What you need to do to get your first Michigan driver's license
You need to visit a Secretary of State office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. Michigan does not issue licenses by mail or online. The entire process — from your first visit through passing both tests — typically takes several weeks, though you can complete the written and driving tests on the same day if you prepare in advance.
You cannot drive legally in Michigan without a license, even with a valid out-of-state license, so plan to complete this before you need to drive regularly. If you are under 18, the process includes additional restrictions and a longer waiting period between your written test and driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Secretary of State office with proof of identity, proof of Michigan residency, and your Social Security number or proof you do not have one.
- You will take a written test on road signs and driving rules at your first visit, then wait at least one business day before scheduling your driving test.
- If you are under 18, you must wait 14 calendar days between passing your written test and taking your driving test, and your license will have restrictions on when and who you can drive with.
- The fee for a standard driver's license is $25 for a four-year license or $35 for an eight-year license; you pay this after you pass both tests.
- You can schedule your driving test appointment online through the Secretary of State website or by calling your local office.
Documents you need to bring to the Secretary of State
Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Michigan. For identity, the Secretary of State accepts a valid passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. A school ID, birth certificate, or Social Security card alone will not work as proof of identity.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your Michigan address. The document must show your name and current address. A bank statement or credit card statement counts if it is dated within the last 30 days.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, or bring a valid visa or work permit showing your immigration status.
The written test: what to study and when you can take it
The written test covers Michigan traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 50 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Secretary of State office. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test takes about 30 minutes.
You can take the written test at your first visit to the Secretary of State office. Study the Michigan Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Secretary of State website as a PDF or in print at any office. The manual covers everything the test covers. Many people study it for one to two weeks before their visit.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another visit. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee again each time you take it.
The driving test: scheduling, what the examiner checks, and common reasons people fail
After you pass the written test, you can schedule your driving test online through the Secretary of State website or by calling your local office. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn all work before you drive.
The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and directs you through a route that includes residential streets, busier roads, and parking. You will demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving — minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign will not fail you, but running a red light or hitting a curb will.
Common reasons people fail include hitting or mounting a curb, failing to stop at a stop sign or red light, speeding, improper lane changes, and not checking mirrors or blind spots. Bring your glasses or contacts if you need them to drive. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one business day and pay the test fee again.
Different rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign your process at the Secretary of State office. You must also wait 14 calendar days after passing your written test before you can take your driving test. This waiting period does not explore to people 18 and older.
Once you pass your driving test and receive your license, it will have restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. You can only drive with passengers who are family members or a licensed adult 21 or older, unless you are driving to school or work.
These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18. At that point, you can visit a Secretary of State office and request an unrestricted license at no additional cost.
Fees and how long your license lasts
The fee for a new driver's license is $25 for a four-year license or $35 for an eight-year license. You pay this fee after you pass your driving test. The Secretary of State office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
Your license is valid for the number of years you choose. When it expires, you will need to renew it. Renewal is a separate process that you can do online or by mail if you have no changes to your information and no medical conditions that affect your driving.
What to do if you cannot visit a Secretary of State office in person
Michigan requires an in-person visit for your first license. You cannot complete this process online or by mail. If you live far from an office, you can visit any Secretary of State office in the state — you are not limited to the one nearest your home.
Secretary of State offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Check the office hours and location on the Secretary of State website before you go. You can also call ahead to confirm they have availability for the written test on the day you plan to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?
No. You must pass the written test first, then wait at least one business day before scheduling your driving test. If you are under 18, you must wait 14 calendar days. You can schedule your driving test for the next business day after you pass the written test if you want to move quickly.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one business day. You pay the test fee again each time you take it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after practicing the skills the examiner checks.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes. The car must be registered and insured in Michigan, and it must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn. The examiner will check these before you drive. You cannot use a rental car or borrow someone else's car unless it meets these requirements.
What if I move to Michigan from another state with a valid driver's license?
You do not need to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Michigan license by visiting a Secretary of State office with your out-of-state license and proof of Michigan residency. You pay the license fee but skip the tests. This is a different process than getting your first license.
Can I drive before my license arrives in the mail?
No. You can only drive legally once you have your physical license in hand. The Secretary of State office gives you your license the same day you pass your driving test, so you can drive when ready after you finish the test.