Michigan Graduated Driver Licensing

designed to increase the safety of new teen drivers...

Parents

Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing Law for Teens

Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program is designed to increase the safety of new teen drivers by allowing them to gain valuable experience at each level before moving forward. Parents play a key role at each level.

The Checkpoints Program helps parents set clear driving privileges and rules for their teen's unsupervised driving during the Level 2 license.

Near the end of their teen's Level 1 license, parents can get ready for the next step in GDL by creating their own Checkpoints parent-teen driving agreement on this website and start using it when their teen gets a Level 2 license.

License Type Level 1 (Supervised Driving) Level 2 (Independent Driving, with Restrictions) Level 3 (Unrestricted Driving)
What other names do people call this license?
  • Learner's permit
  • Learner's license
  • Restricted license
  • Probationary license
  • Driver's license
  • Unrestricted license
  • Full license
  • Driver's license
Minimum Age At least 14 and 9 months At least 16 At least 17
What needs to be completed before getting this license?
  • Segment 1 driver education (24 class hrs, 6hrs behind wheel, and written exam)
  • Segment 2 driver education (6 class hrs)
  • 50 hrs practice driving (10 at night)
  • 90 days, no crash/violation Level 1 license for 6 months
  • Road test
  • 12 months no crash/violation
  • Level 2 license for 6 months
Forms tests and extras neded
  • Vision exam
  • Written approval of parents
  • Certification that requirements met
  • Parent signature
  • Fee
 Parent can request that teen be held at level 2
When and where teens can drive Drive only with parent or designated licensed adult age 21 or older Drive unsupervised:
  • Except 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • With up to 1 passenger under the age of 21
 Full driving privilidges