Michigan Secretary of State exam simulator
The Secretary of State doesn't publish how many questions its test has, so the simulator gives you 25 random questions from all 259 of ours with 20 correct to pass. You only see your answers at the end. Pass three in a row and you're ready for the real thing.
25 questions · 20 to pass
How the simulator works
- Every attempt draws a new random set of 25 questions from across the handbook.
- No feedback until you finish, as in the real test. Then you see your score and every question you missed, with the explanation and handbook reference.
- Your results stay in this browser. After three passes in a row you'll see "You're ready".
- The Secretary of State doesn't publish a time limit for this test, so the clock just shows how long you've taken.
A separate road sign test section, which you must pass along with the written knowledge test before a TIP is issued.
About the real Michigan Secretary of State test
Take the test on a computer at a Secretary of State office (free; can be scheduled until one hour before closing) or online at home. The online KnowToDrive test is for adults 18 and older, is webcam-proctored, costs a $6.50 convenience fee and allows up to two attempts per calendar day. The test has two sections: a multiple-choice 'Operator' (written knowledge) test and a road sign test. Teens in GDL take the Segment 1 and Segment 2 driver education state exams (70% minimum) instead of the SOS operator knowledge test.
- Languages: English and many other languages, in written and audio form. Foreign-language interpreters may be used on all written tests except CDL tests. Check with the SOS for your language before you go.
- Attempts: In office: failing to get a passing score ends the testing process, and you must reschedule and retest on a different day. Online: up to two attempts per calendar day, paying the $6.50 fee each time; if you pass one section online but fail the other, you can finish the full test at a branch office at no charge. A passed knowledge test is valid for one year, but you must retake it if you apply for a new TIP after the old one expires.
- If you fail: Next day (in-office failure ends testing for that day)
- Fee: Knowledge test free at SOS offices ($6.50 online convenience fee); TIP $25
- Audio or oral test: Audio option available (online and kiosk). Sign language interpreters available on request.
On test day
- Bring the documents on the Michigan what-to-bring list, and check you meet the minimum age (14 years 9 months (GDL Level 1 Learner's License; Segment 1 can start at 14 years 8 months)).
- You'll take a vision test first: Unrestricted license: visual acuity of 20/40 and a peripheral field of 140 degrees. Below 20/40 down to 20/50 with a field of 140 to 110 degrees may be accepted with an ophthalmologist's or optometrist's statement. A restricted license with conditions is possible with a field of less than 110 down to 90 degrees. The license is denied if acuity is below 20/60 with progressive abnormalities, below 20/70 otherwise, 20/100 or less in one eye with less than 20/50 in the other, or an unaided field below 90 degrees. 'Daylight driving only' limits may be set based on a vision statement. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
- Read each question and every answer to the end before choosing; watch for words like "not" and "except".
- Review the hardest questions the night before: exact numbers are where most points are lost.
Questions
How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Michigan?
14 years 9 months (GDL Level 1 Learner's License; Segment 1 can start at 14 years 8 months). You then hold the permit for at least 6 months (Level 1) before the driving skills test and Level 2; 3 months before starting Segment 2 before the road test and 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night.
What happens if I fail the Michigan permit test?
You can retake it: Next day (in-office failure ends testing for that day). In office: failing to get a passing score ends the testing process, and you must reschedule and retest on a different day. Online: up to two attempts per calendar day, paying the $6.50 fee each time; if you pass one section online but fail the other, you can finish the full test at a branch office at no charge. A passed knowledge test is valid for one year, but you must retake it if you apply for a new TIP after the old one expires.
Can I take the Michigan permit test in Spanish or another language?
English and many other languages, in written and audio form. Foreign-language interpreters may be used on all written tests except CDL tests. Check with the SOS for your language before you go.
What do I need to bring for the Michigan permit test?
Proof of Social Security number (or an SSA letter of ineligibility no more than 60 days old); Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence; Proof of identity (original documents only); At least two proofs of Michigan residency; Teens: Segment 1 Certificate of Completion, plus a parent or legal guardian present; and more (see the full list).
What is the vision requirement in Michigan?
Unrestricted license: visual acuity of 20/40 and a peripheral field of 140 degrees. Below 20/40 down to 20/50 with a field of 140 to 110 degrees may be accepted with an ophthalmologist's or optometrist's statement. A restricted license with conditions is possible with a field of less than 110 down to 90 degrees. The license is denied if acuity is below 20/60 with progressive abnormalities, below 20/70 otherwise, 20/100 or less in one eye with less than 20/50 in the other, or an unaided field below 90 degrees. 'Daylight driving only' limits may be set based on a vision statement.
Test format from the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State): official test information.