Driving Permit

How to Get a Michigan Learner Permit

3 min read

If you're a Michigan resident ready to begin your driving journey, obtaining a learner's permit—called a Level 1 License under Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system—is your first step.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Michigan learner permit, you must:

Be at least 14 years and 9 months old
Be enrolled in or have completed Segment 1 of an approved driver education course
Have a parent or legal guardian's signature on the application if you're under 18

Check the Michigan Driver License Eligibility page for more information on who qualifies to start the process.

Driver Education: Segment 1

Before you can apply, you must complete Segment 1 of Michigan's driver education, which includes:

24 hours of classroom instruction
6 hours of behind-the-wheel training
4 hours of observation time in a training vehicle

Segment 1 must be completed through a state-approved provider. After successful completion, you'll receive a Segment 1 Certificate of Completion.

Applying for the Learner Permit

Once Segment 1 is complete and you're at least 14 years and 9 months old, you can apply for a learner's permit at a Michigan Secretary of State office. You must bring:

Proof of legal presence (e.g., U.S. birth certificate or passport)
Social Security number
Michigan residency (two documents required)
Segment 1 Certificate of Completion

Refer to the Required Documents for Michigan License for a full list of acceptable identification and residency documents.

Vision and Knowledge Tests

You'll need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test. The knowledge test includes questions on:

Road signs
Michigan traffic laws
Safe driving practices

For help preparing, review the Michigan Written Knowledge Test Study Tips to ensure you're ready.

Restrictions for Permit Holders

Once issued, the learner's permit (Level 1 License) comes with specific conditions:

Must be accompanied by a licensed adult age 21 or older at all times when driving
Driving is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless supervised
Use of cell phones while driving is banned for permit holders

Details are available on the Restrictions for Michigan Permit Holders page.

Next Steps: Advancing to Level 2

To graduate to a Level 2 License, you must:

Be at least 16 years old
Hold your Level 1 License for at least 6 months
Complete Segment 2 of driver education
Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 hours at night)
Pass the Michigan driving skills test

Follow the Steps to Get Your First Michigan License for the full progression through the GDL system.

For office locations to apply in person, use the Michigan Secretary of State Office Locations.