
If you’ve never held a driver’s license before, or if your license has been expired for more than four years, you will be required to take the Michigan driving skills test at some point in time (also known as the road test).
While the road test is stressful and difficult, a good understanding of what you’ll need to do is one of the most effective ways to prepare for it.
But there’s no need to worry. In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know to pass your Michigan road test and be well on your way towards getting your full driving privileges!
If you’re under the age of 18, be sure to complete these requirements before you start the process of applying for your road test.
If you’re over the age of 18 but haven’t had a driver’s license before, there will be a different set of requirements you’ll need to follow before you’re allowed to take the driving skills test in Michigan.
In Michigan, road tests are only offered through private driver testing businesses that are approved by the state. To find a convenient location, you can use the Branch Office Locator.
You’ll be able to schedule your road test up to six months in advance. Make sure to inquire about fees before you schedule your appointment since fees are not regulated by the Michigan Department of State. When you schedule your appointment, you will have to provide your phone number, name, and license number.
You’ll be taking the driving skills test in your own car. It should be one that you’ve used and are familiar with. It needs to be in safe working order and you must have valid insurance proof, vehicle registration, and license plate. Your vehicle will be inspected before your test, and you will not be allowed to take your road test if it doesn’t pass the inspection.
Here’s a list of things you should make sure are working well:
Additionally, your vehicle must follow these requirements:
If you’re under 18 and are going through Michigan’s Graduated Driver’s License program, your Level 2 license may be automatically issued.
You should bring the following documents to your road test.
If you’re over the age of 18, you’ll only need to bring the following:
The Michigan driving skills test has three components. First, there will be a safety inspection and vehicle familiarization part, which will not be scored. Next is the control skills part, which will take place in a parking lot or other open space. Last is the on-road driving test, which you’ll take on the road in real driving situations. The three sections will take place in this order; and if you fail one part, you won’t be allowed to complete the remaining components.
The basic vehicle control skills test will involve a number of exercises to help determine your ability to control your vehicle in certain situations, such as Y-turns and parallel parking. Your instructor will assess your performance based on how many encroachments (when you go past a boundary), repositionings (when you have to adjust your path of travel) you have, as well as your final position. To pass this portion of the exam, you must have fewer than six errors.
During the on-road test, you’ll drive a route in which you’ll have to drive through a number of traffic situations. Be sure to drive safely, obeying all traffic laws. You’ll be asked to make left and right turns, lane changes, and other similar actions. Always be aware of your surroundings and remember to check your mirrors, use your turn signals, drive smoothly, don’t brake unnecessarily, etc.
No one wants to fail their road test, but knowing what will cause a failure is one of the best ways to avoid it.
You’ll fail your test if you do any of the following:
You’ll also fail if you commit hazardous actions or traffic violations, such as the ones listed below.
If you fail your road test, don’t worry—not everyone passes on their first try. Review your material and practice up, and then reschedule and retake your test.
That’s everything you need to know about the driving skills test in Michigan. We hope this guide has helped you out, and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study guide with online practice tests, a summarized handbook, and practical driving tips that will help you immensely during the actual road exam.
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