Photo: Dougtone, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Michigan teens need at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night, before the driving skills test for a Level 2 license. At least 30 of those hours, including 2 at night, must be logged before Segment 2. A parent or legal guardian signs a certification that the hours are complete, and you show the log at the test. This checklist covers who can supervise, what to record and when each total is due.
Michigan supervised driving checklist
- [ ] Level 1 learner’s license issued (start logging from here).
- [ ] Every drive with a licensed parent or guardian, or a licensed driver 21 or older the parent designates.
- [ ] 30 hours logged, at least 2 at night, before Segment 2.
- [ ] 50 hours logged in total, at least 10 at night, before the driving skills test.
- [ ] Parent or guardian certification signed.
- [ ] Log brought to the driving skills test.
The two log milestones
| Milestone | Total hours | Night hours | Also needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before Segment 2 | 30 | 2 | 3 continuous months on Level 1 |
| Before the driving skills test | 50 | 10 | 6 months on Level 1, Segment 2 finished |
The first 30 hours count toward the 50, so after Segment 2 you need 20 more, including 8 more at night if you only had 2 night hours at that point.
Where to get the Michigan driving log
The Michigan Department of State publishes a “Michigan Supervised Driving Log” form and a Supervised Driving Guide for parents with a sample log. The parent guide SOS-383 explains the GDL steps. Check michigan.gov for the current version of each before you start.
What to write for each drive
- Date
- Start and end time, so day and night hours are clear
- Total time
- Supervisor’s name or initials
- Conditions and skills practiced (rain, freeway, parking, rush hour)
Use the columns on the official form. Keep a running total so you know when you reach 30 and 50.
Make the 50 hours count
- Spread drives across the year so you get rain, snow and darkness, not only summer afternoons. See driving in snow, fog and rain.
- Practice the low-speed exercises on the Michigan driving skills test: forward stops and backing into a space.
- Add freeway time before Level 2. See freeway driving for new drivers.
- Phones stay away: Kelsey’s Law bans Level 1 drivers from using a cell phone while driving.
Common questions
Who can supervise a Michigan Level 1 driver?
A licensed parent or legal guardian, or a licensed driver 21 or older whom the parent or guardian designates.
Do driver education hours count toward the 50?
The 50 hours are supervised driving logged with your parent or designated adult. Ask your provider and check SOS-383 if you are unsure how lesson time is treated.
How many night hours do I need?
At least 10 of the 50. At least 2 must be done before Segment 2.
Who signs the log?
A parent or legal guardian signs a certification that the 50 hours are done.
Can I take the skills test once I hit 50 hours?
Only if you have also held Level 1 for 6 months and finished Segment 2.
How do other states compare?
See supervised driving hours by state.
Related: Michigan Segment 2 and Michigan GDL Levels 1, 2 and 3. Back to the main guide: learning to drive in Michigan.
Sources
- Michigan Department of State, “Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing: A Guide for Parents” (SOS-383) (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Michigan Supervised Driving Log” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Supervised Driving Guide” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “New drivers (under 18)” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Legislature, “MCL 257.310e Graduated licensing” (legislature.mi.gov)