Road Testing

Tests are by appointment only, Monday through Saturday. A $35 deposit is required at time of scheduling and is non-refundable for no-shows, document failures and/or vehicle safety failures on any test.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) -  First test $180/ Retake $120

Motorcycle Driver's License - First test $55/ Retake $50 (as of 2/1/2024)

Automobile Driver's License - First test $70/ Retake $65 (as of 2/1/2024)

---

STEP ONE: Complete this registration form when scheduling your test - CLICK HERE

STEP TWO: Payment options
     When paying with Credit Card - CLICK HERE
     When paying by Cash or Check give payment to the examiner at the test site before the test:

Northwest Education Services
880 Parsons Rd,
Traverse City, MI 49686

Please bring the following ORIGINAL documents on the day of your road test. Also review Rules and Regulations for ALL tests and Vehicle Inspection Information below.

Teens under 18 years of age

• Level I Learner’s License (must be issued for at least 6 months)
• Segment II Certificate of Completion
• Driving Log documenting at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 10 hours at night
• CURRENT registration for your vehicle used on the test
• CURRENT certificate of insurance for your vehicle used on the test

A parent or legal guardian must accompany teens during their test. No other person is permitted in the vehicle including other children and pets.

Adults 18 years of age or older with TIP (Temporary Instructions Permit)

• Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) (must be issued for at least one month unless “waived”)
• CURRENT registration for your vehicle used on the test
• CURRENT certificate of insurance for your vehicle used on the test

You must be accompanied to the test site by a properly licensed adult; however, no one else is permitted in the vehicle during the test other than the person taking the test and the road test examiner. If an interpreter is needed, this must be provided by the customer.

Adults 18 years of age or older with DSTAR (Driving Skills Test Authorization Receipt)

• DSTAR document
• Home Country license
• CURRENT registration for your vehicle used on the test
• CURRENT certificate of insurance for your vehicle used on the test

You must be accompanied to the test site by a properly licensed adult; however, no one else is permitted in the vehicle during the test other than the person taking the test and the road test examiner. If an interpreter is needed, this must be provided by the customer.

Please bring the following ORIGINAL documents on the day of your road test. Also review Rules and Regulations for ALL tests and Vehicle Inspection Information below.

Tips for a successful motorcycle road test

Select a smaller motorcycle for the test

Unless you have a lot of practice on a large bike, a smaller motorcycle is going to help with your comfort level on the test. The test will often have you weave through cones and other maneuvers that may be challenging. The smaller the bike, the easier time you’ll have with the Basic Control Skills test.

Safety inspection for your motorcycle

Make sure your motorcycle will pass a safety inspection. The following items will be checked by the Examiner prior to taking your cycle test:

• Headlights, taillights left and right turn signals (front and back) and brake lights.
• Handlebars must not be higher than 15 inches from the lowest point of the saddle to the highest point of the handle grips.

If you find any inspection failures, start early, that will give you enough time to make repairs if needed so you’ll be ready for your test.

Be on time and arrive with a licensed driver

• Show up at least 15 minutes early for your test, and with a licensed driver. If you don’t have a licensed driver to tag along, trailer your cycle in and out.
• Bring your permit (Temporary Instruction Permit), valid registration and proof of insurance for the cycle used in the test.

Listen

The Examiner will let you know what maneuvers you must perform, so focus on listening so you have a full understanding before attempting a maneuver yourself. If you’ve practiced, then chances are you won’t be shocked at any of the maneuvers you’re asked to perform, so try to keep those butterflies at bay. If there is something you don’t quite understand, don’t be afraid to ask. You may walk around and look the course over before beginning your test.

Please bring the following ORIGINAL documents on the day of your road test. Also review Rules and Regulations for ALL tests and Vehicle Inspection Information below.

What you need to know before taking the CDL driving test

Drivers must have a CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) to operate the following:

• A single vehicle with a gross weight rating that is over 26,001 pounds.
• A trailer and towing unit combination that exceeds 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), with the trailer 10,001 pounds GVWR or more.
• A vehicle that transports 16 or more passengers, including the driver.
• A vehicle of any size which transports hazardous materials that require a hazmat placard.

You must bring and be tested in a vehicle that meets the class and/or endorsement qualifications for the license you seek.

A 14-day waiting period is required from date of CLP issuance and performance of a CDL driving test.

The vehicle must also have a valid registration and insurance documentation.

The CDL driving test takes approximately two hours.

You must upload the following documentation:

• Valid Driver's License
• CLP (Commercial Learner's Permit) must be valid and meet the 14-day wait requirement
• Applicant phone number
• Applicant email address

Deposits are required when scheduling a CDL driving test.

Vehicle Inspection Items

The following equipment cannot be damaged, inoperative or missing on the vehicle that will be used for the road testing:

• Brakes must be in good working order
• Horn
• Lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights; including center-mount rear brake light if equipped)
• Turn Signals (ALL - front and back of vehicle)
• Lug Nuts (cannot be missing, broken or loose)
• Mirrors (rearview and left side)
• Safety Belts and seats for all occupants
• Speedometer must work
• Tires (properly inflated, treads must not be bare, no sidewall blemishes, bulges or separation of rubber)
• Windshield (cannot be cracked or damaged)
• Driver and passenger doors (must open and close freely from the inside and outside)
• Windshield wipers/washers

Deposits are required when scheduling all road tests.

To avoid forfeiture of your deposit fee of $35.00, you must:

• Cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled appointment time
• Arrive on time (please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment time)
• Provide all necessary documentation listed for the type of test you are taking
• Bring a road worthy vehicle, one that will pass the vehicle equipment inspection listed on this web page

Test applicant must wear closed toe shoes during the test.

If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied to the test by a parent or legal guardian. No one else is permitted in the vehicle, this includes children and pets. 

If the parent or legal guardian is unable to be present for the road test, the parent can appoint a family member or designee to accompany the minor with a signed letter of permission from the parent/guardian with the following requirements:

• The designee accompanying the minor to the test must have a current driver's license and be at least 21 years old.
• The designee must bring a letter from the parent/legal guardian who signed for the minor's Level 1 Learner's License.
• The letter must give permission for the person to bring the minor to the road test.
• The letter must include the first and last name of the minor, the parent and the person accompanying the minor.
• The letter must attest that the minor has driven at least 50 hours on their permit, and at least 10 hours are nighttime driving hours.
• The letter must be signed and dated by the parent/legal guardian of the minor.

If you are 18 years of age or older, you must be accompanied to the test by a properly licensed adult; however, no one else is permitted in the vehicle during the test other than the person taking the test and the road test examiner. If an interpreter is needed, this must be provided by the customer.