Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) Programs in Michigan

1. What are the minimum age requirements for obtaining a driver’s license in Michigan?


In Michigan, the minimum age requirement for obtaining a driver’s license is 16 years old. However, individuals must first pass a written test and complete a driver’s education course before applying for their driver’s license.

2. What are the age-specific restrictions of the GDL program in Michigan?


The Graduated Driver License (GDL) program in Michigan places restrictions on drivers under the age of 18. These restrictions are as follows:

– Drivers age 14-15 must hold a valid Michigan Level 1 Learner’s License for at least 6 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed adult 21 years of age or older.

– Drivers age 16 must hold a valid Michigan Level 2 Intermediate License for at least 12 months and complete a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving, with at least 2 hours at night, before obtaining a Level 3 Full License.

– Drivers age 17 must hold a valid Michigan Level 3 Full License for at least 6 months before applying for the Enhanced Driver’s License.

– Drivers age 18 may apply for an Enhanced Driver’s License immediately upon obtaining their Level 3 Full License.

3. How does the GDL program in Michigan define a supervised driving period?


In Michigan, a supervised driving period occurs when someone at least 21 years old and licensed to drive is in the vehicle with a learner who is between 14-21 years old. The supervisor must be in the front passenger seat and must be willing and able to take control of the vehicle if necessary.

4. What are the restrictions on night-time driving for drivers under the age of 18 in Michigan?


Drivers under the age of 18 in Michigan are subject to the Graduated Driver Licensing Program, which places restrictions on night-time driving. Specifically, from 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., all drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from transporting passengers who are not members of their immediate family, unless they are accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21 years of age. During this time period, drivers who are 16 and 17 years old must also be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or be traveling to or from work.

5. Are there any common exceptions to the GDL program in Michigan?


Yes. Teens may be exempt from some or all of the GDL requirements if they are:

• 18 years old or older;
• Active members of the military; or
• Licensed and have held their license for more than two years.

6. How many hours of supervised driving must be completed before a provisional license can be obtained in Michigan?


In Michigan, a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving is required before a provisional license can be obtained.

7. What type of restrictions are placed on drivers with a provisional license in Michigan?


In Michigan, drivers with a provisional license are permitted to drive only during certain hours (5 a.m. to midnight) and are prohibited from carrying passengers who are not immediate family members, except when accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old. They must also adhere to all other licensing requirements.

8. How many passengers is a driver with a provisional license allowed to carry in Michigan?


In Michigan, drivers with a provisional license are only allowed to carry one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a family member.

9. How long must a driver keep a provisional license before they can apply for an unrestricted license in Michigan?


In Michigan, a driver must hold a provisional license for at least 6 months before they can apply for an unrestricted license.

10. Is there an age requirement for drivers to be accompanied by an adult when driving in Michigan?


Yes. Drivers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older when they are driving in Michigan.

11. Are there any restrictions on cell phone use for drivers under 18 years old in Michigan?


Yes. In Michigan, drivers who are 17 years old or younger are prohibited from using any electronic device, including a cell phone, while driving.

12. Are drivers with provisional licenses allowed to drive on highways in Michigan?


No, drivers with a provisional license in Michigan are not allowed to drive on highways.

13. Are there any restrictions on where drivers with provisional licenses can drive in Michigan?


Yes, in Michigan, drivers with provisional licenses are restricted from driving between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and may not transport more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not a family member. They are also restricted from using cell phones while driving, and from driving on any highway with a posted speed limit greater than 55 mph.

14. What are the requirements for taking a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Michigan?


In order to take a driving test to receive a driver’s license in Michigan, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Be at least 16 years old
2. Have a valid Level 1 Learner’s Permit, which requires parental consent and proof of passing vision and knowledge tests
3. Have completed at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including two hours of night driving, while holding a Level 1 Learner’s Permit
4. Have completed a state-approved driver education program
5. Provide proof of identity and residency
6. Pay the applicable fee

15. Are drivers with provisional licenses required to take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license in Michigan?


Yes, drivers with a provisional license in Michigan must take and pass a road test before being granted an unrestricted license.

16. Does the GDL program in Michigan require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven?


No, the GDL program in Michigan does not require drivers to keep a log of supervised hours driven.

17. Are there any special provisions for GDL program participants who complete a driver’s education program in Michigan?


Yes. Drivers enrolled in the Michigan Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program who complete a driver’s education program are eligible to receive a Level 2 license at age 16 instead of age 17, as long as they have held a Level 1 license for at least three months and have completed at least 30 hours of driving with a supervising adult.

18. Are there any exceptions to the GDL program regulations for drivers under 18 years old in Michigan?


Yes, there are exceptions for drivers under 18 who are eligible for a Level 2 license in Michigan. For instance, a teen driver may be exempt from the nighttime driving restriction if they are traveling to or from work or a school-related activity. Additionally, teen drivers may be exempt from the passenger restriction if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or if they are transporting immediate family members.

19. Is there an age at which drivers are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Michigan?


Yes. Drivers over 18 years of age are no longer subject to the GDL program regulations in Michigan.

20. What are the penalties for violating the GDL program rules in Michigan?


Penalties for a GDL violation in Michigan vary depending on the type, severity, and number of violations. They can range from a warning to license suspension or revocation, fines, and possible jail time. Additionally, points may be added to the driver’s record and insurance rates may increase.