How licensing works in Michigan
The Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) licenses drivers. Teens move through three levels, and driver education comes in two segments.
| Level | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 learner's license | 14 years 9 months | Finish Segment 1 of driver education. Drive only with supervision. Hold at least 6 months. Log 50 hours (10 at night). |
| Level 2 intermediate license | 16 | Finish Segment 2 of driver education. Restricted driving 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. No more than one passenger under 21 (family excepted). |
| Level 3 full license | 17 | After at least 6 months with Level 2. |
New drivers are most likely to crash in their first months of driving alone, and night driving and carrying friends make that risk higher. Graduated licensing rules give you time to build skill in safer conditions, so you gain experience before the limits come off.
Driver education
Drivers under 18 take driver education in two parts. Segment 1 comes before the Level 1 learner's license. Segment 2 comes before the Level 2 license. Applicants who are 18 or older do not need driver education.
The Michigan knowledge test
Michigan's knowledge test covers traffic laws and road signs. The official study booklet is called What Every Driver Must Know, published by the Michigan Department of State. Your driver education program and the Department of State can tell you when and where you will take the test.
- Read What Every Driver Must Know from start to finish.
- Learn every road sign by shape and color.
- Practice with these questions until you score 90% or more.
- Check the Michigan Department of State website for current test locations and documents.
Rules specific to Michigan
Phones
Michigan bans drivers from holding a phone while driving, and texting is banned for all drivers. Drivers with a Level 1 or Level 2 license have an extra cell phone restriction, and police can stop them for it.
Child passengers
- Children under 8 and under 57 inches tall must use a child restraint.
- Children under 4 ride in the rear seat if there is one.
- An adult seat belt is allowed for ages 8 to 15, or once a child is 57 inches tall.
Drunk driving (OWI)
- Penalties increase at a BAC of 0.17% (high BAC).
- A first offense brings a 30 to 180 day administrative suspension, with limited privileges possible after 45 days.
- Ignition interlocks are mandatory for high-BAC and repeat convictions.
Speed limits
| Road | Cars | Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Rural interstates | 70 mph (75 on select segments) | 65 mph |
| Urban interstates | 70 mph | 60 mph |
Motorcycles
Riders under 21 must always wear a helmet.
Key numbers to remember
Many test questions ask for an exact age, time or number. Use this table as a quick review before you practice.
| Rule | Number |
|---|---|
| Level 1 age | 14 years 9 months |
| Level 1 holding period | 6 months |
| Practice hours | 50, including 10 at night |
| Level 2 age | 16 |
| Level 2 night limit | 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. |
| Level 2 passengers | 1 under 21 (family excepted) |
| Level 3 age | 17 |
| High-BAC level | 0.17% |
Test tips
- Read What Every Driver Must Know.
- Learn the Michigan numbers: 14 years 9 months, 6 months, 50 and 10 hours, 16, 17, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Do these practice tests until you score 90% or more.
- Review road signs every day.
On test day
Give yourself plenty of time on the day of your test. Get a good night's sleep, eat something before you go, and arrive early so you do not feel rushed.
- Bring every document on the official checklist, plus your glasses or contact lenses if you need them to see.
- Turn off your phone and put it away before the test starts.
- Read each question all the way through, then read every answer before you choose.
- If you are not sure, first rule out the answers you know are wrong.
- Change an answer only if you are sure you misread the question.
If you do not pass, do not give up. Look at the topics you missed, study those parts of the handbook again, and take more practice tests before you try again.
Keep studying
This guide covers rules that are special to Michigan. The general rules of the road, such as right-of-way, turns, lane markings, parking and sharing the road, are in the national US driving study guide. Study both before your test.