Michigan Online Driver Education and Michigan Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Michigan? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Michigan has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Michigan.

Michigan Instruction Permit (aka--Learner's Permit)

To apply for an instruction permit in Michigan, you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• You must be at least 14 years and 9 months old
• Complete a state-approved drivers education course which includes 24 hours of classroom time, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction time, and 4 hours of observation time

Head down to your local driver's license office (Michigan Sec. of State Branch Office) and bring the following items:

• Your drivers education completion certificate
• Valid ID forms (for a list of acceptable ID documents, please visit the Michigan Sec. of State's website)
• Bring your parents/guardians (they'll need to fill out some paperwork)

After you receive your instruction permit (or a Level 1 Learner's License), you may begin to practice driving so long as there is a licensed driver at least 21 years of age sitting next to you in the front passenger seat who is actively supervising your driving.

Michigan Intermediate License

To become eligible for a Level 2 Intermediate License, you will need to complete the following requirements:

• Have held your Level 1 instruction permit in good standing for at least 3 months
• Complete 6 hours of classroom instruction
• 2 hours instruction per day (maximum)
• Completed 50 total hours of supervised driving (keep a log)
• No traffic violations (if you have one, you'll have to wait an additional 90 days before applying)

When this requirements have been met, take your drivers ed certificate along with your Level 2 Intermediate License application (which must be signed by your parents/guardians) to your local Michigan Secretary of State branch office. You will be given a road test, and if you pass, you will be issued a Level 2 Intermediate Drivers License.

With a Level 2 Intermediate Drivers License, some restrictions will still apply:

• No driving between 12 midnight and 5am unless your parent/guardian is with you (exception is if you're driving to and from work)

After you've had your Michigan Level 2 Intermediate License for 12 months, and kept a clean driving record, you can apply for your unrestricted Level 3 Driver's License!

Michigan Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Michigan is as follows:

• $20,000--personal injury (1 person)
• $40,000--personal injury (2 or more persons)
• $10,000--property damage

Driving without auto insurance coverage is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Michigan Drunk Driving Laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly forbidden in Michigan--and strictly enforced. Upon your FIRST Michigan DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:

• 93 days in Jail
• A fine ranging from $100 to $500
• $1,000 driver responsibility fee
• 6-month suspension of your license
• 6 points on your driving record
• 360 hours of community service
• Ignition Interlock Device being installed on your vehicle

Further DUI violations will result in even more severe penalties including extended jail time, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Michigan Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

There are currently no statewide laws in Michigan which prohibit drivers from using cell phones or text-messaging device while driving (but that does not mean it's safe to do it). However, if you drive in Detroit, you may only use a hands-free device.

Michigan Drivers Education

Teen-aged drivers are required to take a state-approved driver education program. You can find a list of approved programs on the Michigan Department of State website.