Michigan CDL TIP & F endorsement.

One of the interesting bits about having the "F" endorsement is that if you have access to a truck to use for the road test portion of the licensing drill, you can drive yourself to the exam in the truck. And regardless of whether or not you pass the test, you can also drive back, because you are a legal driver with the "F" endorsement.

By the way, if you need to schedule an exam, do not use the driving school in Lawton up the road from you on M-40. They are a ripoff, and you will fail the test there at about 90 dollars a shot. After you have paid them the 90 dollars a couple of times for retesting, then you will have miraculously gotten much better and will pass. I recommend that you contact KRESA, the Kalamazoo community college folks, and they have an examiner that can handle it for you. He'll probably meet you in Paw Paw and do the testing there.

 

Definitely practice your double clutching -- they will mark points off everytime you don't double clutch. It's easy once you get the rhythm of it down. Being familiar with the Michigan SOS myself, I'm sure they'll make you retake the tests. They don't charge for the test, only the endorsement once you pass. If you don't pass the written test, you can retake it right there as many times as you need to until you do (stupid, but true). Then all you have to do is walk to the other counter to get your permit (and pay the fee). Michigan SOS is fee driven like the other posters pointed out so just be prepared and remember, they don't take plastic at the MI SOS.

Also, about your wife, please be understanding about how she feels. She may be insecure about you being on the road and gone so much and afraid that she'll lose you. She may have heard stories about the lot lizards, drugs, etc -- the usual trucker tales, and be concerned that you'll change or be doing things you shouldn't while you're away. Make sure you reassure her that you won't and make an extra effort to show her how important she is to you. When you're on the road, keep in contact at least once a day and be interested in what she's doing. If you have kids, make sure you get home as often as possible and when you're there, don't just chill -- be an active participant in the family. Let her know how much you miss her and how much you think of her and reassure her that everything is OK with you. If she's not happy and causing you stress while you're on the road, it will only add to your stress and could affect your driving. Remind her why you're doing this, ask her for her support and also remind her that you are a team and even though you're the one driving, she plays an important part in your success. Remember, behind every great man, there is a woman, but there is a woman behind most of the failures too. Best of luck to you.

 

Here's your answer from the Mi SOS
Farmer Endorsement
To qualify for the "F" endorsement, a person must meet all of the following conditions:

1. The vehicle is controlled and operated by a farmer. Under the law, "farmer" also includes employees or family members of the farmer.
2. The vehicle is used to transport agricultural products, farm machinery, farm supplies, or a combination of these items to or from a farm.
3. The vehicle is not used as a contract motor carrier (i.e., for hire).
4. The vehicle is operated within 150 miles of the farm.
5. The vehicle being operated is a combination vehicle with a power unit having a GVWR over 26,000 pounds towing a trailer of any size.

Age Requirement
The minimum age for an "F" endorsement is 18.
Fee
The fee for an "F" endorsement is $5.
Exemptions
Farmers driving the following vehicles do not need an "F" endorsement, as long as they also meet qualifications 1 through 4 listed above:
Single unit trucks with a GVWR over 26,000 pounds.

• Combination vehicles with a power unit having a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less towing any size trailer (including those over 10,000 pounds GVWR).

Farmers hauling hazardous materials requiring a placard are not eligible for the "F" endorsement, and must apply for a commercial driver license (CDL) with the H-Hazmat endorsement.

Required Tests

To add the "F" endorsement to an operator or chauffeur license, the applicant must pass both the CDL General Knowledge and Combination Vehicles tests. No additional testing (written test or skills test) is required for this endorsement.

The General Knowledge test is waived if a person has a CDL (group B or C). This test was passed when the CDL was issued.

The Combination Vehicles test is waived if the applicant has a group A CDL.