Michigan Driver’s License Types (A Complete Guide)

What is the regular driver’s license in Michigan?

What license should you get if you want to drive, say, a taxi?

What is the difference between Class A, Class B, and Class C commercial licenses?

Do you need a separate license to operate a motorcycle?

Let’s answer all these questions in this complete guide to the Michigan driver’s license types. 

On top of that, we’ll show you how to get each license type. 

There’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in!

What are the Driver’s License Types in Michigan?

There are 6 types of driver’s licenses in Michigan. These are: 

• Operator’s license (Class O)
• Chauffeur’s license
• Class A CDL
• Class B CDL
• Class C CDL
• Motorcycle endorsement (CY)

Now, let’s get into the details of each license type. 

Operator’s License

The operator’s license or Class O is the most popular one. It’s considered a regular license as it’s used to operate private vehicles that have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of fewer than 26,000 pounds. 

With this, you can operate pickup trucks, sedans, vans, and even mopeds.

Chauffeur’s License

As the name suggests, a chauffeur’s license allows you to operate vehicles that are used to transport goods or people. However, the vehicles that you can operate should have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of at least 10,000 pounds. 

With a chauffeur’s license, you can operate vehicles such as taxis, limousines, and mini trucks. 

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL is the highest commercial driver’s license (CDL) type. This license can operate combination commercial vehicles with a GCWR of at least 26,001 pounds. The towed unit should weigh 10,000 pounds or more. 

Vehicles that fall under this license category are flatbeds, tankers, trailers, and double trailers. 

Also, if you have a Class A CDL, you can operate Class B and Class C commercial vehicles (provided you have the right endorsement). 

Class B CDL

A Class B CDL is for operating single commercial vehicles with a GVWR of at least 26,001 pounds. Now, the difference between Class A and Class B is that the towed unit, if there is any, should not go over 10,000 pounds.  

Class B license holders can operate large buses, straight trucks, and dump trucks with small trailers. It can also operate vehicles under the Class C category (with the right endorsement).

Class C CDL

The last commercial license is the Class C CDL. This is used to operate commercial vehicles, whether combination or single, with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less. 

The most common vehicles under this category are those that carry hazardous materials and those that carry 16 or more passengers. 

Motorcycle Endorsement 

A CY endorsement is for operating motorcycles. Since this is an endorsement, you need to have either a Class O license, Chauffeur’s license, Class A CDL, Class B CDL, or Class C CDL. 

The CY endorsement is only added to these licenses once you complete the required education and tests. 

How to Get an Operator’s License in Michigan

If you are 14 years and 8 months old but below 18, you need to go through the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. 

This program has 3 levels:

• Level 1 (learner’s permit)
• Level 2 (intermediate license)
• Level  3 (Operator’s license) 

NOTE: For those 18 and above, you still need the Level 1 license but can skip straight to Level 3 after. 

How to Get a Level 1 License in Michigan

Here’s how to get a Level 1 learner’s permit if you’re below 18 years old: 

1. Enroll and complete a state-approved driver’s education Segment 1. 

2. Pass the written exam at the end of the driver’s ed Segment 1 program. 

3. Pre-apply for a Michigan driver’s license at the Secretary of State’s online portal services. 

4. Visit a Secretary of State’s office with your parent or legal guardian and submit the following documents: 
   1. Certificate of completion of driver’s education Segment 1
   2. Proof of identity
   3. Proof of Social Security Number
   4. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   5. 2 proofs of Michigan residence

NOTE: Before you visit an SoS office, it’s best to schedule an appointment first. 

5. Pass a vision test. 

6. Have your picture taken. 

7. Receive a temporary learner’s permit. The official Level 1 license will arrive via mail.  Learner’s License. 

For those 18 and above, follow these steps: 

1. Visit an SoS office and submit the following documents: 
   1. Proof of identity
   2. Social Security Number
   3. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   4. 2 proofs of Michigan residence

NOTE: Again, it’s best to schedule an appointment. 

2. Pass a vision test. 

3. Pass the knowledge test. 

4. Pay the license fee of $25.

5. Have your picture taken. 

6. Receive your temporary learner’s permit. Wait for your official one to arrive through the mail. 

How to Get a Level 2 License in Michigan

As we mentioned, if you’re 18 and above, you can skip to the Level 3 license section below. 

If not, here are the requirements and steps to getting a Level 2 license in Michigan: 

1. Be at least 16 years old. 

2. Hold your Level 1 license for at least 6 months.

3. Keep a clean driving record for the past 90 days. 

4. Complete 30 hours of supervised driving. This should be recorded in a driving log certified by your parent or legal guardian. 

5. Complete driver’s education Segment 2.

6. Pass the driver’s ed Segment 2 knowledge exam. 

7. Complete the remaining 20 hours of supervised driving. 

NOTE: In total, you need 50 hours of driving, with 10 hours done at night. 

8. Schedule an on-road driving skills test with an approved Driver’s License Business. 

9. During test day, bring the following:
   1. Level 1 license
   2. Segment 2 Driver’s Education Certificate of Completion 
   3. The complete 50-hour driving log
   4. A vehicle with proof of registration and insurance 
   5. A parent or legal guardian
   6. Payment for your test (cost will depend on your tester)

10. Take and pass the driving skills test. 

11. Visit an SoS office and submit the following documents:
    1. Your valid Level 1 license
    2. Certificate of completion from Segment 2 driver’s ed
    3. On-road driving skills test certificate of completion
    4. The filled-out driving log 
    5. Proof of identity
    6. Proof of citizenship or lawful presence
    7. Proof of Social Security Number
    8. Two proofs of Michigan residency

12. Have your picture taken. 

13. Pay the license fee of $25.

14. Receive your temporary Level 2 license. Your official one will arrive through the mail.

How to Get a Level 3 License in Michigan 

You’re one step closer to a full license!

If you have a Level 2 license and you’ve held it for at least 6 months without violations, it will automatically switch to a Level 3 license. You just need to wait for the license to arrive by mail. 

However, if you’re above 18 years old, you need to do the following to switch from a Level 1 to Level 3 license: 

1. Schedule an on-road driving test with a local Driver’s License Business center. 

2. Pass the on-road driving test.

3. Apply for an Operator’s license at an SoS office. You must provide the following documents:
   1. Proof of identity
   2. Social Security Number
   3. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   4. 2 proofs of Michigan residence
   5. Your valid Level 1 license
   6. Your driving test certificate of completion

4. Receive your temporary Level 3 license. Again, the official one will arrive through the mail. 

If you want even more information, check out our “How to Get A Driver’s License in Michigan” article. 

How to Get a Class A, B, and C CDL in Michigan

You can begin working on your CDL if you are at least 18 years old (if driving intrastate) or 21 years old (if driving interstate). 

Now, whatever CDL type you need, the application process is all the same — get a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) first, then get your official commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

Here are the steps to get a CLP in Michigan: 

1. Complete an Entry-Level Driver Training if you are applying for: 
   1. Class A or B CDL
   2. Upgrading from a Class B to Class A CDL
   3. Getting a school bus, passenger, or hazardous materials endorsement

2. Pre-apply for a Commercial Permit in the Michigan Department of State’s online portal. 

3. Make an appointment with a Secretary of State (SoS) office. 

4. Bring the following documents to the office:
   1. Your valid driver’s license
   2. Your online application form (if given)
   3. A filled-out Commercial Driver’s License Certification form
   4. DOT Medical Card (if applicable)
   5. Proof of identity
   6. Proof of Social Security Number
   7. Proof of legal presence in the U.S.

5. Pay the CDL fee:
   1. Standard CDL – $25 
   2. Enhanced CDL – $45
   3. Endorsements – $5 each ($10 for the X endorsement)

6. Pass the written test(s). 

7. Receive your Commercial Learner’s Permit.

And here are the steps to getting your CDL in Michigan: 

1. Practice driving your commercial vehicle for at least 14 days. 

2. Schedule a CDL driving skill test at a state-approved tester. 

3. Pass the CDL driving skills test. 

4. Go to an SoS branch and submit:
   1. Proof of identity
   2. Proof of Social Security Number
   3. Proof of legal presence in the U.S.
   4. Your CLP
   5. Your passing CDL skills test score

5. Wait for your official CDL to be mailed to you. 

Want to go deeper into the details? Then check out our “How to Get A CDL in Michigan” article. 

How to Get a Chauffeur’s License in Michigan

To apply for a chauffeur’s license, you need to have a valid Operator’s license or a CDL. 

Once you have that, follow these steps to get a Chauffeur’s license: 

1. Go to an SoS office with these documents: 
   1. Valid driver’s license or CDL
   2. Proof of US citizenship or legal presence
   3. Social Security Number

2. Pass a vision test. 

3. Pass the knowledge exam. NOTE: if you hold a CDL, you don’t need to take the exam. 

4. Pay for the chauffeur’s licensing fees of $35. 

5. Wait for the license to be sent to you by mail. 

How to Get a Class CY License in Michigan

As we mentioned, you should already have either an Operator’s license, CDL, or Chauffeur’s license to get the motorcycle endorsement. 

If so, follow these steps:

1. Complete a state-approved motorcycle rider education course 

OR

2. Get a CY instruction permit:
   1. Go to a local SoS office 
   2. Present your valid license
   3. Pass a vision test
   4. Pass a motorcycle knowledge test
   5. Pay the CY permit fee of $16

3. Contact a driving skills test provider.

4. Pass the motorcycle skills test. 

5. Receive a completion certificate. 

6. Visit the SoS office and pass the certificate. 

7. Pay the endorsement fee of $16 (if you didn’t get a CY instruction permit)

Conclusion

And that was your complete guide to the Michigan driver’s license types. 

As you can see, the 6 licenses available all operate different vehicles. So go and choose which license type you need. 

And once you figure out the type, go ahead and start working towards it. 

Good luck!