State Law
Michigan Teen
Driver Requirements
Michigan uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system for drivers under 18. Here's everything you need to know — step by step.
Segment 1
24 hours classroom
Required — age 14y 8m+
Segment 2
6 hours advanced
Required — 3 months after Seg 1
Behind-the-Wheel
6 hours in-car
Strongly recommended
Michigan Law (MCL 257.811): All drivers under 18 must complete both Segment 1 and Segment 2 of an approved driver education program before obtaining a Level 2 (unrestricted) license. Skipping either segment is not permitted.
The Full Path
Step-by-Step Licensing
Age 14 years, 8 months+
Enroll in Segment 1
The first step for every Michigan teen driver. Segment 1 is a 24-hour state-certified classroom course covering traffic laws, road signs, and defensive driving fundamentals.
- Must be at least 14 years and 8 months old
- Parent or guardian must provide consent
- Complete all 24 hours of instruction
- Pass the Segment 1 final exam
- Receive your Segment 1 completion certificate
Age 15+
Obtain Level 1 License (Learner's Permit)
After completing Segment 1, your teen can apply for a Level 1 license (Learner's Permit) at a Michigan Secretary of State office.
- Bring Segment 1 completion certificate
- Bring proof of identity and residency
- Pass the written knowledge test at the SOS
- Pay the license fee
- Must drive with a licensed adult (21+) at all times
- No driving between 10pm and 5am
Minimum 3-month waiting period
Hold Level 1 for at Least 3 Months
Michigan law requires teen drivers to hold their Level 1 license for a minimum of 3 months before enrolling in Segment 2. This time is meant for supervised practice driving.
- Log supervised driving hours with a parent or guardian
- Michigan recommends at least 50 hours of practice
- At least 10 hours must be at night
- All Level 1 restrictions remain in effect
- No moving violations during this period
Age 15+ — after 3 months on Level 1
Complete Segment 2
Segment 2 is a 6-hour advanced driver education course covering night driving, highway skills, and hazard recognition. It is required by Michigan law.
- Must have held Level 1 for at least 3 months
- Complete all 6 hours of instruction
- Topics include night, highway, and adverse weather driving
- Pass the Segment 2 final exam
- Receive your Segment 2 completion certificate
Any time after Level 1
Behind-the-Wheel Training (Recommended)
While not required by state law, Behind-the-Wheel training with a certified instructor dramatically improves road test pass rates and builds real-world confidence.
- 6 hours of one-on-one in-car instruction
- Certified, background-checked instructor
- Covers parking, intersections, highway driving, and more
- Tailored to each student's skill level
- Flexible scheduling — mornings, evenings, weekends
Age 16+ — after completing all requirements
Obtain Level 2 License
Once all requirements are met, your teen can apply for a Level 2 (unrestricted) license at the Secretary of State. This allows driving without a supervising adult.
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Must have completed Segment 1 and Segment 2
- Must have held Level 1 for at least 6 months total
- Pass the road skills test at the SOS
- No more than 2 moving violations on record
- Level 2 still has some nighttime restrictions until age 17
Know the Rules
License Restrictions
Level 1 — Learner's Permit
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older at all times
- No driving between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM
- All occupants must wear seatbelts
- No use of mobile devices while driving
- Zero tolerance for alcohol — BAC must be 0.00%
- No more than 1 non-family passenger under 21
Level 2 — Restricted License
- May drive without a supervising adult
- No driving between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM (ages 16–17)
- No more than 1 non-family passenger under 21 (first 12 months)
- All occupants must wear seatbelts
- No use of mobile devices while driving
- Zero tolerance for alcohol — BAC must be 0.00%
Common Questions
FAQs
Can my teen skip Segment 1 or Segment 2?
No. Michigan law requires both segments for all drivers under 18. There are no waivers or exemptions for the classroom requirements.
What if my teen turns 18 before finishing?
Drivers who turn 18 before completing the program are no longer required to complete Segment 2, but they must still pass the road skills test.
How long is a Segment 1 certificate valid?
Segment 1 certificates do not expire, but we recommend completing Segment 2 and BTW within a reasonable timeframe to retain the skills learned.
Can my teen take Segment 2 at a different school?
Yes. Segment 2 can be completed at any state-approved driving school, regardless of where Segment 1 was taken.
What documents are needed at the Secretary of State?
You'll need proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), proof of Michigan residency, Social Security number, and your Segment 1 completion certificate.
Is there a practice driving log requirement?
Michigan recommends at least 50 hours of supervised practice (10 at night) but it is not legally required to present a log at the SOS.
We Handle the Requirements
Loves Driving Academy is a state-certified Michigan driving school. We'll guide your teen through every step — from Segment 1 to a confident, licensed driver.