• Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) in Michigan

    Compare Insurance Rates in 3 Easy Steps

    1. Start Your Quote:

    You'll be applying for a new driver's license if you are a first-time driver, or you have just moved to Michigan.

    1) Choose Your License

    • Operator's license (Class O)
    • Chauffeur's license
    • Moped license
    • Commercial License (CDL) A, B, and C

    NOTE: If you are younger than 18 you must enroll in a driver's ed course and participate in Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing program.

    Chauffeur's License

    A chauffeur's license is required for:

    • Bus or school bus drivers
    • Taxi or limousine drivers
    • Anyone employed for the purpose of operating a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more
    • Anyone operating a vehicle as a carrier of passengers or as a common or contract carrier of property

    2) Take a Driver's Education Course

    Younger than 18―Driver education is mandatory.

    18 and older―If you're obtaining a Class D license for the first time, you should give some thought to enrolling in a driver education class. Although not required, it's a sound idea to take a supplemental course such as the one offered by our sponsor before you take the written exam.

    3) Prepare for the Test

    Michigan's What Every Driver Must Know, a 130-page manual, will be a great source for information before taking the written test. After studying it and, perhaps, enrolling in a supplemental driver's course, you'll want to see if you're prepared by taking a few practice tests.

    4) Locate a DMV Office

    Applicants 18 or older can take the test at any Secretary of State (SOS) branch office.

    Applicants younger than 18 will take the test as part of Michigan's Segment 1 driver education class, through any state-approved school.

    5) Make Test-Day Preparations

    If You're 18 or Older

    You must:

    • Provide either your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration verifying your ineligibility.
    • Provide proof of residency.
    • Pass a vision test and meet the Secretary of State's designated health standards

    6) Take the Written Test

    If you're older than 18, after studying What Every Driver Must Know you'll visit any SOS branch office to take the exam.

    After passing you'll be issued a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), valid for 180 days. You must hold the permit for a minimum of 30 days before taking the road test.

    NOTE: Hearing-impaired applicants can request a sign language interpreter or bring one they know. Applicants with a poor grasp of the English language can use a spoken language interpreter and/or request a printed translation of the written exam in one of many languages.

    7) Get a Car

    Somewhere down the road you'll need a car to take Michigan's road test. Having a car will allow you to practice on your own, giving you valuable driving experience.

    Shop for used cars that are practical and reliable. Before you buy, order a vehicle history report. These reports will show any reported accidents, a salvage title, odometer fraud, and flood damage.

    8) Get Car Insurance

    Car insurance, regardless if you only hold a permit, is mandatory in Michigan. You can compare rates at our Insurance Center; free quotes can tell you if you are paying too much for your current coverage.

    9) Take the Driving Test

    You must set an appointment with a state-approved third-party testing office.

    If You're Younger Than 18

    You must:

    • Provide a valid Michigan Level 1 license that you've held for a minimum of 180 days.
    • Bring a Segment 2 Driver Education completion certificate.
    • Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to sign the certification statement on your driving skills test score sheet, verifying that you completed 50 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 10 hours at night.
    • Provide proof of car insurance and registration for your test vehicl.e
    • Bring cash or check to pay test fees (because road test fees are not regulated by Michigan's Department of State, fees will vary).

    If You're 18 or Older

    You must bring:

    • A current Michigan temporary instruction permit that you've held for a minimum of 30 days (this 30-day mandate may be waived if you were previously licensed).
    • Proof of car insurance and registration for your test vehicle.
    • Cash or check to pay test fees (because road test fees are not regulated by Michigan's Department of State, fees will vary).

    New residents holding a driver's license from a different state DO NOT have to submit to a road test.

    NOTE: Hearing-impaired drivers may use sign language interpreters during the road test. And applicants who don't understand English have the option of using an interpreter.

    Once You Pass

    Bring your signed skills test certificate to any SOS office, where you'll be issued a temporary license.

    The skills test certificate is valid for one year. You must take the written and road tests again if you allow it to expire.

    If You Fail

    You must wait 24 hours before testing again.

    10) Receive Your License in the Mail

    Your permanent license will arrive within two weeks.

    Non-Citizens

    You are allowed to drive in Michigan as long as your license, from your native country, remains valid. An International Driving Permit is strongly suggested because it acts as a translation for your information, but these documents are not required.

    Your Opinion Matters To Us!

    Send Feedback
    DMV.org BBB Business Review

We put a lot of effort into making our content helpful & accurate. Please let us know if you see something that isn't clear or correct; we are here to ease any frustrations you may have while navigating DMV topics. We are not a government agency, please reach out to your local DMV, insurance agent, or respective professional for further assistance on specific situations.

No one person could have built the company that DMV.org is today. Our success has been the product of strong teams, quality partners and continuous user feedback. Passionate about making the Web a better space? Jump on in.

  • Help Us With Our Mission
  • Got a Product/Service?

    We are committed to delivering high quality product and services to our users

    Tell Us More »
  • Got Talent?

    We need talented individuals and teams to help us on our mission.

    Join Our Team »
  • Got an Idea?

    We take feedback personally. Let us know how we can do better.

    Share Your Idea »

Looking for Applying for a New License (Drivers 18+) in Another State?