Michigan has a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for teens. Students age 18 and older can begin driving lessons once they have a permit.
LEVEL 1 LEARNER'S LICENSE
To be eligible for a Level 1 Learner's License, applicants must:
- Be at least 14 years and 9 months old. You can start the class at 14 years 8 months old.
- Meet Visual Standards for Motor Vehicle Drivers' Licenses
- Meet the Department of State Physical and Mental Standards for Drivers
- Complete Segment 1 of an approved driver education program and present a Segment 1 Certificate of Completion. Out-of-state driver education certificates require applicants to take the 40-question Michigan Original Operator License Test.
- Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the Level 1 application
- Present Required Legal Documentation
LEVEL 2 INTERMEDIATE LICENSE
To be eligible to apply for a Level 2 Intermediate License, applicants must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have a Level 1 Learner's License for at least six months
- Present a Level 1 Learner's License
- Meet Visual Standards for Motor Vehicle Drivers' Licenses
- Meet the Department of State Physical and Mental Standards for Drivers
- Complete Segment 2 at an approved driver education program and present a Segment 2 Certificate of Completion
- Present Required Legal Documentation
- Pass a Driving Skills Test and present a Driving Skills Test Certificate
- Have no convictions or civil infractions, license suspensions, or at-fault crashes for the 90 days immediately before applying for a Level 2 Intermediate License
- Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the application to certify the 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including a minimum of 10 nighttime hours
LEVEL 3 FULL LICENSE
To be eligible for a Level 3 Full License, applicants must:
- Be at least 17 years old
- Have a Level 2 License for at least six months
- Complete 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, an accident in which a moving violation resulted, an accident, a license suspension, or a violation of the graduated license restrictions (maybe six months at Level 1 and six months at Level 2, if consecutive)
A new Level 3 license is created and mailed from Lansing using the electronic image on file (obtained at Level 2). This license is issued at no fee to the applicant. A teen will automatically advance to a Level 3 License provided he or she is age 17, has met all driving requirements, and has parental authorization. This authorization is granted when the parent or legal guardian signs for the teen's Level 2 License.
GDL ends for all teens when they turn age 18.