Michigan Teen License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Drivers License
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To get a driver’s license in Michigan, you must contact the Secretary of State to apply for it. The process will differ for first-time drivers who reside in Michigan as compared to one transferring a learner’s permit form a different state.

In Michigan, a first-time driver applying for a learner’s permit must start with the Driver’s Ed course. After completing the requirements, the next step will lead to a provisional license and then a Michigan driver’s license.

Michigan Teen Driver’s License Requirements

You must have a certain age to apply for a license in Michigan. For teens, a Michigan teen driver’s license age must be 14 years and nine months or older. Anyone younger will be asked to re-apply at the required age. In addition to the age requirement, documents such as a birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residency must be shown. Now, you can start Level 1 – getting a learner’s permit.

Getting Level 1 – Michigan Teen Learner’s Permit

Michigan Driver’s Ed – Segment 1

To begin this stage, you must meet the age requirement. Next, the course must be administered by a public or private high school or a state-license drive’s education school. The course will include:

  • 24 hours of classroom instruction
    • Maximum of two hours per day
  • 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction
    • Maximum of one hour per day
  • DMV written test

 

  • You must complete at least four hours of classroom instruction before you begin driving instruction.
  • You must complete three hours of driving instruction before the last classroom instruction.

Once you complete Michigan Driver’s Ed Segment 1, you can now proceed to Level 1. You will receive a Driver’s Ed completion certificate.

Getting Level 1 – Michigan Learner’s Permit

You are now on your way to get your Michigan teen driver’s license. You may visit the Secretary of State’s office to apply for your learner’s permit. Accompanied by a parent or guardian, you must provide the following:

  • Your birth certificate
  • Social Security card
  • Segment 1 Driver’s Ed certificate
  • Two documents to prove your Michigan residency

You must complete the Michigan driver’s license application and have your parent or guardian signed it. The SOS will now issue a Level 1 learner’s permit to you.

Driving Requirements

With your learner’s permit, you can start driving. However, before you get on the road, there are driving requirements you must abide by. As a new driver, you lack driving experience. So, when you get into a car, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years or older and with a valid driver’s license.

You can continue to gain experience on the road before you decide to take the Driver’s Ed Segment 2. Before you apply for Segment 2, you should have these minimum requirements from Segment 1:

  • Complete a minimum of 30 hours of behind the wheel training
    • At least 2 hours at night
  • Have your driving permit for three months

Michigan Driver’s Ed Segment 2 Requirements:

  • Complete 50 hours of behind the wheel training
    • At least 10 hours at night
  • Have your driving permit for six months
  • Segment 2 DMV written test

To record your driving hours, download a record sheet here. Produce it when applying for Level 2.

Getting Level 2 – Michigan Intermediate License

To begin Level 2, you should be at least 16 years old and complete both segments from the Driver’s Ed course. Also, have your learner’s permit for six months before you schedule the road test to get your Michigan Intermediate or Provisional License.

To commence the process, submit to the SOS testing facility the following:

  • Proof of the 50 hours behind the wheel practice (driving record report)
  • Segment 2 certificate
  • Level 1 Learner’s License
  • Testing fee payment

You will get a test date for which to appear and take your road test. The test will include basic control skills and on the road during traffic. Once you obtain a passing mark, you can go to the SOS office to get your Intermediate License. You must provide:

  • Your driver skills test certificate
  • Proper identification
  • Social Security Card
  • $25 license fee

Level 2 Driving Restrictions

Even with a Michigan Provisional License, you are still required by law to drive with supervision. The accompanying adult must have a valid Michigan driver’s license, not a Permit or Provisional License. You must not drive:

  • Between 10 pm and 5 am except when:
    • To or from employment
    • To or from an authorized activity such as school
    • With a parent/guardian or someone with a valid Michigan driver’s license
  • With more than one passenger under 21 years old except:
    • When the passengers are your immediate family
    • You are going to and from work
    • With a parent/guardian or someone with a valid Michigan driver’s license

Level 3 – Michigan Driver’s License

Once you turn 17 years old, have your Level 2 Provisional License for a minimum of 6 months, and have not committed any violations or accidents you will earn your Michigan driver’s license. The SOS will remove all the driving restrictions that were linked to the previous driving levels. You will receive your new Michigan driver’s license in the mail.