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Michigan

A Michigan driver's license is a privilege, not a right. Earn it by practicing for the written exam. The Michigan new-to-state driver’s license test, or the Michigan driver's license renewal practice test, can help you earn that privilege.

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Michigan SOS Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

  • After You Have Passed the Driving Exam (or Road Test)
  • Applying for Your Michigan License
  • Preparing For Your MI Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Preparing For Your MI Permit Test
  • Renewing Your MI License
  • Taking Your MI Driving Exam (Or Road Test)
  • Taking Your MI Permit Test
  • What If I Failed My Road Test?
  • What If I'm Moving to Michigan or Just Visiting?
When should my teen get car insurance?

Your teen should be insured once they're licensed and begin driving on their own (i.e., without another supervising licensed driver). Teens with learner's permits don't yet require insurance while they're driving under the supervision of a licensed adult.

If I'm under 18, are there any limits to my driver's license?

If you have a Level 1 Learner's License:

  • You must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old. If this is anyone other than your parent or guardian, they must carry a signed letter of authorization.
  • Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.
  • You may use a cell phone at any time while behind the wheel.

If you have a Level 2 Intermediate License:

  • You may not drive between 10 AM and 5 AM unless you're:
    • Accompanied by your parent, guardian, or a licensed adult at least 21 years old; OR
    • Driving to or from work or a school event.
  • No more than one passenger under 21 years old is allowed unless:
    • Your parent/guardian is with you;
    • The passengers are members of your immediate family; OR
    • They're accompanying you to or from work or a school event.
  • You may not use a cell phone, unless it is to contact emergency services.

What happens after I pass my MI road test?

If you're at least 16 years old and your Level 1 license is already a hard card credential, it will automatically become your Level 2 Provisional License. If you received your Level 1 license BEFORE March 2021, you may need to visit an SOS office to exchange your paper permit/Level 1 license for the hard card Level 2 license.

Once I have my permit, who can I drive with?

You may drive only when accompanied by a qualified supervising driver (at least 21 years old) sitting in the passenger seat.

Can I choose where I have my photo taken for my driver's license?

No, your photo will be taken at the SOS office where you apply.

Once I get my MI permit, what do I need to do before I can drive with my parents?

With your Level 1 Learner's License in hand, you can immediately begin practicing your driving skills with your parents. In fact, you'll need to complete at least 30 hours of practice (with at least 2 hours of night driving) before you can sign up for Segment 2 of your driver education course.

How To Get A Michigan Driver’s License

Learning to drive is exciting, but it’s also a huge responsibility. The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) requires potential drivers to complete training and demonstrate knowledge and skills behind the wheel before allowing them the privilege of driving with no restrictions. This is required for new drivers, or drivers whose out-of-state licenses have expired prior to moving to Michigan.

The requirements to obtain a MI driver’s license will vary slightly based on whether you are a minor or adult, as well as whether you’re applying for a standard or enhanced driver’s license.

MI Level 1 Learner’s License Requirements for Minors

If you’re under 18 years old, you must first obtain a learner’s permit—called a Level 1 Learner’s License in Michigan—before graduating to a driver’s license. In order to do so, you’ll also need to complete the first portion of your Driver’s Ed course before applying. You can start Driver’s Ed once you’re 14 years and 8 months old.

Driver’s Education in Michigan

Driver’s Ed in Michigan is split up into two parts:

  • Segment 1, which consists of at least 24 hours of classroom lessons, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with your course instructor, and 4 hours of in-car observation inside a training vehicle.
  • Segment 2, which consists of at least 6 hours of classroom instructions and occurs after you have completed your supervised driving practice hours.

To begin Segment 1 Driver Education, you must be at least 14 years and 8 months old. At the end of your classroom and driving lessons, you’ll need to pass a written knowledge exam—this is essentially your permit test.

To earn your certificate of completion, you’ll need to pass all of your course requirements (including the written exam) and your in-car driving skills instruction. Once you’ve got your certificate, you can apply for your Level 1 Learner’s License.

Getting Your Level 1 Learner’s License

 You must be at least 14 years and 9 months old to get your Level 1 Learner’s License/driver’s permit in Michigan.

To apply, make an appointment at your local SOS branch and:

  1. Fill out a Driver License and ID Card Application (form DE-36). This is only available in person at the SOS.
    1. If you’re under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your application to provide their consent.
  2. Submit proof of your:
    1. Identity and legal presence.
    2. Social Security number (or ineligibility).
    3. Michigan residency (at least 2 documents).
      1. Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID or a standard learner’s license (the REAL ID is highly recommended). Check out the SOS’ guide to acceptable documents as well as the state’s guide to REAL IDs for help.
  3. Submit your Segment 1 Driver’s Ed certificate of completion.
  4. Pass a vision screening.
  5. Have your photo taken.
  6. Pay the $25 license fee.

You can also upgrade to an enhanced license for either the standard or REAL ID learner’s license. An enhanced license allows you to cross land borders (Mexico and Canada) using your driver’s license instead of requiring a passport. There are specific documents to bring, and you’ll pay a $45 license fee instead of the $25 standard/REAL ID license fee.

You must hold your Level 1 Learner’s License for at least 3 months before you can start Segment 2 of your driver education course and take your driving skills exam. With your learner’s license, you may only drive under the following conditions:

  • You must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old. If this is anyone other than your parent or guardian, they must carry a signed letter of authorization.
  • Your supervising driver must be seated in the front seat next to you at all times.
  • You may NOT use a cell phone at any time while behind the wheel.

During this time—and prior to beginning Segment 2—you’ll also have to practice driving with a supervising adult driver. Your practice hours should equal:

  • 50 total hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice, with at least 30 hours completed before you begin Segment 2.
  • 10 hours of night driving as part of your 50 hours, with at least 2 hours of night driving completed before you begin Segment 2.

Your parent/guardian must log your hours on the Supervised Driving Log, either via the RoadReady app or the printed log sheets. You’ll need this log, plus your Segment 1 certificate of completion, to enroll in Segment 2 Driver’s Ed.

Michigan Level 2 Intermediate License Requirements

You can apply for your provisional driver’s license, called a Level 2 Intermediate License in Michigan, once you’ve turned 16 years old. Before you can take your road test, you’ll also need to have:

  • Held your Level 1 Learner’s License for 6 months.
    • You also may NOT have incurred any violations for the 3 months immediately prior to applying for your Level 2 License.
  • Completed Segment 2 of your driver’s education course (6 hours of instruction).
  • Completed the remainder of your required practice hours (50 total hours, at least 10 driven at night) with your parent/guardian.
  • Turned at least 15 years old.

When you’re ready, schedule your road test with a state-approved examiner. You’ll need to bring your parent/guardian to your exam —they must be present during your skills test and sign your score sheet once your test is done. You’ll also need to provide your:

  • Level 1 Learner’s License.
  • Supervised Driving Log.
  • Segment 2 driver education completion certificate.
  • Proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle you will test in.
  • Payment for your road test fee.
    • Testing fees vary based on your exam provider—call ahead to ask about specific costs.

If you fail your first attempt at your road test, you’ll need to wait at least 24 hours before you can try again. You’re allowed a total of 6 attempts to pass within a period of 12 months.

Once you pass your road test and you’re at least 16 years old, your Level 1 Learner’s License should automatically become your Level 2 Intermediate License—you won’t have to come back to an SOS office to receive a new credential. If, for any reason, you’re instructed to return to an SOS branch, be prepared to provide your:

  • Level 1 Learner’s License.
  • Segment 2 completion certificate.
  • Driving skills test certificate.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and legal presence.
    • Social Security number.
    • Michigan residency (2 documents).
      • Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID or a standard learner’s license (the REAL ID is highly recommended). Check out the SOS’ guide to acceptable documents as well as the state’s guide to REAL IDs for help.

With your MI Level 2 Intermediate License, you can only drive under the following provisions:

  • You may not drive between 10 AM and 5 AM unless you’re:
    • Accompanied by your parent, guardian, or a licensed adult at least 21 years old; OR
    • Driving to or from work or a school event.
  • No more than one passenger under 21 years old is allowed unless:
    • Your parent/guardian is with you;
    • The passengers are members of your immediate family; OR
    • They’re accompanying you to or from work or a school event.
  • You may not use a cell phone, unless it is to contact emergency services.

Once you’ve held your Level 2 license for at least 6 months and you’ve turned 17 years old, your restrictions will fall off and your Level 2 license will now become a full, unrestricted Level 3 driver’s license. You must also have had a clean driving record for the full 12 months prior.

At 18 years old, you’ll receive a new credential that changes from the vertical orientation designating a minor to a horizontal orientation for adults.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Adult Drivers in MI

If you are 18 years old or older but have never held a driver’s license before in any state, you must first obtain a temporary instruction permit (TIP). Unlike minor applicants, however, you do NOT need to:

  • Complete driver’s education.
  • Complete driver’s training.

You’ll still need to pass a knowledge exam followed by a road test once you’ve earned your permit.

To apply for your MI driver’s permit:

  1. Fill out a Driver License and ID Card Application (form DE-36). This is only available in person at the SOS.
  2. Submit proof of your:
    1. Identity and legal presence.
    2. Social Security number (or ineligibility).
    3. Michigan residency (at least 2 documents).
      1. Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID or a standard learner’s license (the REAL ID is highly recommended). Check out the SOS’ guide to acceptable documents as well as the state’s guide to REAL IDs for help.
  3. Pass a vision screening and written knowledge test.
  4. Have your photo taken.
  5. Pay the $25 license fee.

You can also upgrade to an enhanced license for either the standard or REAL ID learner’s license. An enhanced license allows you to cross land borders (Mexico and Canada) using your driver’s license instead of requiring a passport. There are specific documents to bring, and you’ll pay a $45 license fee instead of the $25 standard/REAL ID license fee.

Road Test Requirements for Adults in MI

As an adult, you must hold your temporary instruction permit (TIP) for at least 30 days before scheduling your road test to earn your unrestricted driver’s license. Your TIP is valid for 180 days. During this time, you should practice driving enough so that you feel confident for your driving skills exam. While driving with a TIP in Michigan, you must have a licensed adult driver with you in the passenger’s seat at all times.

When you feel you are ready, you can take the driving skills test to obtain your unrestricted license. You can schedule your road test online. At your road test, make sure to have your:

  • Temporary instruction permit.
  • Proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle you will test in.
  • Payment for your road test fee.
    • Testing fees vary based on your exam provider—call ahead to ask about specific costs.

Once you pass your road test, you can return to the SOS to finish your license application and receive your full, unrestricted Michigan driver’s license.

Driver’s License Requirements for New Michigan Residents

If you hold an out-of-state license and move to Michigan, you must immediately apply for your Michigan driver’s license once you’ve established residency—the state doesn’t offer any grace period.

Transferring an Out-of-State Permit or Junior License to Michigan

Michigan may convert out-of-state permits or provisional driver’s licenses to a Level 1 or Level 2 license, depending on your specific circumstances. These include your age, your out-of-state driver’s education curriculum, and your total driving practice hours.

The SOS recommends calling the department’s Information Center to inquire about your particular situation and find out what paperwork you may need to transfer your out-of-state permit or junior license.

Transferring an Out-of-State Unrestricted License to Michigan

If you have a full, unrestricted out-of-state driver’s license, the process of converting it to a MI driver’s license is quite simple. Gather the following documents:

  • Your valid out-of-state driver’s license.
  • Proof of your:
    • Identity and lawful presence.
    • Social Security number.
    • Michigan residency.
      • Your documents will differ slightly based on whether you want a REAL ID or a standard driver’s license (the REAL ID is highly recommended). Check out the RMV’s guide to acceptable documents for help.
  • Payment for the $25 license fee.

Make an appointment with an SOS branch office and bring all of the above. All out-of-state applicants must undergo a vision screening, but most won’t need to repeat a written exam or driving test. However, certain circumstances (such as an expired out-of-state license, for example) may necessitate taking these exams.

Michigan SOS Motorcycle Permit & License Info

MI Motorcycle Education and Permit Requirements

To get a motorcycle endorsement in Michigan, all new motorcycle riders must either:

  • Complete a Michigan Rider Education Training Program (MiREP) course; or
  • Obtain a motorcycle temporary instruction permit (TIP).

The MiREP is mandatory If you’re under 18 years old, or if you’ve attempted and failed the motorcycle skills test 2 times. If you complete a MiREP course, you will not be required to obtain a TIP or pass the written knowledge exam or riding skills test at the SOS to earn your endorsement.

MI Motorcycle Rider Education Course

The Michigan Rider Education Program (MiREP) Basic Rider Course (BRC) teaches you the crucial operational skills and safety knowledge to ride responsibly on Michigan roads. Passing this course also qualifies you to receive your full motorcycle endorsement on your license.

If you’re under 18 years old, you must take a Basic Rider Course to earn your endorsement. For adults, the BRC is optional, but extremely beneficial. It also allows you to bypass the SOS’ written motorcycle knowledge test and on-road skills exam you’d otherwise be required to pass.

The Secretary of State offers a training course locator to find an option near you. Be prepared to bring to your course:

  • Your driver’s license or photo ID.
  • A DOT-approved helmet and eye protection.
  • Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
  • Leather boots that fully cover your ankles.
  • Full-fingered gloves.

Once you’ve passed your course, you’ll receive an email with your completion certificate and instructions on how to obtain your endorsement either online or in person with the Secretary of State. Be prepared to pay the $16 application fee and the $9 correction fee to add your motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.

Obtaining a Motorcycle TIP in Michigan

If you’re 18 years old or older and you opted not to take a MiREP Basic Rider Course, you’ll need to apply for a motorcycle temporary instruction permit (TIP) before you can get your MI motorcycle endorsement. You must be at least 16 years old to get your endorsement.

To obtain a motorcycle instruction permit, you must make an appointment with your local SOS branch and:

  1. Provide your valid Michigan driver’s license.
  2. Pass a vision screening and a knowledge test.
  3. Have your photo taken.
  4. Pay the $16 application fee.

Like a standard temporary instruction permit, you must hold your motorcycle TIP for at least 30 days before your road skills test. Your TIP will be valid for up to 180 days, during which time you can practice riding. With your permit, you’ll need to adhere to the following restrictions:

  • You can ride only between sunrise and sunset.
  • You may not carry any passengers.
  • You must be accompanied by a supervising rider who is at least 18 years old.

MI Motorcycle License Requirements

Once you’ve practiced with your permit, you can schedule your road test with a state-approved driver testing facility. If you’re under 18 years old, you were required to take a Michigan Rider Education Program (MiREP), which includes a road test at the end of the course. Therefore, you can bypass the road test portion of your application process.

If you are 18 years old or older, you are NOT required to take a motorcycle training course to get your motorcycle license, but it’s highly recommended. If you do, you can also bypass the road test, as one will be included as part of your Michigan Rider Education Program.

If you passed an MREP course, you should receive emailed instructions on whether you’re eligible to obtain your motorcycle endorsement online or if you must visit an SOS branch in person. Be prepared to provide:

  • Your proof of ID and lawful presence.
  • A MiREP course certificate of completion.
  •  Payment for the $16 application fee and the $9 correction fee to add your motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.

If you’re taking a road test with an authorized testing facility:

  1. Make a motorcycle road test appointment.
  2. Submit your motorcycle permit.
  3. Bring a vehicle that meets all safety requirements, along with its registration and insurance.
  4. Pay the applicable fees road testing fee (varies by provider).

Your examiner will submit your results to the SOS. You should receive emailed instructions on whether you’re eligible to obtain your motorcycle endorsement online or if you must visit an SOS branch in person. Be prepared to pay the $16 application fee and the $9 correction fee to add your motorcycle endorsement to your driver’s license.

Michigan CDL Requirements

Michigan CDL Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle in Michigan, you must be at least 18 years old. To drive across state lines or to carry hazardous materials (HAZMAT), you must be at least 21 years old.

Regardless of age, to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must first:

  1. Have a valid standard driver’s license.
  2. Obtain and hold a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) for at least 2 weeks.

To get your CLP:

  1. Make an appointment with your local SOS branch office.
  2. Provide your proof of:
    1. Name and legal presence.
    2. Social Security number.
    3. Federal Security Threat Assessment and U.S. citizenship/permanent residency, if you’re applying for a HAZMAT endorsement.
  3. Provide a completed CDL Self-Certification form. You can also fill out your form online.
  4. Provide a completed Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) filled out by a medical professional.
  5. Pass a vision screening.
  6. Take the commercial learner’s permit exam, along with any other exams that pertain to specific CDL endorsements you’re applying for.
  7. Pay the $25 CDL fee, plus $5 for each applicable endorsement.

You must hold your CLP for at least 14 days before you can test for your full commercial driver’s license. You may only practice while supervised by another CDL holder whose license is of the same class.

Once you’ve practiced and feel confident for your road test.

  1. Schedule your road test online.
  2. Bring a vehicle representative of the class and type which you’re applying to drive, along with its valid proof of registration and insurance.
  3. Provide your:
    1. Regular MI driver’s license.
    2. Commercial learner’s permit.
    3. Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MCSA-5876) or a medical waiver.
  4. Be prepared to pay your testing fee, which varies by provider.

The SOS CDL Manual offers a guide to your CDL skills exam. Once you pass your test, you’ll receive your MI commercial driver’s license.

Michigan SOS Handbooks

Michigan CDL Handbook

Michigan CDL Handbook

Michigan CDL Handbook
Michigan Driver's License Handbook

Michigan Driver's License Handbook

Michigan Driver's License Handbook
Michigan Motorcycle Handbook

Michigan Motorcycle Handbook

Michigan Motorcycle Handbook