How to Get a Driver's License in Michigan
Having a driver’s license gives you the right to drive legally on the streets of Michigan. It proves that you are knowledgeable about the traffic laws and driving practices of Michigan. It is also a validation that you are skilled enough to maneuver your car to avoid unwanted road accidents.
There are various ways to obtain a Michigan driver’s license, depending on the applicant’s age. If you’re 18 years old or above, you need to pass a series of tests to get a permit. On the other hand, there is a separate process for acquiring a license for individuals under 18.
Step-by-Step Guide on Getting a Michigan Driver’s License for Adults
For individuals 18 years old and above, obtaining a license is much easier. The only crucial part that they might encounter along the way is the examination and the skills test. If you’re an adult and you want to acquire a driver’s license, you can follow this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare for the Driver’s Test
The first thing you might want to do is prepare for the written test that you can take at any State office in Michigan. Take an online driver’s practice test to familiarize yourself with the types of questions you will encounter on the actual test.
Step 2: Pass the Driver’s Knowledge Test
One effective way to ace the exam is to review the SOS booklet, “What Every Driver Must Know,” which covers most of the essential information needed to pass the test.
Step 3: Practice Driving Skills with a Licensed Adult
Once you pass the exam, you’ll get a permit to practice driving with an adult for up to 180 days. The Temporary Instruction Permit is the document that you need to be eligible to take the driver’s skills test.
Step 4: Pass the Driver’s Skills Test
Only after 30 days of permitted practice driving can you take the driver’s skills test. You can take the skills test at any testing organization that the State approves. Once you pass the driver’s skills test, you will be given another certificate.
Step 5: Get your Driver’s License
Once you have acquired all the needed documents, such as the TIP, driver’s permit, and other documents, you can now go to any branch of the State Secretary’s office to obtain your license. Be sure to bring all other legal requirements that prove your identity, citizenship, and social security number. Check out the complete list of documents that you need to get here.
Step-by-Step Guide on Getting a Michigan Driver’s License for Under 18
Most drivers prone to road trouble are usually teenagers. As a result, Michigan created a system that requires teenagers under 18 to take the graduated driver’s licensing system before they can drive on the road.
In the GDL system of Michigan, you will be attending two segments of driver education. Three licensing levels require you to follow specific instructions on how to get those licenses.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you obtain your driver’s license at the age of 14 and 9 months.
Step 1: Complete Segment 1 Driver’s License Education
Before you can have a learner’s permit to begin your driving training, you must complete the two segments provided by the State of Michigan. In the Segment 1 license education, with your parents’ permission, you are required to enroll in a certified driving school that offers a driver’s program.
Once you’re enrolled, you must complete all the requirements before proceeding to the next step. Here are the criteria for segment 1:
- You will need to attend to classroom instruction for 24 hours
- After that, you’ll have to attend 6 hours of the driving instruction
- You are also given four hours to observe in a training vehicle
- There is also a written test that you need to pass after all the classroom and driving instructions
When you complete these requirements, you will have a Segment 1 Certificate of Completion for completing the first step to getting your driver’s license. However, this certification is not yet your driver’s license.
Step 2: Getting a Level 1 License
Once you’ve completed the Segment 1 Driver’s Education, you can apply for a level license, accompanied by your parent or guardian. A Level 1 license will grant you the privilege to drive, but only with adult supervision.
The first thing you need to know about getting the Level 1 License is the age requirement of 14 years and 9 months old. So, you have to be at that age before applying.
Here are the requirements to get your Level 1 License:
- Must be 14 years and 9 months old
- You must pass the physical and vision standards
- Bring documents proving your identity and citizenship
Step 3: Moving to the Segment to Driver’s Education
After obtaining your Level 1 license, you must wait for at least three months before applying for the Segment 2 driver’s education. Moreover, you must complete 30 hours of driving, including two hours of night driving, to proceed to segment 2.
Here are the requirements that you need to complete on Segment 2:
- Finish the 6 hours of classroom instruction
- 50 hours driving with supervision, with 10 hours driving at night
Step 4: Pass the Driving Skills Test
After obtaining your Segment 2 Certificate, you must have driven for at least 6 months before taking a driving skills test. You can take the driving skills test at any authorized testing organization. Once you pass the driving skills test, you will receive another certificate confirming your successful completion of the driving test.
Step 5: Complete Level 2 License
To apply for a Level 2 license, you must be at least 16 years old and have $25 available for the fee.
What you need to complete the Level 2 license:
- You need to pass the physical and mental standard again, including a vision test
- Present identification proving your identity and citizenship
- You must be clear of any license suspension, conviction, or at-fault crashes
However, there are specific rules that you need to follow once you are eligible for the level 2 license, such as not using a cellphone while driving and driving during hours between 10 pm and 5 am. You are also not allowed to drive with more than one passenger who is below 18 years old.
After completing the level 2 license and following all the restrictions for 6 months, you will be able to upgrade your license to level 3. However, you have to be 17 years old by then.