Photo: Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Segment 1 is the first part of Michigan driver education and the first step to a teen driver’s license. You can start at 14 years 8 months with a parent or guardian’s permission. The course has at least 24 hours of classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel and 4 hours of observation, and ends with a state exam you must pass with at least 70%. Passing it lets you apply for a Level 1 learner’s license from 14 years 9 months.
Segment 1 requirements in Michigan
| Part | Minimum | Scheduling rules |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom | 24 hours | No more than 2 hours a day, spread over 3 or more weeks |
| Behind the wheel | 6 hours | No more than 1 hour a day. At least 4 classroom hours must come first. Up to 2 hours can be replaced by time at a multiple-vehicle driving facility |
| Observation | 4 hours | Sitting in the back while another student drives with the instructor |
| State exam | 70% to pass | Taken at the end of the course |
These are legal minimums under MCL 256.657. Some providers run longer courses.
Who can take Segment 1?
- Teens at least 14 years 8 months old.
- With permission from a parent or legal guardian.
- Through a driver education provider approved by the Michigan Department of State. Ask the provider to confirm its approval before you pay.
What happens after Segment 1
- Pass the Segment 1 state exam (70% or more).
- From 14 years 9 months, apply at a Secretary of State office for your Level 1 learner’s license with your parent or guardian’s approval.
- Drive only with a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed adult 21 or older, and start your driving log. See the 50-hour log checklist.
- After 3 continuous months on Level 1 and 30 logged hours (2 at night), take Segment 2.
Picking a Segment 1 course
- Timing: because classroom is capped at 2 hours a day over at least 3 weeks, Segment 1 cannot be squeezed into one week.
- Driving lessons: ask how the 6 behind-the-wheel hours are scheduled. They are capped at 1 hour a day.
- Exam retakes: ask the provider what happens if you score under 70%.
- Price: set by the provider. Compare a few.
Common questions
How old do you have to be for Segment 1 in Michigan?
At least 14 years 8 months, with parent or guardian permission.
Can I drive after Segment 1?
Not on your own. You can get a Level 1 learner’s license from 14 years 9 months and drive with a qualified supervisor.
What score do I need on the Segment 1 test?
At least 70%.
Can Segment 1 be done in two weeks?
No. Classroom must be spread over 3 or more weeks.
Do adults need Segment 1?
No. Adults 18 and older go through the Temporary Instruction Permit route instead.
What is the difference between Segment 1 and Segment 2?
Segment 1 comes first and gets you a Level 1 license. Segment 2 is a shorter course taken after time on Level 1. See Michigan GDL Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Back to the main guide: learning to drive in Michigan.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature, “MCL 256.657 Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act” (legislature.mi.gov)
- Michigan Legislature, “MCL 257.310e Graduated licensing” (legislature.mi.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing: A Guide for Parents” (SOS-383) (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “GDL Roadmap” (michigan.gov)
- Michigan Department of State, “New drivers (under 18)” (michigan.gov)