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:

• Be at least 14 years and 9 months old. You can start the class at 14 years and 8 months old.
• Meet Visual Standards for Motor Vehicle Drivers' Licenses (PDF) Opens in a new window
• Meet the Department of State Physical and Mental Standards for Drivers (PDF) Opens in a new window
• Complete Segment 1 of an approved driver education program and present a Segment 1 Certificate of Completion. Out-of-state driver education certificates require applicants to take the 40-question Michigan Original Operator License Test.
• Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the Level 1 application
• Present the Required Legal Documentation (PDF) Opens in a new window

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LEVEL 2 INTERMEDIATE LICENSE

To be eligible to apply for a Level 2 Intermediate License, applicants must:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have a Level 1 Learner's License for at least six months
• Present a Level 1 Learner's License
• Meet Visual Standards for Motor Vehicle Drivers' Licenses (PDF) Opens in a new window
• Meet the Department of State Physical and Mental Standards for Drivers (PDF) Opens in a new window
• Complete Segment 2 at an approved driver education program and present a Segment 2 Certificate of Completion
• Present Required Legal Documentation (PDF) Opens in a new window
• Pass a Driving Skills Test (PDF) Opens in a new window and present a Driving Skills Test Certificate
• Have no convictions or civil infractions, license suspensions, or at-fault crashes for the 90 days immediately before applying for a Level 2 Intermediate License
• Have a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult sign the application to certify the 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving experience, including a minimum of 10 nighttime hours

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LEVEL 3 FULL LICENSE

To be eligible for a Level 3 Full License, applicants must:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Have a Level 2 License for at least six months
• 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 (maybe 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.

Students 18 years of age and older

To begin driving lessons, you must have a permit (Temporary Instruction Permit). If you do not have one, please visit the Secretary of State before enrolling.

State of Michigan New Drivers Opens in a new window