Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Age 14 years 8 months — eligible to start Segment 1 of driver education (with parent/guardian permission)
- Age 14 years 9 months — eligible for a Level 1 Learner's License (after completing Segment 1)
- Must be a Michigan resident
- Parent or legal guardian must accompany you to the Secretary of State office
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You'll need to bring original documents (no photocopies) to prove:
- Segment 1 Certificate of Completion — from your approved driver education course
- Social Security number — Social Security card or letter of ineligibility from SSA (no more than 60 days old)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence — birth certificate with raised seal, valid U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card
- Proof of identity — original documents only (no photocopies)
- Michigan residency (2 documents) — utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, pay stub, etc.
- Parent/guardian — must be present at Secretary of State office
Verify your documents: Visit michigan.gov/sos for the official document requirements list. This can change, so always check before your visit.
Step 3: Study for the Knowledge Test
The permit test is the 50-question SOS knowledge exam. You need 80% (40 out of 50) to pass — one combined score, no separate sections.
- Download What Every Driver Must Know (free from SOS website)
- Take our free practice test — aim for 90%+ before going in
- Focus on: road signs, OWI laws, right-of-way, speed limits, school bus rules
Step 4: Visit Your Local SOS Branch
- Find a branch: Use the SOS Branch Locator at michigan.gov/sos/branch-locator
- Schedule online if your branch offers appointments (recommended to avoid wait times)
- Bring all documents from Step 2
- Pass the vision screening — 20/40 minimum with or without corrective lenses
- Pass the knowledge test — 50 questions, 80% to pass (one combined score)
- Pay the fee — check michigan.gov/sos for current fees; have photo taken
Step 5: After You Get Your Permit
Your Level 1 Learner's License comes with restrictions. Here's what you must do over the next 6 months:
- Always drive with a supervisor — licensed parent, guardian, or designated adult age 21+ in the front seat (designated adult needs signed letter from parent/guardian)
- Log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night
- No cell phone use at all — Kelsey's Law prohibits ALL phone use for Level 1 drivers, even hands-free (except emergencies)
- Hold the permit for at least 6 months before you can advance to Level 2
- Stay violation-free — no violations, at-fault crashes, or suspensions in the 90 days before applying for Level 2
Step 6: Get Your License
After 6 months at Level 1 with a clean record, you can advance to Level 2:
- Age requirement: At least 16 years old
- Complete Segment 2 of driver education (6 hours classroom, Segment 2 state exam)
- Pass the driving skills test — given by SOS-approved driver testing businesses
- Level 2 Intermediate License: 10 PM – 5 AM curfew, max 1 non-family passenger under 21; Kelsey's Law still applies
- Level 3 Full License: At age 17 after 6 months at Level 2 + 12 months clean driving
Timeline: If you start Segment 1 at age 14 years 8 months and get your Level 1 at 14 years 9 months, the earliest you can get your Level 2 is age 16 (after completing all requirements). Level 3 full license is available at age 17.