Michigan Driver’s License
Driver Education:
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.
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.
Driver’s Permits: Click here for details
Divers Training: Click here for details
Michigan Speed Limits
257.629.amended Prima facie speed limits; establishment; limitations; signs; civil infraction; “local authority” defined.
Sec. 629.
(1) Local authorities may establish or increase the prima facie speed limits on highways under their jurisdiction subject to the following limitations:
(a) A highway within a business district on which the prima facie speed limit is increased shall be designated a through highway at the entrance to which vehicles shall be required to stop before entering, except that where 2 of these through highways intersect, local authorities may require traffic on only 1 highway to stop before entering the intersection.
(b) The local authorities shall place and maintain, upon all through highways in which the permissible speed is increased, adequate signs giving notice of the special regulations and shall also place and maintain upon each highway intersecting a through highway, appropriate signs which shall be reflectorized or illuminated at night.
(c) Local authorities may establish prima facie lawful speed limits on highways outside of business districts that are consistent with the limits established in section 627(2).
(2) The state transportation department shall establish the speed upon all trunk line highways located within cities and villages as follows:
(a) A written copy of the authorization or determination shall be filed in the office of the county clerk of the county or counties where the highway is located and a certified copy of the authorization or determination shall be prima facie evidence in all courts of the issuance of the authorization or determination.
(b) When the state transportation department increases the speed upon a trunk line highway as provided in this act, subject to section 627a, the state transportation department shall place and maintain upon these highways adequate signs giving notice of the permissible speed fixed by the state transportation commission.
(3) Local authorities are authorized to decrease the prima facie speed limits to not less than 15 miles per hour in public parks under their jurisdiction. A decrease in the prima facie speed limits is binding when adequate signs are duly posted giving notice of the reduced speeds.
(4) Local authorities are authorized to decrease the prima facie speed limits to not less than 25 miles an hour on each street or highway under their jurisdiction that is adjacent to a publicly owned park or playground. A decrease in the prima facie speed limits is binding when adequate signs are duly posted giving notice of the reduced speeds. As used in this subsection, "local authority" includes the county road commission with the concurrence of the township board of a township for a street or highway within the boundaries of the township.
(5) The maximum rates of speed allowed under this section are subject to the maximum rate established under section 629b.
(6) A person who exceeds a lawful speed limit established under this section is responsible for a civil infraction.
(7) As used in this section, "local authority" means the governing body of a city or village, except as provided in subsection (4).
Michigan Driving Laws/Info
First Michigan DUI Offense
- Jail – Up to 93 Days
- License Suspension – Up to 6 Months
- License Suspension - Eligible for Restricted License after 30 Days
- License Points - 6
- Fine – From $100 to $500
- Fine - $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee for 2 Years
- Other Possibilities
- Community Service – Up to 360 Hours
- Ignition Interlock
- Vehicle Immobilization
Second Michigan DUI Offense
- Jail – From 5 Days to 1 Year
- License Suspension – Minimum of 1 Year
- License Points – 6
- License Plate Confiscation
- Vehicle Immobilization – From 90 to 180 Days (Unless Vehicle is Forfeited)
- Fine – From $200 to $1,000
- Fine - $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee for 2 Years
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Other Possibilities
- Community Service – From 30 to 90 Days
Third Michigan DUI Offense
- Felony Offense
- Jail – Probation With 30 Days to 1 Year
- Imprisonment– From 1 to 5 Years
- License Suspension – Minimum of 1 Year
- License Points – 6
- License Plate Confiscation
- Vehicle Immobilization – From 90 to 180 Days (Unless Vehicle is Forfeited)
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Fine – From $200 to $1,000
- Fine - $1,000 Driver Responsibility Fee for 2 Years
- Other Possibilities
- Community Service – From 60 to 180 Days
MI License Point System
Six points
- Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or other felony involving use of a motor vehicle.
- Operating under the influence of liquor or drugs.
- Failing to stop and give identification at the scene of a crash.
- Reckless driving.
- Unlawful blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more.
- Refusal to take a chemical test.
- Fleeing or eluding a police officer.
Four pointse
- Drag racing.
- Operating while visibly impaired.
- Under age 21 with any measurable blood alcohol content.
- 16 mph or more over the legal speed limit.
- Failure to yield or show due caution for emergency vehicles.
Three points
- Careless driving.
- Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign or improper passing.
- 11-15 mph over the legal speed limit.
- Failure to stop at railroad crossing.
- Failure to stop for a school bus, or disobeying a school crossing guard.
Two points
- 10 mph or less over the legal speed limit.
- Open alcohol container in vehicle.
- All other moving violations of traffic laws.
- Refusal of Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) by anyone under age 21.
