Driver education and the Level 1 Learner's License
A 4-minute lesson from the Michigan course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
If you're under 18, you get licensed through Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL): two segments of driver education and three license levels. Each level adds privileges as your skill grows. GDL ends when you turn 18.
Know the rule
Drivers under 18 must complete GDL. This is waived if you've held a valid license from another state for more than a year.
To get a Level 1 Learner's License you must be at least 14 years, 9 months old, visit a Secretary of State office with your parent or legal guardian, and pass the vision and health standards.
On Level 1 you may drive only with a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat next to you. A designated adult needs a signed letter of authorization from the parent or guardian.
If your Level 1 license is a photo hard card (not paper), you won't need to return to the office for Level 2; your operator's license is mailed to you when you turn 18.
You're 14 years, 8 months old. With a parent's permission you can start Segment 1, but you must wait until 14 years, 9 months to apply for your Level 1 license — and then drive only with a parent, guardian or designated adult 21+ beside you.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
At what minimum age can a teen begin Segment 1 driver's education, with parental permission?
14 years, 8 months
16 years
14 years, 9 months
15 years
Answer: 14 years, 8 months
To apply for Segment 1, you must be at least 14 years, 8 months old and have your parent or guardian's permission.
Segment 1 driver's education requires 6 hours behind-the-wheel and 4 hours of observation. Separately, how many classroom hours does it require at minimum?
24 hours
18 hours
12 hours
30 hours
Answer: 24 hours
Segment 1 requires at least 24 hours of classroom instruction.