In Michigan, teens under the age of 18 who want to learn to drive must complete driver education as part of the in the Graduated Driver Licensing system (GDL). Driver education is offered through state-certified, independently owned, driver education businesses (providers).
Under GDL, teens must complete two segments of driver education instruction and meet the requirements for each of the three licensing levels. Driving privileges are increased at each new licensing level.
- Driver education – Segment 1 (Note: Teens must be at least 14 years and 8 months to enroll in driver education Segment 1.) Segment 1 consists of classroom instruction and on-the-road driver training. A score of at least 70% on the Segment 1 state exam is required to pass the course.
- Level 1 Learner’s License (Note: Teens must be at least age 14 years and 9 months to obtain a Level 1 License.) A Level 1 License allows a teen to drive under the supervision of a parent, guardian, or adult age 21 or older (who is designated by the parent or guardian). The parent, guardian, or designated adult accompanying the teen driver must have a valid, unexpired driver’s license.
- Supervised driving and the driving log: Teens are required to keep a driving log and complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at nighttime) before they can take the driving skills test, which is required for the Level 2 License. Only a licensed parent, guardian, or designated driver age 21 or older may coach a teen driver.
- Note: A parent or legal guardian can hold a teen at their current licensing level (GDL 1 or GDL 2) or cancel their GDL license at any time before their 18th birthday. To request a hold or cancellation of their teens’ GDL license, the parent or legal guardian needs to schedule a visit at a Secretary of State office.
Interested in enrolling for Segment One Drivers Education? Visit our Class Schedule page to find a time that works for you!