Michigan

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

Once you've passed your road skills exam, the process will differ slightly based on whether you're a minor with a Level 1 Learner's License or you're an adult with a temporary instruction permit (TIP).

If you have a hard card Level 1 license, it will automatically become a Level 2 Intermediate Licence after you pass your road test. There's no need to revisit an SOS branch to convert your license.

If you have a paper TIP, you'll need to visit the SOS with your permit to convert it to a full driver's license. Bring your proofs of identity and residency plus payment for your licensing fee.

You can apply for your license at any SOS branch office.

Examples of proof of legal presence include your original birth certificate or your valid U.S. passport.

Michigan requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to obtain a learner's permit before taking the road test and applying for a driver's license in the state. For adults, this is called a temporary instruction permit (TIP)

To apply for your Michigan TIP:

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.

Once you practice driving and pass your road test, head back to the SOS and bring your TIP, along with your proofs of identity above and your proof of your successful road test.

Before applying, you'll need to make a road test appointment and 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.

After passing your road test, you shouldn't need to revisit the SOS to supply any other documents. If you do, however, bring the proofs of identity and residency you submitted to obtain your Level 1 Learner's License.

To apply for a MI Level 2 Intermediate License, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have earned your Level 1 Learner's License.
• Have completed both Segment 1 and Segment 2 of your driver's education course.
• Complete your required behind-the-wheel practice hours, logged on the Supervised Driving Log.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

Michigan requires all new drivers, regardless of age, to get a learner's permit and hold it for at least 30 days before being eligible to obtain a MI driver's license. However, there are no minimum practice hours. To apply for a license, you must:

• Have earned your temporary instruction permit and practiced with it to feel confident behind the wheel.
• Have held your permit for at least 30 days.
• Pass the driving skills road test.

You can obtain your license once you're at least 16 years old and you have:

• Earned your Level 1 Learner's License or temporary instruction permit, depending on your age.
• Completed Segment 2 of your driver education course and your behind-the-wheel practice hours, if you're under 18 years old.

You may be eligible for a restricted license, which allows you to drive solely for specific purposes like education or employment. These are ordered by the court, not the Secretary of State.

Requirements will vary based on what kind of restriction will apply to you. All applicants will have to:

• Attend a court hearing.
• Bring the applicable documents based on your specific circumstances.
• Pay any applicable fees.

You can request a hardship license at your suspension hearing. At your hearing, be prepared to provide any necessary proofs of hardship, including letters from your school or employer, for example.

At your hearing, the judge will determine if there are any other steps to complete or documents to provide in order to get your hardship license.

Your restriction period will vary based on a number of factors, including your specific violation or reason for restriction, and whether it's a first offense or you have a repeated history of offenses. The judge at your hearing will determine how long your hardship license will be required.

No. The knowledge test is a prerequisite to obtain a learner's permit. Once you have passed the knowledge test, you do not need to take it again to get your license.

You should be prepared to do the following during your road test:

• Properly adjust the seat, mirrors, steering wheel, and seat belts.
• Operate vehicle equipment such as windshield wipers and washers, heater and defroster, parking brake, headlights, and the horn.
• Respond to traffic control signs and signals.
• Interact with other motorists (e.g., yielding right-of-way correctly, responding to emergency vehicles).
• Back up and park your vehicle.
• Display proficiency in basic driving skills such as stopping and turning.
• Recognize any warning lights that may appear on your instrument panel.
• Execute other driving maneuvers as the inspector requires.

The SOS offers a full study guide to prepare you for your road test. You should also study the MI Driver Manual for a rundown of what you can expect.

A licensed driver may bring you to your driving test. If you're under 18 years old, your parent, guardian, or designated supervisor must also be present throughout your road skills exam.

The vehicle you use for your road test must meet the following standards:

• It should be appropriate for the license class for which you are applying.
• It should have a valid registration certificate.
• It should have proof of insurance.
• It should comply with MI laws regarding tinted windows.
• It should not have an Ignition Interlock Device (unless you are required by law to use one).

The road test will not be conducted if the vehicle is deemed to be unsafe. Common reasons why vehicles are deemed unsafe include the following:

• The windows are illegally tinted.
• The brake lights or turn signals are defective.
• The tires are worn or damaged.
• One or more lug nuts are missing.
• A seatbelt is defective.
• The speedometer is defective.
• The brakes are defective.
• Other equipment is defective or missing.

Road tests are administered at SOS-approved independent exam centers throughout the state. You must schedule an appointment in advance. The Secretary of State provides a testing business locator to help you find a facility near you.

Level 1, 2, and 3 License: $25

Road Test: Varies by provider

Duplicate License: $9

The Michigan Driver's Manual is available online.

If you're under 18 years old and you have a Level 1 Learner's License, you'll obtain your driver's license at your road testing location when it automatically converts to a Level 2 Intermediate License. If you're a new driver 18 years old or older, you'll obtain your unrestricted license at your local SOS branch office.

Level 1, 2, and 3 License: $25

Road Test: Varies by provider

Duplicate License: $9

No.

No. If you're worried about passing the knowledge test, try taking some of our free practice tests to help you prepare.

If you are under 18, your permit exam will be part of your Segment 1 state test to earn your certificate of completion. Your parent/guardian won't be present for that exam. If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need anyone to accompany you for your temporary instruction permit (TIP) test.

Your permit test itself will be part of your Segment 1 final exam. Once you pass your state exam, you'll need to bring the following to the SOS to receive your Level 1 Learner's License:

• Proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number (or ineligibility).
  • Michigan residency (at least 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.
• Your Driver's Ed certificate of completion.
• Payment for 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 be at least 14 years old and 9 months to apply for a Michigan Level 1 Learner's License.

Obtaining an instruction permit in Michigan varies based on whether you are a minor or an adult.

If you're under 18 years old:

You must first have passed Segment 1 of your driver education course, which includes a state exam that qualifies you for your Level 1 Learner's License. Once you've completed Segment 1, make an appointment online. At your appointment, you'll need to:

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.
      2. 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.
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.

If you're 18 years old or older:

Make an appointment with the SOS for your temporary instruction permit (TIP) exam. At your appointment, you'll need to:

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.
      2. 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.
3. Pass a vision screening and written permit exam.
4. Have your photo taken.
5. Pay the $25 license fee.

Some examples of potential questions include:

Q: Under Kelsey's Law, teen drivers in MI are not allowed to:

1. Drink and drive
2. Use a cell phone and drive
3. Listen to radio and drive

Q: The speed limit on most highways in Michgian, unless otherwise indicated, is:

1. 55 MPH
2. 65 MPH
3. 75 MPH

Q: When making a right-hand turn at a red light, who has the right of way?

1. The driver making the right-hand turn
2. Other vehicles on the through-road

Find more sample questions on a free Michigan practice test.

Yes, if you are under 18 years old. You must first complete Segment 1 of your driver education course before applying for a Level 1 Learner's License.

The Michigan Driver's Manual has everything you need to pass your permit test. It's also a good idea to use a free practice test to get ready for the testing format and prepare yourself for the actual experience of taking the exam.

Yes, your vision test occurs during your permit application.

No, a physical exam isn't required for a MI permit.

If you are under 18, your permit exam will be part of your Segment 1 state test to earn your certificate of completion. Your parent/guardian won't be present for that exam. If you are 18 years old or older, you do not need anyone to accompany you for your temporary instruction permit (TIP) test.

You can contact the SOS online, or call your local branch office.

You can apply once you're 14 years and 9 month years old.

If you hold a Level 1 Learner's License or temporary instruction permit (TIP):

• You must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old with you.
• Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.
• You may NOT use a cell phone while behind the wheel.

If you hold 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.

• You must have a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old with you.
• Your supervisor must sit in the passenger seat next to you at all times.
• You may NOT use a cell phone while behind the wheel.

You'll need to complete the Driver License and ID Card Application (form DE-36). This is only available in person at the SOS.

To get your learner's permit, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision exam. To get your driver's license, you must also pass an on-road driving skills test.

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.

You must complete Segment 1 before applying for your Level 1 Learner's License, and you must complete Segment 2 before applying for your Level 2 Intermediate License.

If you're under 18 years old, you must have completed and passed Segment 1 of your driver education course. If you're 18 years old or older, there are no prerequisites to obtaining a Michigan instruction permit.

To apply for your MI learner's license/instruction permit, you must:

• Be at least 14 years and 9 months old.
• Complete Segment 1 of a driver's education course, if you're under 18 years old.
• Submit a completed Driver License and ID Card Application (form DE-36). This is only available in person at the SOS.
  • If you're under 18 years old, your parent/guardian must sign your application to provide their consent.
• Submit proof of your:
  • Identity and legal presence.
  • Social Security number.
  • Michigan residency.
    • 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.
• Pass a vision screening and a knowledge test.
• Pay the $25 fee.

Yes, you may be asked to repeat your vision exam if your renewal notice states that you MUST renew in person. Otherwise, you will not have to take another vision test.

Yes, you can renew by mail if your notice states that you're eligible to do so. Fill out and sign your renewal notice and include payment for your renewal fee.

Most drivers can renew online, and the SOS highly encourages you to do so if you're eligible. Your renewal notice will state whether you are eligible for online renewal.

To renew online, you do not need any specific documents, but you will need to provide information pertaining to your identity and license status, plus valid payment information. This may include:

• Your first and last name as it appears on your current driver's license.
• Your date of birth.
• Your street address.
• Your driver's license number.
• Your Social Security number.

You'll also need payment for the $18 renewal fee.

To renew by mail, you will need:

• Your renewal notice.
• Payment for the $18 renewal fee.

To renew in person, you will need:

• Your renewal notice.
• Your current driver's license, plus any additional identity documents stated on your notice.
• Any glasses or contact lenses, if applicable.
• Payment for the $18 renewal fee.

You can renew your MI driver's license online, by mail, or in person. Your renewal notice will state which option(s) you're eligible for.

Driver's licenses in Michigan expire every 4 years. You can renew it up to 1 year before its expiration date.

License renewals cost $18 in Michigan.

If you are under 18 years old, your parent/guardian MUST be in the car with you and the examiner during your driving skills exam. Otherwise, no passengers are allowed during the road test.

You can take the knowledge exam as many times as needed to pass. You'll need to wait at least 24 hours between retests.

Yes.

Have your glasses or contact lenses, if you need them, as well as all of your required proofs of identity and residency, plus payment for your $25 license fee.

The Michigan permit exam will test you on topics such as road signs, state driving laws, right-of-way procedures, driving safety requirements, and more. You can find examples of topics in the Michigan Driver's Manual, as well as on free practice tests to help you prepare for your exam.

Yes, appointments are required to take your permit test, even if you opt to take your exam online. At your appointment, the SOS agent will either administer your test or issue instructions on how to take it at home.

Check your local branch office's hours to see if an SOS branch near you has any Saturday appointment openings.

Yes all new drivers, regardless of age, must obtain a permit before getting a full MI driver's license.

Find a state-approved testing location online, then schedule your appointment through that facility's available methods (usually online or by phone).

Depending on whether you're a minor or an adult, your written exam will either be part of your Segment 1 driver education course, or you'll take it in person at your local SOS branch. After passing your MI permit exam, the next steps differ by your age:

If you're under 18 years old, you'll need to:

• Make an appointment with the SOS and bring all required documents to obtain your Level 1 Learner's License.
  • Hold your Level 1 Learner's License for at least 3 months before starting Segment 2 of Driver's Ed.
  • Begin your required supervised driving practice hours.
    • Your parent or guardian will need to complete the Supervised Driving Log, either via the RoadReady app or the printed log sheets.

Once the above requirements have been met, you can take your road skills exam for your Level 2 Intermediate License.

If you're over 18 years old, you'll need to practice driving with your temporary instruction permit (TIP) for at least 30 days until you feel confident enough behind the wheel to take your road test. During this time, you must be supervised by a licensed driver at least 21 years old. After 30 days, you can schedule your road test to obtain your unrestricted driver's license.

If you're under 18 years old, your permit exam will be part of your Segment 1 driver education state exam. If you're 18 years old or older, you can take your permit test at your local Secretary of State branch.

If you fail your first driving test attempt, you'll need to wait at least 24 hours before you can test again. Practice the skills you failed with your supervising driver until you feel comfortable coming back for you a retest.

You'll need to wait at least 24 hours before you're eligible to retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you fail your exam, you'll receive instructions on how and when you'll be allowed to retest.

If you're simply visiting Michigan, you can drive with your out-of-state license throughout your stay, as long as you maintain residency elsewhere. If you establish residency within the state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Michigan driver's license as soon as possible there is no grace period.

No, you will need to exchange your out-of-state permit for a Michigan learner's permit.

You do not need to take a road test if your out-of-state unrestricted driver's license is still valid/unexpired. You may be required to take a road test if your out-of-state license has expired or if you're a teen driver with different graduated driver license requirements in your previous state.

You must obtain a Michigan license immediately after establishing residency in the state there is no grace period.

You must earn a 70% or better on the Segment 1 state exam to earn your Level 1 Learner's License.

A Michigan enhanced driver's license functions as a land/sea passport to specific countries. With it, you may use your driver's license to cross international borders to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean nations, rather than needing your U.S. passport.

If you already have a MI driver's license and want to convert it to an enhanced one, visit your local SOS branch office with:

• Your MI driver's license.
• Proof of your:
  • Social Security number.
  • Identity and U.S. citizenship.
  • Michigan residency.
    • The SOS offers a guide to acceptable documents for an enhanced license.
• Payment for the $45 enhanced driver's license fee.

If you've never before been licensed in Michigan, you'll need to follow the application steps for first-time drivers based on your age (minor vs. adult). The process will be the same to obtain an enhanced driver's license, but you'll need to submit specific documents for your proofs of identity, and you'll pay the $45 license fee instead of $25 for a standard license.