- Before beginning on-road instruction, you must complete at least 4 hours of class.
- At least 3 hours of on-road driving instruction must be completed before the final class. Remaining time should be completed within 3 weeks of the final class.
- Completed all required Segment 1 class instruction hours
- Completed all required on-road driving instruction hours and required observation
- Passed the written driver knowledge exam
- Completed all required Segment 2 class instruction hours
- Passed the Segment 2 written driver knowledge exam
- From the issuance of your Level 1 license, completed and logged a total of 50 hours of supervised practice driving, including a minimum of 10 hours at night, with a licensed adult aged 21 or older
- At least 14 years and 8 months old
- Actively enrolled and attending a Segment 1 course
- Can only be used to practice driving under the constant supervision of your licensed parent/legal guardian
- Permit is only valid while completing Segment 1
The Level 1 learner’s license is the first of three licensing categories in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.
A Level 1 learner’s license allows you to practice driving with a licensed parent/legal guardian or designated adult who is at least 21 years old.
- Complete and pass Segment 1 of driver’s education
- Receive a Driver Education Certificate of Completion for Segment 1
- Meet the state requirements for quality of vision and physical and mental standards that are mandated for operating a vehicle
- Driver Education Certificate of Completion for Segment 1
- Proof of legal presence
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of identification
- Proof of Michigan residency (2 documents)
A Level 2 intermediate license allows you to drive independently, without a parent/legal guardian or authorized adult, under certain restrictions.
- Be at least 16 years old
- Completed and passed Segment 2 of driver’s education
- Completed and logged at least 50 hours of supervised practice driving (at least 10 hours at night) with an authorized, licensed adult aged 21 or older, since the issuance of your Level 1 license.
- Held a Level 1 license for at least 6 months
- Passed the on-road driving skills test
- Not been at-fault in a traffic accident, received a citation or license sanction, or been convicted of a driving-related violation for at least 90 days before your on-road driving skills test
- Drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- Drive with more than 1 passenger under the age of 21 (unless they are an immediate family member)
The Level 3 license is the last licensing category of GDL and expires when you turn 18.
- Be at least 17 years old
- Held a Level 2 license for at least 6 months
- Not been at-fault in a traffic accident, received a citation or license sanction, or been convicted of a driving-related violation for at least 1 consecutive year
All drivers age-out of GDL when they turn 18 years old.
Drivers with a valid Level 2 or Level 3 license will be issued a standard operator’s license (standard driver’s license) at 18.
- At least 18 years old
- Completed and passed all permitting and testing requirements (whether through GDL or the license application process)
Enrolling in driver’s education
- Class size: Segment 1 and 2 courses are limited in size and can’t exceed more than 36 students. This requirement is waived for educational presentations for up to 1 hour during Segment 2.
- Classroom instruction: While in Segment 1, the in-class instruction time is limited to 2 hours or less per day.
- On-road instruction: Your teen is required to complete at least 6 hours of on-road driving instruction with their driver’s education provider. If one is provided, your teen may log up to 2 hours of on-road instruction at a provider practice range, however, the remaining time must be completed on public roads. Students are also required to complete 4 hours of driving observation with the provider and other students.
To enroll in Segment 2, your teen may need to present their Segment 1 Certificate of Completion, Level 1 license, and driving log or parent certification of driving hours (30 hours with 2 hours of night driving).
Locate a state-certified driver’s education provider under the Businesses Services section of Online Services. Select the link for “Driver Education and Testing Businesses”. You will be routed to a new page, where you can select the option to search for providers, classrooms, and instructors.
Supervised driving requirements and practice
You are responsible for supervising your teen while they practice driving or must authorize another licensed adult who is at least 21 years old to supervise driving practice with your teen. While your supervision is strongly encouraged as much as possible, there are segments of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) process when it is required:
- Parent Driving Permit – If your teen intends to practice driving outside of the required on-road driving instruction while they are enrolled and actively attending Segment 1, you must obtain a Parent Driving Permit from their driver’s education provider. Only you are allowed to supervise their driving practice and it’s required that you have a Parent Driving Permit to do so.
- Level 1 license: 30 hours – Your teen must log a minimum of 30 hours of driving practice, that includes at least 2 hours of driving at night. You must be in the vehicle to supervise your teen’s driving practice. You are able to designate a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old to supervise if you are not able to be present. Your teen must complete at least 30 hours of driving with the included night hours before enrolling in Segment 2.
- Before Level 2 license: 50 total hours – Your teen must log a minimum of 50 hours of driving practice, that includes at least 10 hours of driving at night. You must be in the vehicle to supervise your teen’s driving practice. You are able to designate a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old to supervise if you are not able to be present. Your teen must complete at least 50 hours of driving with the included night hours before scheduling their driving skills test that is required for the Level 2 license.
After your teen graduates to their Level 2 license, you will need to supervise if they are driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. or with more than one passenger under the age of 21 (unless they’re driving to/from their place of employment or an authorized activity).
Throughout GDL and after they turn 18, it’s important that your teen exercises safe driving habits and limits distractions in their vehicle. Under state law, it’s illegal to use a cell phone while driving if you are under the age of 18 (Kelsey’s Law - MCL 257.602c). Texting while driving is illegal for drivers of all ages and license types.
Authorization
While your teen may be the one behind the wheel, you hold the keys as the parent/legal guardian. Your written authorization is required for their enrollment in Segment 1 and 2, and on their application for a Level 1 learner’s license. Anyone who supervises your teen while they practice driving must also have a valid driver’s license, be at least 21 years old, and receive your prior authorization.
You are required to visit a Secretary of State office with your teen when they apply for a Level 1 learner’s license. At this time, you can provide your valid, unexpired driver’s license or ID as proof of identification for your teen.
You may provide two Michigan residency documents with your name and address on behalf of your teen, if you provide other legal documentation proving that you are their parent/legal guardian (i.e.: birth certificate, adoption paperwork, court order, etc.).
Applying for a first-time license at 18 or older (Choose tab)
Required documents Temporary instruction permit (TIP) Driving skills test Congratulations!To apply for a Michigan driver’s license at age 18 or older, you will need to:
- Complete and pass the written driver knowledge exam and a vision exam at a Secretary of State office.
- Present all required documents and take a photo for your driver’s license.
- Practice driving with a licensed adult for at least 30 days, using the Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) issued to you at your Secretary of State office visit.
- Schedule and pass an on-road skills test with a driver testing business.
In Michigan, driving skills test services are provided entirely by a privatized driver testing program. This program utilizes a statewide network of approved public and private driver testing businesses that employ examiners authorized by the Department of State to conduct driver skills tests. Fees charged by testing organizations are not regulated by the department. Fees and policies vary.
- Search for Driver Testing Business Locations.
- Pick a county for your search using the "Required" drop-down arrow.
- You can increase your choices by including neighboring counties in your search.
To be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) in order to practice driving, you must pass the following at a Secretary of State office:
- Written driver knowledge exam
- Road signs test
- Vision exam
A $25 temporary instruction permit fee will be due at the time of your visit. Your TIP is valid for 180 days. If it expires before you take your driving skills test, you will need to apply for a new TIP and take the vision and knowledge tests again.
Prepare for the written driver knowledge exam by reviewing What Every Driver Must Know and the Driving Skills Test Study Guide.
It is strongly recommended that you schedule your office visit in advance. Tests are offered at all Secretary of State offices up to one hour before offices close.
Once you have passed the written and vision tests, present all required documents at a Secretary of State office:
- Proof of legal presence (1 document)
- Proof of Social Security number (1 document)
- Proof of identity (1 document)
- Proof of Michigan residency (2 documents)
After your documents have been reviewed and verified by Secretary of State staff, you will take a photo for your license.
At your visit, you will be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP). A TIP is valid for 180 days and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult or a certified driver education instructor. If your TIP expires before you take your driving skills test, you will need to apply for a new TIP and take the vision and knowledge tests again.
You must practice for at least 30 days before taking your driving skills test. If you have a valid foreign driver's license, a license from another state or were previously licensed in Michigan, the 30-day practice period may be waived.
You are required to practice driving with a licensed adult for at least 30 days after your TIP is issued. After the 30-day practice period, contact a driver testing business to take your driving skills test.
Upon passing the driving skills test, the Michigan Department of State will mail your driver’s license to the address recorded on your TIP. You may also print a copy of your temporary paper license from your online Secretary of State account to use until your driver’s license arrives in the mail.
If this is your first license, you will be on probation for three years. Some medical conditions could mean restrictions on your license.
Additionally, if you have temporary legal presence in the U.S., you will be issued a limited-term driver's license. The limited-term license is valid for only as long as you are authorized to remain in the country.
Congratulations! You have successfully met all the requirements for obtaining a Michigan driver's license. You may visit online services to verify you license has been issued and print out the Temporary License Permit until you receive your license in the mail. If your license has not been issued you may visit a Secretary of State office and bring your skills test certificate, TIP, and appropriate identification documents, such as your certified birth certificate. If this is your first license, you will be on probation for three years. Some medical conditions could mean restrictions on your license.
If you have temporary legal presence in the U.S., you will be issued a limited-term driver's license. The limited-term license is valid for only as long as you are authorized to remain in the country.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
As a new driver, will I start with a probationary license?Yes. New drivers, including teen drivers under Graduated Driver Licensing, (GDL) are placed on probation for a minimum of three years. The probationary period is a way for the Secretary of State to monitor the driving performance of new drivers. Although probation is a separate program from GDL, the objective of both programs is to help inexperienced drivers reduce their crash risk and drive safely.
Is it true teen drivers have the highest crash rates?Yes. In fact, crash rates are highest during the first six months of licensure without supervision. The major reason for crashes among newly licensed drivers is the failure to accurately spot and react to potential risks. The most critical time for parents to be involved with young drivers is during the first six months of unsupervised driving.
How do I convert my out-of-state driver's license to a Michigan license?Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, proof of a valid Social Security number, U.S. citizenship or legal presence if not a U.S. citizen, identity and at least two documents establishing Michigan residency to a Secretary of State office. You will be given a vision test and your out-of-state driver's license will be converted to a Michigan driver's license. All documentation is subject to Department of State approval. In some cases, document approval may not occur in the same day and may require an additional visit.
Even though I’m not a teen driver, do I still have a probationary license?Yes. All new Michigan drivers, regardless of age, are probationary for a minimum of three years if they have not been previously licensed. The probationary period is a way for the Secretary of State to monitor the driving performance of new drivers.
If I follow these steps, can my driver's license still be denied?- A physical or mental disability
- Visual impairment
- Failing a written, road sign or driving skills test
- Refusing to be photographed
- Refusing to sign the application
- Failing to provide a valid residential address
- Two or more moving violations on your record within the preceding three years (original license only)
If you currently have a hazardous materials endorsement, federal rules require you to take the hazardous materials written test every time you renew the endorsement. You must present a Federal Security Threat Assessment letter from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and proof of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence to renew a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement. A vision test must be passed. No other CDL written tests are required unless you want to upgrade the group designator, remove an air brake restriction, or add a new endorsement when renewing your license.
Where can I find more information about CDL licensure?More information about CDL licensure is available at the following Web sites:
TSA is the federal agency responsible for administering the portions of the USA PATRIOT Act related to federal background record checks for hazardous materials drivers.
- Pre-register for a background record check,
- Inquire about the status of BRC results, or
- For other TSA questions
The UES' call center hours of operation are from 8:00am to 10pm Eastern, Monday through Friday.
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations information can be found at www.ecfr.gov.
The CFR provides the legal authority and basis for requirements for a federal background record check.
My temporary license isn’t showing up in my online Secretary of State account, even though I passed my on-road driving skills test. What should I do?
- On-road skills test certificate
- Your Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP)
- Proof of identification, such as your certified birth certificate
- Your place of employment
- School (private, public, or home school) or a school-sanctioned event or activity
- Sporting event or activity, or extracurricular event or activity, even if it’s not school-sanctioned but is part of an official sports league or association, or an official extracurricular club. Or if it is paid for as a service offered by a business specializing in those events or activities, or training for those events or activities.
- Vocational instruction class or program offered by a college, community college, nonprofit association, unit of government, or by a business specializing in vocational training.
- Event or activity sponsored by a religious organization that is tax-exempt under federal law.
- Emergency transportation of an individual in need of immediate emergency care or personal protection to a health care professional, hospital, police station, domestic violence shelter, or public safety location.
What happens if I receive a ticket or conviction for a driving or licensing violation or am at-fault in a traffic accident during GDL?
If you receive a ticket or conviction while holding a GDL Level 1 or Level 2 license, it will impact your eligibility to move to the next licensing level and may extend the minimum time you will be required to maintain each licensing level. If you are found at-fault in a traffic accident, receive a citation or license sanction, or are convicted of a driving-related violation in the 3 months prior to scheduling, you will not be able to schedule the on-road driving skills test for the Level 2 license.
Once you receive full-driving privileges with a Level 3 or standard operator’s license, you, and all new drivers, will be on probation for a minimum of three years. If you receive a ticket or conviction during your probation period, you may receive a letter of contact from the Michigan Department of State for each violation. Depending on the violation, the contacts can range from warning letters to a driver assessment reexamination. If you receive multiple violations the contacts will progress in severity in response to continued unsafe driving. At a driver assessment reexamination, your driving privileges may be restricted and/or suspended.
You must complete the last ten months of probation without any unsafe driving events, such as traffic convictions, at-fault crashes, or suspensions. Most alcohol laws relating to "zero tolerance" or "minor in possession" require that a driver's license be suspended upon conviction. If an unsafe driving event occurs in the last ten months of probation, the probationary period is extended until you are able to complete 10 consecutive months without an incident.
Note: Points placed on your driver record during probation or post probation are not automatically erased when probation ends. Most points remain on your driving record for two years from the conviction date.
