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Michigan has instituted a Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) system that awards teen greater driving privileges as they increase in age and gain experience. The stages and age requirements of the GDL system are:

14 years, 9 months – Level 1 Driver’s License
16 years old – Level 2 Driver’s License
17 years old – Level 3 Driver’s License

• Birth certificate
• Social Security Number
• Proof of Michigan Residency
• Driver’s Ed Segment 1 certificate of completion

For a list of acceptable identification documents, visit the Michigan Secretary of State’s website.

You should file your application at a branch SOS office.

Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627—,00.html for branch office locations, office hours and direct phone numbers.

Yes, driver’s ed is divided into two segments in Michigan and you will need to complete both segments as part of the state’s GDL program. For segment 1, you must be 14 years and 8 months old and have permission from an adult or legal guardian. For segment 2, you must have had a Level 1 Learner’s License for three months and have completed at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice.

Age, license type and driver education hours determine your placement in the Michigan GDL. Any driver’s ed completed must match Michigan’s minimum classroom and behind-the-wheel requirements. You will also need to take a vision test, a written test and, possibly, a driving test to receive your new Michigan license.

The written test will contain questions on subjects covered in the state driver’s manual, such as traffic laws, road signs and safe driving tips and techniques. Here are two examples of content from the manual that you may be tested on:

• In Michigan in 2012, excessive speed was a factor in 13.2 percent of drivers in fatal crashes and of all fatal crashes, 26.1 percent occurred at intersections.
• Construction workers also have the authority to direct traffic in work zones and their directions should be followed even if they conflict with an existing traffic control device.

The written test in Michigan is multiple choice.

Test questions are drawn from the Michigan Driver’s Manual and are meant to ensure your knowledge of the state’s traffic laws and road signs as well as safe driving techniques. The questions are not meant to “trick” you just ensure you have a sufficient level of knowledge to drive safely. If you study your driver’s manual enough you should not be tricked by any questions.

There are 50 questions on the written permit test and you must answer at least 40 of them correctly to pass.

Study the Michigan Driver’s Manual then test your knowledge by taking practice tests online. The driver’s manual contains all the information you need to know to earn a passing score and practice tests will allow you to gauge your current understanding and identify areas that you need to study more.

We offer free driver’s manuals here on this website.

When studying for the test try to memorize numerical information such as measurements, distances, lengths, speed limits, etc. Also, be sure to be able to identify road meanings by sight. Other than those two things just be sure to study the driver’s manual and test your understanding of its contents by taking practice tests.

Review your driver’s manual again and take a practice test to confirm your test readiness. After that be sure to get plenty of rest so that you will be physically ready to take the test the next day. Finally, remember on test day to give yourself plenty of time to get to the SOS office so that you don’t fee rushed or, worse, miss your appointment (if you have one).

Call your local office to see if appointments are accepted – if so, it is recommended that you make one to avoid a frustrating wait.

You will take the test at a branch SOS office.

• Birth certificate
• Social Security Number
• Proof of Michigan Residency
• Driver’s Ed Segment 1 certificate of completion

For a list of acceptable identification documents, visit the Michigan Secretary of State’s website.

You should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Yes, you will need to pay a $25 fee.

The test will consist of 50 questions covering a variety of topics addressed in the state driver’s manual, such as alcohol misuse, license suspension, traffic violations, rules of the road, and identifying road signs. In order to pass the test, you must answer at least 80% of the questions (40) correctly.

You will receive your Learner’s Permit (or Level 1 Learner’s License) and can begin supervised driving practice. At this time, you can only drive when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other designated licensed adult age 21 or over. You need to log 50 hours of supervised driving practice, with at least 10 hours at night.

You can retake the test when you are ready.

You can take the test again in 24 hours.

Armed with your Level 1 License you can begin supervised driving practice. You are required to log 50 hours of driving practice, with at least 10 of those hours coming at night.

You can apply for a Level 2 License when you meet the following requirements: you are at least 16 years old, you’ve had your Level 1 Learner’s Permit for at least six months and you’ve completed Segment 2 of driver’s education.

Yes, as long as you are accompanied by a supervising driver age 21 or older you can drive on any public road or street in Michigan.

No, you are required to also log at least 10 hours of supervised driving practice at night.

You must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or designated licensed adult who is 21 or older.

Visit an SOS branch office where you will need to provide proper identification and pay a $9 replacement fee.

The best way to prepare for the test is to log as much supervised driving practice time as possible. The more you drive, the more comfortable you will get behind the wheel and the more competent you will become at making necessary maneuvers when driving. Also, be sure to listen to your supervising driver and put their tips to work in your driving. Finally, keep studying and reading the driver’s manual and be sure to focus on following the defensive driving strategies that you learn there when you drive.

Turns, including a three-point turn; backing up, driving straight and smoothly; stopping and starting smoothly; being observant when driving; and driving defensively are all essential skills that you should work on.

Practice both specific skills that are commonly tested for on the exam, such as backing up; parking, accelerating; and stopping as well as driving defensively in traffic. For the latter, you should work on noticing traffic signs and signals, checking your mirrors, using your signals and being observant of surrounding traffic.

The driving test in Michigan is provided through a statewide network of approved public and private organizations that employ examiners authorized by the SOS Department. To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627—,00.html.

Visit the SOS website to find a third party testing location near you.

You will need to provide the third-party tester with:

• Proof of completion of 50 hours of supervised driving practice
• Proof of completion of Segment 2 of driver’s ed
• Level 1 Learner’s License
• Payment of testing fee (which can vary by provider)

A parent or legal guardian should accompany you to the test.

The driving test consists of two parts. Part #1 requires you to complete a series of off-street, closed-course maneuvers such as parking, turns, stopping, starting, backing up and more. Part #2 is an on-road driving test where you will need to display good awareness and defensive driving skills as you drive in any or all of the following settings; urban, expressway, rural highway and residential.

Driving distracted is a common cause for failure. Don’t pay so much attention to the examiner that you ignore traffic around and in front of you. Also, be sure to notice traffic signs and signals and posted speed limits. Don’t let one minor mistake fluster you and lead to a series of mistakes that could result in a failing score. Stay focused on the task at hand.

• Be observant of road signs and signals
• Stay under the speed limit, even where a speed limit is not posted (see your driver’s manual for more information about un-posted speed limits)
• When changing lanes be sure to check your mirrors and to signal
• Use the proper hand position on the steering wheel
• Don’t go over a curb when executing a three-point turn

The examiner will go over why you failed so that you can practice. Then you will be able to retake the test.

You can retake the test as soon as 24 hours later though it is recommended that you practice sufficiently before going back in.

You will receive your Level 2 Driver’s License.

With a Level 2 License:

You cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or over, you are going to/from work, school or an authorized sporting event or other activity.

Also, you cannot drive with more than 1 passenger who is under 21 unless they are immediate family members, you are going to/from work or you are accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or over.

Michigan requires all drivers to have no-fault insurance. This means if you or your family is injured in an auto accident, your auto insurance will pay unlimited medical and rehabilitation expenses, as well as wage loss benefits and up to $20 per day for replacement services for up to three years.

The three basic parts of no-fault insurance are: Personal Injury Protection (PIP); Property Protection (PPI); and Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability (BI/PD).

A Michigan Driver’s License expires every four years on your birthday. You should receive a renewal notice about 45 days before it expires which will tell you how you can renew – online, by mail or in person.
If your license is lost or stolen, you can replace it online or in person depending on what type of license you are replacing.

You can renew your license online, by mail or in person. Every eight years, you have to renew in person at a local SOS office.

When required to renew in person at an SOS office you will need to take a vision test.

If corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, are needed to pass the test, your driver’s license will show you must wear them while driving.

If you fail the vision test, an eye-care specialist will have to complete a vision statement documenting that you meet the vision standards. In some cases special driving limitations, such as “daylight driving only,” will be required based on the vision statement and other information.