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 6 steps:

Step 1: Completion of Segment 1 classroom and driving instruction
Step 2: Obtain a Level 1 Learner's License
Step 3: Completion of Segment 2 classroom instruction
Step 4: Completion of a state certified Driving Skills Test
Step 5: Obtain a Level 2 Intermediate License
Step 6: Obtain a Level 3 License

All three license levels require parental consent if the applicant is under 18.

The Secretary of State has created a couple of documents that help explain this process: the GDL Timeline outlines each of the steps and the order in which they must be completed; and a comprehensive Guide for Parents contains valuable information.