rules.

Air Brakes covers air brake system basics, dual air brake systems, inspecting air brakes, using air brakes correctly, spring brakes and parking brakes, and malfunctions and emergencies. Required for any vehicle equipped with air brakes.

Combination Vehicles covers coupling and uncoupling, inspecting combination vehicles, off-tracking and steering, rollover prevention, skid control and jackknifing, doubles and triples, antilock braking systems, and Michigan-specific combination vehicle rules. Required for Class A CDL.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions on General Knowledge?

50 questions, 40 correct (80%) to pass.

How many questions on Air Brakes?

25 questions, 80% to pass.

How many questions on Combination Vehicles?

20 questions, 16 correct (80%) to pass. Required for Class A.

How long must I wait to retake a failed test?

1 day, applying specifically after a failed attempt.