How to Get Your Driver's License in Michigan

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Michigan. Michigan uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 17.

GDL Stages in Michigan

1

Learner's Permit (Level 1)

Age 14.75+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Complete Segment 1 of driver education
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
2

Intermediate License (Level 2)

Age 16+ 12 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold Level 1 license for at least 6 months
  • Complete Segment 2 of driver education
  • Complete 50 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • No more than 1 passenger under 21 in the front seat
3

Full Unrestricted License (Level 3)

Age 17+

Requirements

  • Hold Level 2 license for at least 12 months
  • No moving violations or at-fault crashes for 12 consecutive months

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the Level 2 phase.
  • Only 1 passenger under 21 is allowed in the front seat. There is no limit on back-seat passengers under the state law.

How restrictions lift: Restrictions lift after 12 months of violation-free driving at Level 2, or when the driver turns 18.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from the graduated licensing levels and can apply directly for a full license.

Michigan-Specific Information

Michigan uses a unique two-segment driver education model where teens must complete Segment 1 before obtaining a permit and Segment 2 before taking the road test. The passenger restriction only applies to the front seat, which is different from most states.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 17 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Michigan.

Michigan uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit (Level 1), Intermediate License (Level 2), Full Unrestricted License (Level 3).

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the Level 2 phase.
  • Only 1 passenger under 21 is allowed in the front seat. There is no limit on back-seat passengers under the state law.

Adults age 18 and older in Michigan can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are exempt from the graduated licensing levels and can apply directly for a full license.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Michigan learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Michigan.

Michigan drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Michigan Secretary of State guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Michigan Secretary of State website for the most current information.