Michigan graduated driver licence stages

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the five main steps of Michigan GDL in the right order.
• You can state the minimum age for Segment 1, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.
• You can explain the holding periods between levels.
• You can describe the clean-record rules that control when you move up.
• You can explain what happens to a GDL license at age 18.

What you need to know and understand

• Segment 1 driver education can start at 14 years and 8 months, with a parent's permission.
• The Level 1 Learner's License is available from 14 years and 9 months, after passing Segment 1.
• Level 1 drivers may only drive with a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed adult aged 21 or older.
• You must hold Level 1 for at least six months and be at least 16 to get Level 2.
• Level 2 needs no violations, at-fault crashes or suspensions in the 90 days before you apply.
• Level 3 needs age 17, six months on Level 2 and 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, at-fault crash, suspension or GDL violation.
• Parents can ask the Secretary of State to hold a teen at Level 1 or 2, or cancel the GDL license, before the teen turns 18.

The road from classroom to full license

1. Segment 1: at least 24 hours of classroom teaching, 6 hours behind the wheel and 4 hours observing in a training car, plus a state exam passed with at least 70 percent.
2. Level 1 Learner's License: visit a Secretary of State office with your parent or guardian, pass the vision test and bring your Segment 1 certificate and identity documents.
3. Segment 2: after holding Level 1 for three months and logging 30 supervised hours (2 at night), complete at least 6 hours of classroom teaching and pass a state exam with 70 percent.
4. Driving skills test: at age 15 or older, after Segment 2, six months on Level 1 and 50 logged hours including 10 at night.
5. Level 2 Intermediate License, then Level 3 Full License once all conditions are met.

What each level lets you do

Under Kelsey's Law, Level 1 and Level 2 drivers may not use a phone while driving except to report an emergency.

• Level 1: supervised driving only, with the adult seated in the front passenger seat. A designated adult who is not your parent needs a signed letter of authorization.
• Level 2: you may drive alone, but not between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and with no more than one passenger under 21, unless an exception applies (such as a licensed adult 21 or older in the car, immediate family passengers, work, or an authorized activity).
• Level 3: no GDL restrictions. Parents may still ask to delay this step if they feel their teen is not ready.

Moving up automatically, and turning 18

Teens with a photo hard card move to Level 2 automatically once they pass the skills test, are 16 and have a clean 90 days. Level 3 is also issued automatically, at no fee.

A Level 1 license expires at 18, and the driver must then follow the adult route. Level 2 and Level 3 holders are issued an operator's license before turning 18. Our guide to Levels 1, 2 and 3 has more detail.

Common mistakes

• Assuming Level 2 arrives on your 16th birthday. You also need six months on Level 1, the skills test and a clean 90 days.
• Getting a ticket shortly before you are due to move up. Any violation or at-fault crash can push your next level back.
• Forgetting the designated adult's signed authorization letter when someone other than a parent supervises.
• Treating online-only courses as driver education. Only state-certified providers count toward Segment 1 and 2.

Test yourself: Michigan graduated driver licence stages

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

Go deeper

• Michigan Graduated License
• Michigan Permit Documents Checklist
• Michigan Permit Practice Test