Rules & Resources
Michigan Graduated Driver Licensing Eligibility Requirements
Level 1 Learner's License
To be eligible for a Level 1 Learner's License, applicants must:
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Meet minimum visual standards to drive.
See Visual Standards for Motor Vehicle Drivers' Licenses * -
Meet the Department of State Physical and Mental Standards for Drivers *
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Successfully complete Segment 1 of an approved driver education program and present a Segment 1 Certificate of Completion. Out-of-state driver education certificates require an applicant to take the 40-question Michigan Original Operator License Test.
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Be at least 14 years 9 months old. "You can start the class at 14 years 8 months old"
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Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the Level 1 application
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Present identification documents. For more detailed documentation requirements, see Applying for a License or ID? (SOS-428).
Level 2 Intermediate License
To be eligible to apply for a Level 2 Intermediate License, applicants must:
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Have a Level 1 Learner's License for at least six months
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Present a Level 1 Learner's License
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Be at least 16 years old
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Meet minimum visual standards to drive.
See Visual Standards for Motor Vehicle Drivers' Licenses * -
Meet the Department of State Physical and Mental Standards for Drivers *
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Must have successfully completed Segment 2 of an approved driver education program and present a Segment 2 Certificate of Completion
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Must present proof of legal presence. For more detailed documentation requirements, see Applying for a License or ID? (SOS-428).
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Pass a Driving Skills Test and present a Driving Skills Test Certificate
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Have no convictions or civil infractions, license suspensions, or at-fault crashes for the 90-day period immediately prior to applying for a Level 2 Intermediate License
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Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the application to certify the 50 hours behind-the-wheel driving experience including a minimum of 10 nighttime hours
Level 3 Full License
To be eligible for a Level 3 Full License, applicants must:
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17 years old
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Have Level 2 License for at least six months
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Complete 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, an accident in which a moving violation resulted, an accident, a license suspension, or a violation of the graduated license restrictions (may be six months at Level 1 and six months at Level 2, if consecutive)
A new Level 3 license is created and mailed from Lansing using the electronic image on file (obtained at Level 2). This license is issued at no fee to the applicant. A teen will automatically advance to a Level 3 License provided he or she is age 17, has met all driving requirements, and has parental authorization. This authorization is granted when the parent or legal guardian signs for the teen's Level 2 License.
GDL ends for all teens when they turn age 18.
* Questions regarding these standards may be directed to the Traffic Safety Division by telephone at (517) 335-7051 or e-mail to .