Are you looking for a driver’s license from the ‘Great Lakes State?’ You may feel that obtaining a Michigan driver’s license can be a hassle, especially with many tests and procedures. However, you should understand that the written exam isn’t difficult and you can pass if you prepare well!
Applicants can begin driver’s education at 14 years and nine months, or they can wait until 18 years old. However, to get a driver’s license in Michigan, all applicants must pass a knowledge and road test and meet the state’s physical and visual requirements. For the written test, you can make up to 10 mistakes.
How can you apply for a Michigan driver’s license? What all do you require and how much does it cost? Getting a driver’s license in Michigan will be hassle-free if you follow our guide. Continue reading to know more!
What do I need to get a Michigan driver’s license?
The minimum age requirement for Michigan residents to obtain a full driver’s license is 17. To apply for their Michigan driver’s license, new drivers must present identification, proof of US citizenship or lawful residency, and a Social Security number. In addition, you must be able to present proof of the following when you apply for your driver’s license at the office of the Secretary of State (MISOS).
Social Security Number (SSN): W-2 form, Social Security card, paycheck with SSN, 1099 form, or ineligibility letter.
Proof of US citizenship or legal presence (one document): Passport, certified birth certificate, state ID card, the record of birth abroad, or other immigration documents
Identity proof (one document): Passport, federal or state picture ID, marriage license, divorce verdict, name-change court order, immigration documents, parent/guardian documents with authorization.
Proof of Michigan residency (two documents): Utility, insurance, bank account, mortgage, or other bills with your name and address.
What are the three stages of getting a Michigan driver’s license?
Before you get a driver’s license in Michigan, you must know about the various types of licenses.
- Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP)
- Restricted Driver’s License
- Operator’s License
Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP)
All initial applicants must begin with a temporary instruction permit regardless of age. You can drive as long as a licensed driver is seated next to you. This driver must have a signed authorization document if you are under the age of 18.
- If you are above 18, you cannot immediately obtain a full driver’s license; you must first drive for 30 days with an instruction permit.
- You must enroll in the Graduated Driver’s Program if you are under the age of 18.
Restricted Driver’s License
After having the TIP for at least six months and meeting the necessary conditions, a driver below 18 will switch from it to a restricted driver’s license. With this license, you’ll be able to drive on your own during regular school and work hours.
Restrictions on the license
You cannot drive between 10 pm-5 am unless you meet the following requirements.
- A parent, legal guardian, or another recognized, licensed adult who is at least 21 years old accompanies you.
- The travel happens between your home and work. You must have a signed declaration from your employer to demonstrate that it is required.
- You are traveling by car to and from a school-sanctioned activity. To prove it, you must acquire a signed statement from your school.
You cannot drive with more than one passenger under 21 in the car if you don’t meet the following conditions.
- When you drive, a parent, guardian, or designated adult must be in the car.
- The traveler is a member of your close family.
- You are taking a carpool to and from work or an official school event.
Be careful about this
You can’t use a cell phone or hands-free technology while driving unless it’s an emergency. If caught, you could face a $295 fine.
Operator’s License
Your standard driver’s license is this. You will receive a vertical ID that says ‘Under 21’ if you are under 21. A driver will get a regular horizontal license if aged above 21. Even if you meet all the requirements and are under 18, your parents can request to delay your application if they believe you are not yet ready.
How to get a driver’s license in Michigan
The procedures are different for obtaining a Michigan driver’s license if you are under or above 18.
How to get a driver’s license in Michigan if you’re above 18
You must visit your local Michigan Secretary of State Office to apply for TIP if you are above 18 and have never held a license.
Steps to follow
- Make a prior appointment to shorten the waiting time.
- Collect your documents. You must present authorized documentation to prove your identity, SSN, citizenship, and residency.
- Pass the vision exam with or without corrective lenses. However, you must wear lenses while driving if you need them to pass.
- Complete the knowledge test. There will be 50 questions on road signs, laws, and safe driving procedures. To pass, you must correctly answer 40 out of 50 questions.
- Pay the necessary fees.
- For at least 30 days, practice with a licensed adult. If you are older than 18, you do not have to record your hours.
- Then attend the driving skills test. It will measure your understanding of the law, the road, and driving.
- Take a photograph for the license. Then pay the fee and get a temporary paper license. You should receive your Michigan driver’s license by mail within three weeks.
How to get a driver’s license in Michigan if you’re under 18
You must finish the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) Program if you are below 18. This condition gets waived if you have held a valid license from another state for at least a year. The program requirements conclude when you complete all three license stages or reach 18, whichever happens first.
You must take six main steps to obtain your Michigan driver’s license.
Pass Driver Education (Segment 1)
To enroll in the GDL program in Michigan, you must be at least 14 years and eight months old. Also, you will require your parents’ consent.
- Locate an authorized driver’s education provider that offers in-car training.
- Spend at least 24 hours in a classroom learning.
- Possess at least six hours of driving instruction.
- Possess a minimum of four hours of observation in a training vehicle.
- Pass the state exam for Segment 1 with a minimum score of 70%.
Get a TIP
You must be 14 years and nine months old to get a permit. Once you qualify for the Driver Education Segment 1, you must finish the following.
Steps to follow
- Obtain your parent or legal guardian’s consent. They will also indicate if someone serves as your designated supervising driver. For instance, when you visit the secretary of state’s office, they must accompany you.
- Make a prior appointment to shorten the waiting time.
- Collect your documents. You must present authorized documentation to prove your identity, SSN, citizenship, residency, and certificate of completion for Segment 1.
- Pass the vision exam with or without corrective lenses. However, you must wear lenses while driving if you need them to pass.
- Pass the driving health requirements. An examiner will ask you about a few health-related issues that could impact your driving ability.
- Complete the knowledge test. There will be 50 questions on road signs, laws, and safe driving procedures. To pass, you must correctly answer 40 out of 50 questions.
- Pay the necessary fees.
Pass Driver Education (Segment 2)
You must hold the TIP for at least three months and show proof of at least 30 hours of administered driving, two of which must be at night, to advance to this phase. In addition, you must pass the Segment 2 state test and receive at least six hours of classroom training in Segment 2.
Take the driving skills test
Find an authorized driving skills test administrator. Remember that the vehicle you will use for the test should have insurance and registration. If you don’t take the test at a location that has Michigan SOS approval, it will not count.
The initial portion of the test will feature off-street movements on their course. Following that, you will take an on-road test to show that you are familiar with safe driving procedures on highways, expressways, and neighborhoods. For taking this, you have to meet the following requirements.
- You must be 15 years or older and possess a GDL Level 1 (TIP) license that you held for at least six months.
- Pass the Driver Education Segment 2 state examination.
- You must have 50 hours of administered driving time with 10 hours of night driving time.
Get a Restricted Driver’s License
To apply for a restricted license, you must be at least 16 years old and hold your permit for at least six months. In addition, you cannot have any violations, accidents where you were at fault, or suspensions on your record for at least 90 days before applying for a license.
Requirements
- Obtain your parent or legal guardian’s consent. They will also indicate if someone serves as your designated supervising driver. For instance, when you visit the secretary of state’s office, they must accompany you.
- Make a prior appointment to shorten the waiting time.
- Collect your documents. You must present authorized documentation to prove your identity, SSN, citizenship, residency, and driving skills test certificate.
- Pass the vision exam with or without corrective lenses. However, you must wear lenses while driving if you need them to pass.
- Pay the required license fees.
- Then you will get the paper certificate. Ideally, you should get your Michigan driver’s license in three weeks.
Get an Operator’s License
You may now apply for a complete Michigan driver’s license. To apply, you must be at least 17 years old. You must also maintain your restricted license and be free of any moving violations, accidents with fault, license suspensions, or restriction violations. The 12-month countdown starts over if any of these things occur. At the Michigan SOS office, you will receive a paper certificate; your actual, unrestricted driver’s license will arrive in the mail three weeks later.
Requirements for out-of-state drivers
By submitting the necessary documents, meeting the state’s physical and eyesight requirements, and paying a $25 charge, drivers having licenses from other states or Canada can convert to Michigan licenses. There is no need for you to retake the written or driving tests!
Know more about Michigan License Plates and Recent Digitalization!
How much is a Michigan driver’s license?
It will cost you $25 to obtain a standard license for the first time.
How long does it take to get a driver’s license in Michigan?
Ideally, it takes around 2-3 weeks to get your Michigan driver’s license. However, you will receive your temporary paper driver’s license immediately if you hold a valid or recently expired one from another state.
What is an enhanced driver’s license in Michigan?
In contrast to a regular Michigan license or ID, you can use an enhanced license or ID in place of a passport to return to the country from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean by land or sea. It will cost you $45 to obtain an enhanced license for the first time. At the same time, enhanced ID will cost around $30.
Do I have to get an enhanced driver’s license in Michigan?
No, it isn’t mandatory. However, when returning to the US by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean, an enhanced license can shorten the time it takes to cross the border.
What is a Level 2 driver’s license in Michigan?
With some restrictions, you can drive without a parent, legal guardian, or other designated adult if you have a Level 2 intermediate license. When you successfully finish and satisfy all GDL requirements, the Michigan Department of State will automatically upgrade your Level 1 card to a Level 2 license.
What questions are on the Michigan driver’s license test?
The questions will be on road signs, laws, and safe driving practices. There will be 50 questions, and you must correctly answer 40 questions to pass the knowledge exam.
How do you change your address on your driver’s license in Michigan?
Suppose you update via an online Secretary of State account. In that case, you need to update your car registration address when you update your address on your license or ID. If not, you must individually update your car registration and the address on your license or ID. You require the following to update your mailing address online or modify your address on your license or ID.
- Your Michigan ID or license number
- The last four digits of your SSN
On updating, they will mail you a sticker with your new address to put on the rear of your license or ID if you have a standard license or ID. If you possess an enhanced one, they will mail you a new enhanced ID or license with the updated address.
How much does it cost to change your address on your driver’s license in Michigan?
No. Fortunately, there is no cost to update your address.
Can you legally drive a motorcycle in Michigan with a regular driver’s license?
Motorcyclists under the age of 18 with a Michigan driver’s license, as well as anyone who fails the rider skills exam twice, must complete a motorcycle safety course. In addition, to legally ride a motorbike on Michigan roads, you need a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement (CY).
Can you smile on your Michigan driver’s license?
You can smile slightly to avoid looking glum but avoid making a wide, toothy grin. The ideal way is to maintain a friendly expression, same as when you get pulled over.
Can I renew my driver’s license online in Michigan?
Yes. You can renew it if you don’t renew your Michigan driver’s license via mail or at a self-service station. Read our blog on driver’s license renewal in Michigan to know about it in-depth.
What is the DD number on Michigan driver’s license?
Document Discriminator, abbreviated as DD, is a security code showing the location and license issuance date. Many states have included this information on driver’s licenses for several years.
How many points can you have on a Michigan driver’s license?
Once you accumulate 12 points, the Secretary of State will instruct you to report for a driver reexamination. It may include an evaluation of your driving record, a vision exam and knowledge of traffic safety, and a behind-the-wheel driving test.
What does the gold star mean on a Michigan driver’s license?
The upper right corner of a driver’s license or state ID card that complies with REAL ID will feature a star in a gold circle. REAL ID-compliant, enhanced licenses and state ID cards without stars will have stars printed on them when they get renewed or replaced.
Getting auto insurance in Michigan
You will start planning to buy a car as soon as you obtain a Michigan driver’s license. But, the real pain is to find a reasonable auto insurance policy for your car. And Michigan is famous for having high insurance rates. So, regardless of how much or what car they drive, all Michigan drivers must carry auto insurance.
It is where Way.com becomes your savior. Visit Way, and you can get reasonable quotes from various insurers and decide on one. So, why wait for more? Get affordable auto insurance in Michigan today!
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