What to bring to the Michigan Secretary of State permit test

For the learner's permit and knowledge 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
• TIP fee ($25)

Fees

• Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP): $25
• Online knowledge test convenience fee: $6.50

The vision test

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 contact lenses if you wear them to see clearly.

For the road test

• Teens: completed driving log (50 hours, 10 at night), Level 1 Learner's License and Segment 2 Certificate of Completion
• Adults: your TIP
• A vehicle in safe working order with proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, valid registration and a plate with a valid tab

What happens on the road test

After you pass: your permit

• Hold it 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.
• Log 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of them at night.
• Segment 1: at least 24 hours classroom, 6 hours behind the wheel, 4 hours observation, and 70% on the state exam; parent/guardian permission
• Level 1: drive only with a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed adult 21+ in the front seat (the designated adult needs a signed authorization letter)
• At least 30 hours of supervised driving (2 at night) before Segment 2; Segment 2 is at least 6 hours classroom with 70% on the state exam
• 50 hours of supervised driving including 10 at night before the driving skills test (minimum age 15)
• Kelsey's Law: no phone use while driving except emergencies
• Adults 18+ who have never been licensed: Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP), valid 180 days, at least 30 days of practice with a licensed adult before the skills test

Before you go

Take a practice test or two the day before, and the exam simulator to check you can pass in the real format. Bring originals, not photocopies, unless the Secretary of State says copies are accepted.