Free Michigan Permit Practice Tests 2026

In Michigan you must be at least 14 years and 9 months old to apply for a Level 1 license (learner’s permit). This is the first step in Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for all first-time drivers under 18.

To apply for a Level 1 license (learner’s permit) in Michigan you must bring:

• Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
• Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2 form)
• Two proofs of Michigan residency (such as bank statements, utility bills, or school records)
• Legal presence documentation (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or permanent resident card)
• Parent or legal guardian (if you’re under 18)
• Payment for the application fee

If you’re applying for a REAL ID compliant license, additional documentation may be required. Check the Michigan Secretary of State website for current accepted documents.

Yes. If you’re under 18 a parent or legal guardian must:

• Be with you at the Secretary of State office
• Sign your application form
• Provide their identification
• Give their consent for you to receive your Level 1 license
• Your parent or legal guardian must be with you even if you’ve completed a driver education course

The application process in Michigan is:

1. Complete Segment 1 of an approved driver education course
2. Go to a Secretary of State office with your parent or legal guardian
3. Bring all required documents (identity, residency, etc.)
4. Take a vision test
5. Have your photo taken
6. Pay the application fee
7. Receive your Level 1 license (learner’s permit)

If you’re under 18, these steps are part of Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing program.

Michigan does not allow you to apply for a Level 1 license (learner’s permit) online. You must go to a Secretary of State office in person to complete the application process, provide your documents, take your vision test, and have your photo taken.

The Michigan Secretary of State charges a fee for a Level 1 license (learner’s permit). This fee covers the cost of processing your application and issuing your license. Check the Michigan Secretary of State website for current fee information.

To get your Level 1 license (learner’s permit) in Michigan you must pass:

• A vision test to ensure you can see well enough to drive safely
• Segment 1 of driver education which includes a written knowledge test

Note: The written knowledge test is given as part of your driver education course, not at the Secretary of State office.

The Michigan written knowledge test typically consists of multiple-choice questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The exact number of questions may vary by provider, but you must score at least 70% to pass.

The Michigan knowledge test covers:

• Traffic laws and regulations
• Road signs and signals
• Right-of-way rules
• Safe driving practices
• Alcohol and drug effects on driving
• Basic vehicle control
• Defensive driving techniques

The best ways to prepare for your Michigan knowledge test:

• Study the Michigan Driver’s Manual thoroughly, available on our website at Michigan Driver’s Manual
• Take our free practice tests that simulate the actual knowledge test
• Pay attention during your Segment 1 driver education classes
• Review the test materials multiple times to ensure you understand the key concepts

If you fail the Michigan knowledge test during your Segment 1 driver education course:

• Your instructor will provide you with information on retesting
• You may need to complete additional study before retesting

With a Level 1 license (learner’s permit) in Michigan you can:

• Practice driving with a licensed parent, legal guardian, or designated licensed adult who is 21 years or older
• Gain experience to prepare for the next level of licensing
• Practice the skills needed to become a safe, responsible driver

When driving with a Level 1 license in Michigan you:

• Must be accompanied by a licensed parent, legal guardian, or designated licensed adult who is 21 years or older
• Cannot use any handheld electronic devices while driving
• Must ensure all occupants wear seat belts
• May not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated licensed adult 21 or older (or for employment purposes)

In Michigan the requirements are:

• You must hold your Level 1 license for at least 6 months before applying for a Level 2 license (Intermediate)
• You must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours at night
• You must complete Segment 2 of driver education
• You must be violation-free and crash-free for 90 days prior to applying for your Level 2 license

Michigan requires different driver education based on your age:
If you are under 18:

• Yes, you must complete Segment 1 of driver education before obtaining a Level 1 license (learner’s permit)
• Segment 1 includes at least 24 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and 4 hours of observation time

If you are 18 or older:

• No, driver education is not required, although it’s recommended to help you become a safer driver

In Michigan before you get your driver’s license, the requirements depend on your age:
If you are under 18:

• Complete Segment 1 of driver education before obtaining your Level 1 license
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night) with a licensed parent, legal guardian, or designated adult 21 or older
• Complete Segment 2 of driver education before obtaining your Level 2 license

If you are 18 or older:

• No formal driver education is required, though it is beneficial

You can find Michigan-approved driver education programs by:

• Checking your high school’s offerings
• Visiting the Michigan Department of State website for a list of approved providers
• Looking for providers certified by the Michigan Department of State
• Asking for recommendations from your local Secretary of State office

The Michigan driving skills test checks:

• Your ability to safely operate the vehicle
• Your knowledge and application of traffic laws
• Basic maneuvers such as turns, lane changes, and parking
• Your awareness of other road users
• Your decision-making in various traffic situations

Before the test begins, the examiner will ensure your vehicle is properly registered, insured, and in safe operating condition (including working lights, signals, horn, brakes, and seat belts).

You can schedule your driving skills test in Michigan by:

• Contacting an approved independent testing organization
• Scheduling directly with the testing organization
• Paying the required testing fee

Michigan’s driving skills tests are administered by approved independent testing organizations rather than the Secretary of State offices.

On the day of your driving skills test in Michigan, bring:

• Your Level 1 or Level 2 license (as applicable)
• A properly registered and insured vehicle for the test
• Proof of insurance for the vehicle
• Proof of registration for the vehicle
• The required testing fee
• A licensed driver who is at least 18 years old to accompany you to the test site

Common reasons for failing the Michigan driving skills test include:

• Not checking blind spots before changing lanes
• Rolling through stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop
• Driving too fast or too slow for conditions
• Improper lane positioning or lane changes
• Not yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles
• Poor steering control
• Not checking mirrors
• Not using turn signals properly

To progress through Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program:
From Level 1 (learner’s permit) to Level 2 (intermediate):

• Hold your Level 1 for at least 6 months
• Complete Segment 1 of driver education
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice (including 10 hours at night) with a licensed adult 21 or older
• Be violation-free and crash-free for 90 days prior to applying
• Pass the driving skills test
• Go to a Secretary of State office with a parent or legal guardian
• Pay the fee

From Level 2 to Level 3 (full license):

• Hold your Level 2 for at least 6 months
• Be 17 years old
• Be violation-free and crash-free for 12 consecutive months prior to applying
• Go to a Secretary of State office
• Pay the fee

Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program has three stages:

• Level 1 License (Permit): Available at 14 years and 9 months old. Complete Segment 1 of driver education and practice with a licensed adult 21 or older.
• Level 2 License (Intermediate): Available at 16 years old after holding Level 1 for at least 6 months, completing Segment 2 of driver education, and completing 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night). A driving skills test must be passed.
• Level 3 License (Full): Available at 17 years old after holding Level 2 for at least 6 months with a clean driving record.
• Adults 18 and older can apply for a regular operator’s license after passing the required tests.

As a Level 2 license holder in Michigan you are restricted from:

• Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless driving to/from work or if accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated licensed adult 21 or older
• Having more than one passenger under age 21 unless they are immediate family members, or unless accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated licensed adult
• Using a cell phone while driving (per Michigan’s Kelsey’s Law)

These restrictions end when you obtain your Level 3 license or turn 18, whichever comes first.

Michigan does not recognize out-of-state learner’s permits. If you are moving to Michigan with an out-of-state permit:

• You will need to apply for a Michigan driver’s license or permit
• If you’re under 18, you’ll need to enter Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing program
• You may be required to take driver education courses depending on your age

Michigan offers the following accommodations for applicants with disabilities:

• Modified vehicles with special equipment
• Adaptive equipment allowances during testing
• Extended testing time if needed
• Alternative formats of the driver’s manual
• Special restricted licenses based on your specific needs
• Contact your local Secretary of State office before your appointment to request accommodations

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can get a Michigan driver’s license or permit by providing:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of legal presence in the United States
• Proof of Michigan residency
• Other required documents
• Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website for more information on documentation requirements for non-citizens

You can download a copy of the Michigan Driver’s Manual here. Physical copies are also available at any Secretary of State office.

Yes! We offer free Michigan-specific practice tests that mimic the actual knowledge test. Our practice tests are designed to help you study the material and get comfortable with the test format before your exam.

For more information about the Michigan permit process:

• Visit the Michigan Secretary of State website at michigan.gov/sos
• Call 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) during business hours
• Visit your local Secretary of State office
• For hearing impaired assistance, call 711

If you lose your Michigan Level 1 license (permit):

• Go to a Secretary of State office
• Bring proof of identity
• Pay the replacement fee
• A parent or legal guardian must accompany you if you’re under 18

A parent or guardian who signed the application for a minor can cancel their teen’s permit or license by:

• Submitting a written request to the Secretary of State
• Providing proof of identity and relationship to the minor
• Returning the minor’s permit or license if possible

The permit or license will be canceled upon request.