How to Get Your Michigan Learner’s Permit: A Complete Guide

Before you can get a driver’s license, you’ll need to complete driver education and practice driving with a learner’s permit. But, you can’t just walk into the DMV and retrieve your permit. You will need to satisfy certain requirements, pass examination tests, and obey driving restrictions.

In this guide, we will go through everything you need to know about how to get your Michigan learner’s permit.

Michigan Learner’s Permit Requirements

Before you start the licensing process, you’ll want to be sure that you’re actually eligible. Make sure that you satisfy the following requirements.

• You have parental consent.
• You are at least 14 years and eight months old.

What if You’re Over 18?

If you’ve never been licensed AND you’re at least 18 years old, the TIP (Temporary Instruction Permit) is your first step. To get your TIP, you’ll need to pass the vision and written tests at a driver licensing office. You’re then eligible to take your road skills test and get your license after 30 days of driving practice.

How to Get a Learner’s Permit in Michigan

1 – Complete First Driver’s Education Segment

Michigan’s driver’s education program is divided into two segments that take place at different points in the licensing process. You must complete the first segment before you get your learner’s license. If you’re over 18, you’re not required to take driver’s ed.

To complete segment one, you must be at least 14 years and eight months. This segment consists of 24 hours of classroom instruction, four hours of observation, and six hours of behind-the-wheel.

Driver’s education courses are offered at some public schools and private driving schools and must be approved by the state of Michigan

2 – Apply for Your Permit at the Driver Licensing Office

To apply, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 14 years and nine months.
• Have completed segment one of driver education.
• Meet minimum health and vision standards.

If you completed an out-of-state driver education program, you’ll be required to take a written knowledge test. Approved driver ed programs include the test.

Required Documents

You’ll need to bring the following documents to apply for a driver’s permit in Michigan:

• Social Security number or proof of ineligibility.
• Proof of legal presence.
• Proof of identity
• Proof of residency in Michigan.
• Signature of parent/guardian/responsible adult on your application (if under 18).
• Your certificate of completion for segment one of driver ed (if under 18).

Make sure that your documents are considered acceptable.

Permit Restrictions

Congratulations! Now it’s time to practice driving under supervision. Any time you’re behind the wheel, you need to have a licensed adult over the age of 21 in the front seat. Additionally, you’ll want to track your driving time on a Supervised Driving Log.

Progressing to the Intermediate License

To progress to an intermediate license, you will need to complete segment two of driver education. You can start this segment after you’ve had a learner’s permit for at least three months and you’ve logged a minimum of 30 hours of driving, including two night hours. The segment consists of six hours of classroom instruction.

Additionally, you will need to satisfy the following requirements:

• Have had a learner’s permit for a minimum of six months.
• Are at least 16.
• Have completed segment two of driver education.
• Have maintained a clean driving record for at least 90 consecutive days before applying.

That’s It

That’s everything you need to know about the process of getting your Michigan learner’s permit! We hope this guide was helpful and that you’re confident about signing up for driver education, applying for your license, and taking your tests. If you need some extra help preparing, Zutobi is the perfect option. With practice tests and summarized information, Zutobi will make your study time easy, enjoyable, and effective.