Michigan is just one of several states in the U.S. that have adopted a Graduated Drivers License (GDL) program. While completing this program, teens undergo supervised, structured driving instruction to gain the skills needed to earn a full, unrestricted license at age 17.

Whether you’re a teen getting ready to start your driving adventure or the parent/guardian of one, you’ll need to follow the necessary steps to successfully complete Michigan’s GDL program. To help you accomplish your goal,

Jerry

—the licensed broker app for car insurance savings—has gathered everything you need to know about getting your driver’s license in the Great Lakes State and finding car insurance in Michigan.

What is the driving age in Michigan?

To enter the first stop of Michigan’s GDL, you must be at least 14 years and 8 months old. Drivers who are at least 16 may apply for a restricted license, and a full license may be obtained at 17.

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What is the Graduated Drivers License program in Michigan?

Like many states in the U.S., Michigan adopted the Graduated Drivers License program to ensure teens gain the driving skills needed to help avoid motor vehicle accidents.

The GDL in Michigan and most other states has three stages:

Instruction permit stage: supervised driving

Provisional license stage: limited unsupervised driving

Full license stage: unrestricted standard driver’s license

MORE:

Everything you ever wanted to know about Michigan car insurance laws (and more)

How to get your Level 1 Learner’s license in Michigan

All new Michigan drivers must begin the GDL process by completing Segment 1 of Michigan’s driver’s education program. This segment includes both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, and must be completed prior to applying for a Level 1 learner’s license.

Once you’ve completed Segment 1, visit a

Michigan Secretary of State office

to do the following:

Have your parent or guardian must come with you to sign your Application Form.

Pass a

vision and health screening

Present a Michigan Driver Education Segment 1 Certificate of Completion

Offer documentation for proof of Social Security number, legal presence, identity, and Michigan residency

Level 1 Learner’s license restrictions

Drivers with a Level 1 Learner’s license have the following driving restrictions:

Must be supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or designated licensed driver over 21 years of age and seated in the front seat at all times

No hand-held cell phones

No texting

Seat belts must be worn by everyone in the front seat

MORE: Your questions about teenage car insurance, answered

How to get your Level 2 Intermediate license in Michigan

While you have your Level 1 Learner’s license, you must complete Segment 2 of Driver’s Education, as well as at least 50 hours of supervised driving time, including 10 hours at night. This practice must be documented by your parent, guardian, or licensed supervisor on a Michigan Supervised Driving Log.

Once these steps are complete, you’re ready for your driving skills test. To prepare, teens should study Michigan’s “

What Every Driver Must Know

” packet. When you head to the Secretary of State office to take your driving skills test, be sure to bring:

Michigan Driver Education Segment 2 Certificate of Completion

Completed and signed Driving Log

You will automatically progress to a Level 2 Intermediate license when all above requirements are met, and:

You successfully complete your driving skills test

You reach a minimum age of 16

You remain crash- and violation-free for 90 days

Level 2 Intermediate license restrictions

Drivers with a Level 2 Intermediate license have the following driving restrictions:

No more than 1 passenger under age 21 (except for immediate family)

No driving between 10 pm and 5 am

No hand-held cell phones

No texting

Seat belts required for everyone in the front seat

There are certain exceptions to these rules. You may drive at any time if:

You’re traveling to or from work, a school event, or a religious event

You’re accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age

How to get your Level 3 license in Michigan

You will automatically progress to a Level 3 license when the following requirements are met:

You reach age 17

You’ve held your Level 2 Intermediate license for at least six months

You remain crash- and violation-free for 12 consecutive months.

When these requirements are met, you will receive an automated confirmation from the Secretary of State. No office visits are required.

Key Takeaway A parent or guardian may request you remain at Level 2 until their 18th birthday.

Level 3 driver’s license restrictions

There are no restrictions on a Level 3 license.

Exceptions

Michigan teens may apply for a junior permit due to certain types of hardship. Qualified hardships include:

Medical reasons with a signed note by a physician

School or school-authorized activities

Employment with a signed note from your employer

Immediate family member business with a signed note from your parent or guardian

Emancipated minors (no documentation is required)

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Worst cars for teenage drivers

How to save on car insurance in Michigan

As you prepare to begin your driving adventures, you should also take a moment to make sure you get the right coverage as a teen driver. While this may sound as nerve-racking as studying for your driving tests, the car insurance experts at

Jerry

make it quick and easy.

Shopping for insurance with Jerry is simple: just download the free Jerry app, answer a few questions, and relax as we sift through quotes from over 55 of the top providers in the nation. Once you’re presented with your best options—which only takes about 45 seconds—tap your top pick, and we’ll help you get set up in your new policy.

Better yet, while we’re making sure you get the right insurance at the beginning of your driving adventures, we can help your parents or guardians save on their policy, too. The average Jerry user saves over $800 a year on insurance premiums!

“I’m young and just got my first car, so choosing an insurance company for the first time was scary. My friend recommended this app to me and
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made everything simple! I put in my info and got something more affordable than what I expected for my age!” —Leslie T.

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Can you get a Michigan driver’s license at 16?

Yes. In Michigan, if you’ve completed the necessary driver’s education and successfully passed the required tests, you can get a restricted license at 16.

Can you drive by yourself at 17 in Michigan?

Yes. If all requirements are met, Michigan drivers can obtain a fully unrestricted license at 17.

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