Michigan's Graduated Licensing System: How It Works

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) is a driver licensing system designed to teach teens to drive by gradually increasing their driving privileges as they advance through the system. Michigan's licensing system consists of 3 levels:

Level 1 License - a supervised learner's license issued to teen drivers at least 14 years and 9 months old, after successful completion of Segment 1 classroom and driving instruction.
Level 2 License - an intermediate license that limits passengers and the unsupervised nighttime driving for teen drivers at least 16 years old. Completion of Segment 2 and a state-certified driving test are required.  
Level 3 License - a full-privilege driver's license issued to teen drivers at least 17 years old after they have held a Level 2 License for at least six months, and been crash- and violation-free during the prior 12 months.


​Click here for a comprehensive guide to the Michigan Graduated Driver Licensing requirements:  
Steps to Licensing
​Step 1: Completion of Segment 1 classroom and driving instruction (students must be at least 14 years and 8 months old to begin).
Step 2: Obtain a Level 1 Learner's License from the Secretary of State (students must be 14 years and 9 months old).
Step 3: Completion of Segment 2 classroom instruction (students must have held a Level 1 license for 3 months and logged 30 driving hours to begin).
Step 4: Completion of a state certified Driving Skills Test (students must be 15 years old, held a Level 1 license for at least 6 months, and logged 50 driving hours). To find driver testing businesses available in your area, go here and select 'Driver Education and Testing Businesses', then select 'Search Driver Testing Business Locations'.
Step 5: The Level 2 Intermediate License is issued automatically to students who are 16 years old and have held a Level 1 license for 6 months. This license limits passengers and unsupervised nighttime driving.
Step 6: The Level 3 License is issued automatically to teen drivers who are at least 17 years old (with parental authorization*), held a Level 2 License for at least six months, and been crash- and violation-free during the prior 12 months.

Visit the Secretary of State website for more information. This comprehensive Guide for Parents also contains valuable information.