Where Do I Start?

Where Do I Start?

If you are 18+ years old…

Obtaining a drivers license 18 and over for MichiganFollow this link to the State of Michigan Secretary of State’s website. It provides a step-by-step process. If you desire assistance with any step, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are especially helpful in preparing you for the mandatory Driving Skills Test.
Read more about the Driving Skills Test here.

If you are between 14 years, 8 months and 18 years old…

The state of Michigan has instituted a driver licensing system designed to teach teens to drive by gradually increasing their driving privileges as they advance through the system. This Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is illustrated in a timeline below. Click on the image below for a higher resolution image.

Michigan graduated driver licensing system table

This timeline can be found in The Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing: A Guide for Parents. I recommend this for all parents who may be confused by this GDL process.

All licenses are issued by the Michigan Secretary of State Office (SOS). To obtain a license, all applicants must have certain documents. Review the GDL timeline and/or read this information sheet from the SOS office.

Level 1 License

Teenagers can get their first driver’s license at the age of 14 years, 9 months old. This license is called a Level 1 License, but many call it a Learner’s Permit. This license allows a teenager to drive anywhere in the United States 24/7 when accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian.

To obtain this license, they must successfully complete a Segment 1 course.
Read more about the Segment 1 course here.

Level 2 License

Teenagers can get their second driver’s license at the age of 16 years old. This license is called a Level 2 License, but many call it an Intermediate or Restricted License. This license allows a teenager to drive anywhere in the United States alone. However, there are driving time restrictions and conditions that must be obeyed.

To obtain this license, they must successfully complete a Segment 2 course. Read more about the Segment 2 course here. They must also complete 50 hours of driving and then successfully complete a driving skills test.
Read more about the Michigan Driving Skills Test here.

Level 3 License

Teenagers can get their third driver’s license at the age of 17 years old. This license is called a Level 3 License, but many call it a Full License. This license allows a teenager to drive anywhere in the United States 24/7 alone and with no restrictions.

To obtain this license, they must have possessed a Level 2 License for a minimum of 6 months. They also must have had no violations (tickets) or accidents for a minimum of 12 months. This license is automatically mailed to the driver having met these requirements.

Why the need for this GDL?

  • Crashes are the leading cause of death for teens across the United States.
  • Teens face the greatest risk of crashing during their first year of driving.
  • One out of every five licensed 16-year-olds will be in a vehicle crash.
  • Teens are less likely than adults to understand the risks of driving because they lack experience.
  • Also, their brains are still developing well into their 20s, affecting their judgment while driving.

The GDL ends for all teens when they turn 18 years of age, regardless of what license they hold. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.