Driving in Michigan – Graduated Licensing for Teens

Even though it makes look overwhelming, keep in mind that this schedule of things happens over a period of three years. My advice to you is that you concentrate at the step you are according to your age. For example if you are 14 years and 8 months old, you concentrate on Driver Education Segment 1 and obtaining A License of Level One
The complete schedule is presented at the first meeting of parent’s student, student, and teacher for the sole purpose that everyone knows what to expect from the Gradated Licensing Program. This is not a memorizing exercise for the student even though each student will have a copy of the Schedule of Things to Happen.

Graduated Licensing
Applicants under age 18
There are three licensing levels under graduated licensing.

Level 1:

Young driver may drive only when accompanied by a licensed parent, licensed legal guardian or with a licensed driver over age 21 designated by a parent or legal guardian.

Level 2:

Young driver can drive without supervision except from midnight to 5 a.m. Driving is only permitted from midnight to 5 a.m. if driving to and from employment or if driving with a parent, legal guardian or a licensed driver over age 21 designated by a parent or legal guardian.

Level 3:

Young driver has full driving privileges with no restrictions.

To obtain a Level 1 license teens must:

1. Be at least age 14 years, 9 months.
2. Complete segment ONE of a driver education course (24 hr.) approved by the Michigan Department of Education,
3. Six hours of driving instruction + 4 hr. observation time
4. Must provide proof of identity, pass a vision test and meet health standards set by the Secretary of State.
5. Obtain written approval from a parent or legal guardian at the branch office.

To obtain a Level 2 license teens must:

1. Be at least age 16 and pay fee.
2. Successfully complete six months of practice driving at Level 1.
3. Complete segment two of a driver education course approved by the Michigan Department of Education.
4. Have no convictions/civil infractions, license suspensions or crashes during the 90-day period immediately prior to applying for a level 2 license.
5. Complete a minimum 50 hours of behind of behind-the-wheel practice driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, that is certified by a parent or legal guardian.
6. Pass a road test conducted by an independent road testing agency approved by the Secretary of State.
   

To obtain a Level 3 license teens must:

1. Be at least age 17.
2. Hold a level 2 license for six months.
3. Complete 12 consecutive months of driving without a moving violation, an at-fault crash that resulted without a moving violation, a license suspension or a violation of the graduated license restrictions.
4. The graduated licensing program ends for all young drivers when they reach age 18.

Schedule of Things to Happen

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Michigans_Graduated_Licensing_System_153498_7.pdf