How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Michigan?

You must be at least 14.75 years old to get a learner's permit in Michigan. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Michigan?

Michigan intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Passenger limits also apply.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Michigan Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Michigan uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

14.75

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 14.75
Holding period: 6 months
Supervised driving hours: 50 hours
Nighttime driving hours: 10 hours
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM
Passenger limit: 1
Passenger exceptions: Maximum 1 non-family passenger under 21; family members exempt
Cell phone use banned: Yes

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Violations can result in license suspension for up to 1 year depending on the nature of the violation

Michigan-Specific Information

Michigan has a comprehensive GDL program with a permit age of 14 years 9 months. Segment 1 and Segment 2 driver education are required. Cell phone ban includes both handheld and hands-free devices for teen drivers. Exceptions to curfew for work and authorized activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Michigan gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Michigan at age 14.75. You must hold your permit for at least 6 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Michigan restricts driving between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

With an intermediate license in Michigan, passenger limits apply: 1. Exceptions include: Maximum 1 non-family passenger under 21; family members exempt.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Michigan at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.