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 successfully completed all the previous instructional and driving requirements.

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
Step 3: Completion of Segment 2 classroom instruction (students must have held a Level 1 license for 3 months to begin).
Step 4: Completion of a state certified Driving Skills Test. Search here for driver testing businesses available in your area.
Step 5: Obtain a Level 2 Intermediate License, issued automatically from the Secretary of State (students must have held a Level 1 license for 6 months).
Step 6: Obtain a Level 3 License, issued automatically from the Secretary of State (students must have held a Level 2 license for 6 months and meet all other driving requirements).

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