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  • Driver Education

     
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    Michigan has a history of demanding driver training for its teens. In 1955, it became the first state to mandate a program and to legislate that it be taught in all public schools.

    In 1996, it became the first state to legislate a Graduated Driver License program. The program consists of three licensing levels and two components of driver education developed to help young drivers make a smooth transition onto the state's roads.

    You can start driver education as soon as you turn 14 years and eight months old.

     
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    Top Segment 1

    In Segment 1 of your driver education, you'll be introduced to the basics of driving with 24 hours of classroom instruction and another six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction.

    You'll probably spend some of your classroom time watching instructional movies and discussing different driving situations with your teacher. You'll learn about vehicle safety, Michigan's driver laws, how to avoid dangerous situations, and even some basic map reading.

    You'll be required to pass a 100-question multiple-choice test to complete the course.

    Your road time will be spent on the basics, too, and may include up to three hours of driving on closed courses.

    After you successfully complete Segment 1, you'll receive a certificate from your driving instructor that you'll need to take to a local branch office of the Secretary of State to get your Level 1 Learner's License.

    To apply for a Level 1 Learner's License, you must be at least 14 years and nine months old. Bring your Segment 1 certificate, proof of identity, and a parent or guardian along to sign for you.

    You'll also have to pass a vision test and very basic health screening. There is no fee for the Level 1 Learner's License. Learn more about the steps to take to apply for your Level 1 license.

    Top Segment 2

    This is your step up to the big time, and it's a pretty simple one―just six hours of classroom instruction.

    Before you qualify to take it, however, you need to complete at least 30 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, including two hours of driving at night.

    Once you've completed Segment 2 and have a total of 50 hours of driving experience, you can take a road skills test. The Secretary of State has posted a handy study guide for this test online, as well as a road skills testing organization locator. Assuming you pass the test, you'll be eligible for a Level 2 License.

    Once again, a trip to the local branch office of the Secretary of State is required. This time, you'll need to be at least 16 and have your road skills certificate, proof that you've had your Level 1 License for at least 180 days, and a logbook showing your 50-plus hours of driving experience (including 10 hours at night).

    You'll have your picture taken and be given your Level 2 License, which allows you to drive unsupervised between the hours of 5 a.m. and midnight. (If you have a job that requires you to drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you'll be allowed to drive as long as you have proof that you are traveling directly to or from work.)

    The fee for your Level 2 License is $25. Once you hold a Level 2 License for six months and turn 17, with your parents' permission you can graduate to a full, restriction-free license―the Level 3.

    Since all three license levels require parental consent if the applicant is under 18, parents should know their responsibilities as well. To that end, the Secretary of State has created a guide for parents to help you know what you're getting your kids (and yourself!) into.

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    Related Questions from DMV Answers

    • Do I have to take one written test to pass driver education and another test to get a permit?

      Categories:

      It depends on where you live. Currently four states (see grid below) allow students who have passed a driver education course, or are enrolled in a drivers education program at the time of applying for a permit, to bypass taking the written drivers license test. If you reside in one of these four states, your drivers ed school will provide proof for you to present to the DMV. Keep in mind that if you enroll in a driver ed online course, it may take longer to obtain proof.   
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    • Can drivers of all ages take driver education?

      Categories:

      Many people think that driver education classes are only offered to young people through high schools and local community colleges. However, this simply isn’t true. Even if you are not legally required to take driver education to obtain your drivers license, most states offer a driver education class for students of all ages. Many people, including adult first time drivers, may feel more comfortable learning from an experienced instructor rather than studying the driver handbook or relying on the help of a friend or family member. Finding a drivers education class doesn't have to be a difficult process. Look up “driver education” in the phone book or go online and do a general search for your area. You should get at least one or two results, although some rural residents might need to conduct a slightly broader search. Call and ask about the cost of each class. When you have decided which drivers ed class you would like to enroll in, ask if the class is available f...
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    • Is it possible to fail driver education?

      Categories:

      While earning your drivers license may seem like a natural rite of passage, keep in mind that driving is a privilege and not an entitlement. To earn your license, you must meet your state's requirements. In most cases, this includes passing driver education. Technically speaking, it's not possible to fail drivers education. As a new driver, you are not expected to know how to properly operate a motor vehicle at all times. The goal of the course is to help you build your skills. Failing to perform key maneuvers such as a three point turn, emergency stop, or parallel parking would cause you to fail your driving exam at the state DMV, but they won't lead you to automatically fail driver education. A driver education teacher expects to you make a few mistakes along the path of learning how to become a safe and responsible driver. While difficulty learning how to drive won't cause you to fail a driver education course, this does not mean that all students will earn a certificate of compl...
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    • If I lost my driver education certificate can I still obtain a permit?

      Categories:

      If your state requires a driver education completion certificate to apply for a drivers permit, your application will be denied. But don't worry, this is but a mere bump in the road towards obtaining your drivers license. To fix the problem, contact your driver ed school and request a duplicate certificate. Depending on the school, you may be required to pay a duplicate fee, as well as postage and handling. While waiting for the driver ed certificate to arrive, use the time to study for your learners permit exam. You can do this by studying your state's driver's manual. Everything on the test will be based on information contained in the manual. Next, take a practice permit test. You can find hundreds of free practice tests online. Because these tests are free or low cost, take as many as you deem necessary. All of the questions are written in multiple-choice form, just like those found on the real exam.
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    • What driver education training is required to get a CDL?

      Categories:

      The answer depends on the requirements of your state and, sometimes, your employer.Not every state mandates commercial driver education training requirements, but those that do usually follow Federal Highway Administration guidelines and will provide you with a list of state-approved schools; just contact your local DMV or other state driver licensing agency.States that don’t regulate training generally don’t place their seals of approval on any specific commercial driving schools, either. If you live in such a state, it’s up to you to make sure you get the education and training you’ll need to pass your knowledge and driving exams. Be sure to study your state’s CDL handbook as well as search local listings and talk with other CDL holders about local commercial drivers ed schools. You might even find you can take commercial driver ed online.A Word About EmployersKeep in mind that, whether or not your state regulates commercial drivers education programs...
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