Photo: Dwight Burdette, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Michigan driving skills test has three parts taken in order: a vehicle inspection, an off-road basic control skills test and an on-road driving test. You pass basic control with 6 errors or fewer, and you fail the on-road part at 26 points or more. This guide covers how each part is scored, what ends a test early and what to bring, based on the Michigan Department of State’s Driving Skills Test Study Guide and test documents.
Key facts
- Given by approved driver testing businesses, not by the Secretary of State.
- Order: vehicle inspection, basic control skills, on-road test.
- Basic control: 6 errors or fewer to continue.
- On-road: 26 points or more is a fail. Some errors are an automatic fail.
- Failing any part ends the test. One attempt per 24 hours.
Who can take the Michigan driving skills test?
- Teens: Level 1 held for at least 6 months, Segment 2 finished, and 50 supervised hours (10 at night) with a parent or guardian’s signed certification. Bring the log; the examiner needs to see it. See the 50-hour log checklist.
- Adults 18+: at least 30 days on a Temporary Instruction Permit, unless SOS waived it. See the Michigan TIP guide.
Book with a testing business. See Michigan road test providers and fees.
Part 1: vehicle inspection
The examiner checks your car before anything else. If it does not meet legal or safety standards, for example a missing side mirror or a broken taillight, the test is cancelled. The examiner also checks the insurance, registration and plates.
Before test day, check:
- both side mirrors are in place
- every light works, including taillights, brake lights and turn signals
- proof of insurance and registration are current and in the car
- plates are on the vehicle
Part 2: basic control skills test
An off-road set of low-speed exercises. The study guide describes three for cars, including a forward stop and backing exercises. You are scored on:
- Encroachments: each time the car touches an exercise boundary is an error.
- Repositions: each time you pull forward or back to correct is an error.
- Final position: where the car ends up, for example how close the front bumper stops to the stop line on the forward stop.
You need 6 errors or fewer to go on to the road. Check the current study guide for the exact layout of each exercise.
Part 3: on-road driving test
Points are added for each error. A score of 26 points or more fails. The study guide’s on-road advice includes:
- signal about 100 feet before a turn
- brake smoothly
- stop before the stop line
- keep both hands on the wheel during turns
Automatic fails
The Department of State publishes an Automobile Road Skills Test Termination List. Any item on it ends the test at once, whatever your points. Read the current list before your test, ideally with your supervising driver. More than 6 errors on basic control is also on the list.
If you fail the Michigan road test
- Testing stops at the part you failed.
- Next time you start again from the vehicle inspection.
- Only one attempt is allowed in 24 hours, unless the test ended because of faulty equipment or documents.
- Retest fees are set by the testing business. Ask before you book.
For the mistakes that fail most learners, see common reasons people fail the US driving test.
Common questions
How many points fail the Michigan driving test?
26 points or more on the on-road part, or any item on the termination list.
How many mistakes can I make on basic control?
6 errors or fewer. A 7th error ends the test.
Can I retake the test the same day?
No, unless the test ended because of faulty equipment or documents. The limit is one attempt per 24 hours.
Can a broken taillight stop my test?
Yes. The examiner cancels the test if the car fails the inspection.
Do I have to redo basic control if I failed on the road?
Yes. Each new attempt starts from the vehicle inspection.
Is the test the same in every state?
No. Compare in US road test by state.
Back to the main guide: learning to drive in Michigan.
Sources
- Michigan Department of State, “Driving Skills Test Study Guide” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Automobile Road Skills Test Termination List” (May 2023) (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Automobile Road Skills Test Instructions” (May 2023) (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Driver testing businesses and examiners” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “New drivers (under 18)” (michigan.gov)