Michigan requirements
Michigan first driver license requirements
Michigan uses different first-license paths for drivers under 18 and adults. Adults generally take the knowledge test and receive a Temporary Instruction Permit; teens complete driver education and Graduated Driver Licensing.
- 18+adult TIP route
- Under 18Graduated Driver Licensing
- Visionoffice screening
Choose the correct age path
- Study What Every Driver Must Know.
- Prepare the required legal-presence, Social Security, identity and Michigan-residency documents.
- Complete the required Secretary of State visit and vision screening.
- Adults: pass the knowledge test and use the TIP for supervised practice.
- Teens: complete Segment 1, obtain Level 1, then meet Segment 2 and supervised-driving requirements.
- Take the driving skills test with an approved independent testing business when eligible.
Adults practice after the knowledge test
Michigan SOS states that first-time adults practice with a licensed adult for at least 30 days after receiving the TIP before the driving skills test.
Teens follow GDL milestones
The under-18 path includes Segment 1, Level 1, supervised driving, Segment 2 and the skills test before progression to Level 2.
Related Road to Permit guides
Official sources
- Michigan SOS — What Every Driver Must Know
- Michigan SOS — First-time license or ID
- Michigan SOS — New drivers under 18
- Michigan SOS — New drivers 18 and older
- Michigan SOS — License/ID document requirements
- Michigan SOS — License and ID information
- Michigan SOS — Scheduling an office visit
- Michigan SOS — Driver testing businesses
Independent study resource. Road to Permit is not affiliated with or endorsed by any DMV, DPS, FLHSMV or other government agency. Official state sources control if information changes.