Michigan Learner’s Permit: A First-Time Teen Driver Guide

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Are you ready to start driving? To get a Michigan learner’s permit, you must comply with the rules set by the Secretary of State (SOS) for all new drivers. So before you get your permit, you must complete two segments of the Driver’s Ed program.

Once you complete your Driver’s Ed segments, you can visit the SOS office with a parent and provide your Driver’s Ed certificate and additional documents. You will be exempt from taking the written test. Out of state residents who will transfer a learner’s permit must complete the written test.

Michigan Driver’s Ed Program

The Michigan Driver’s Ed program is divided into two parts. To get accepted into the program, you must be 14 years and 9 months old. Now, to begin the first segment of your Driver’s Ed, you must do:

  • 24 hours of class instruction
  • 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction
  • 4 hours of observation time in a training vehicle
  • Segment 1 written test

After completing Segment 1, you must wait up to three months before you can begin Segment 2. Segment 2 will comprise of:

  • 6 hours of additional classroom instruction
  • Segment 2 written test

Now that you have completed the Michigan Driver’s Ed Program Segment 1, you and your parent can visit the SOS office to apply for your Michigan learners permit.

Applying for a Michigan Driver’s Permit

At the SOS office and accompanied with a parent, you must provide:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, school ID)
  • Social Security Card
  • Two documents for proof of residency
  • Segment 1 Driver’s Ed certificate

Michigan Learner’s Permit Written Test

If you completed the Michigan Driver’s Ed Segment 1 test, you are not required to take the written test. The certificate will be proof of completing. However, if you have an out-of-state learner’s permit and will transfer it for a Michigan learner’s permit, you must take the written test.

The written test consists of 80 questions and you must score 80% or higher to pass. Once you’ve passed the test, you will receive the level 1 learner’s license. You must have it for three months or more before you move on to level 2 of the Driver’s Ed program.

Michigan Learner’s Permit Driving Restrictions

There is only one restriction you must comply with to prevent losing your privilege. When driving you must be accompanied by another adult who is at least 21 years old and possess a valid Michigan driver’s license.

Michigan Driver’s License

Once you have met the requirements for both Level 1 and 2 of the Driver’s Ed Program, you can now move on to full Michigan driver’s license. After turning 17 years old and held the Level 2 provisional license for at least 6 months, all restrictions will be removed and you will have your full Michigan driver’s license. Unless you have violations or involved in an accident, will your full Michigan license will not be given.

Michigan Learner’s Permit Car Insurance

Level 1 Car Insurance

Teens with a Level 1 license can be covered by the current insurance owned by their parent. Otherwise, a teen must get his or her insurance coverage.

Level 2 Car Insurance

Teen drivers must provide proof of insurance to begin Level 2. Like Level 1, the insurance can be with parents or the teen has his or her insurance.