Getting your Michigan learner permit

By the end of this topic you can

• You can tell whether you need a Level 1 License or a TIP.
• You can list the four kinds of proof the Secretary of State asks for.
• You can say what the teen and adult permits cost.
• You can explain the role of a parent or guardian in a teen application.
• You can describe how long a TIP lasts and what to do before it expires.

What you need to know and understand

• Teens can apply for a Level 1 License from 14 years and 9 months, after passing Segment 1.
• A parent or legal guardian must go with the teen to the Secretary of State office.
• You need proof of a Social Security number (or an SSA letter of ineligibility), legal presence, identity and Michigan residency.
• At least two residency documents are needed, and identity documents must be originals, not copies.
• Both the Level 1 License and the adult TIP cost $25.
• A TIP is valid for 180 days, and you must practice on it for at least 30 days before the skills test.
• A vision test is part of every application.

Teen route: the Level 1 Learner's License

Finish Segment 1 and pass its state exam first. Then book a Secretary of State visit and pre-apply online when you schedule, which speeds things up at the counter. At the office you will pass a vision test, show your documents and your Segment 1 Certificate of Completion, have your photo taken and pay the $25 fee.

Teens are issued a hard card, which must be carried every time you drive. Parents receive the Supervised Driving Guide, which includes a sample driving log. While a teen is enrolled in Segment 1, the driver education provider can also issue an optional Parent Driving Permit so the teen can practice with a parent or guardian before Level 1.

Adult route: the Temporary Instruction Permit

If you do not pass the skills test within 180 days, you must apply for a new TIP, which means taking the knowledge test again.

1. Pass the written knowledge test, either at a Secretary of State office or online at home.
2. Book an office visit and pre-apply for your license.
3. At the office, pass the vision test and show your four proofs.
4. Pay the $25 TIP fee and have your photo taken.
5. Practice with a licensed adult for at least 30 days, then book the driving skills test before the TIP's 180 days run out.

Getting your documents right

Our Michigan permit documents checklist walks through acceptable papers in more detail.

• Social Security: your number is verified. Without one, bring an SSA letter of ineligibility no more than 60 days old.
• Legal presence: for example a certified U.S. birth certificate with a raised seal, a valid U.S. passport, or a Permanent Resident Card.
• Name changes: if your name differs from your birth certificate, bring legal proof of each change, such as a marriage certificate.
• Residency: two documents such as a recent utility bill, pay stub, lease or insurance policy. Family members' documents may work if you can prove the relationship.

Common mistakes

• Bringing photocopies. Identity documents must be originals.
• Bringing only one proof of address. Michigan asks for at least two.
• A teen arriving without a parent or legal guardian.
• Letting a TIP run past 180 days and having to start the process again.

Test yourself: Getting your Michigan learner permit

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Michigan Permit Documents Checklist
• Michigan Driver’s License Cost and How to Book SOS Tests
• Michigan Permit Practice Test