Michigan Driver's Ed: Segment 1 and Segment 2 Requirements
What are Segment 1 and Segment 2 of driver's ed in Michigan?
Segment 1 and Segment 2 are the two driver education courses that Michigan teens under 18 must pass. Segment 1 starts at 14 years 8 months: at least 24 classroom hours, 6 hours behind the wheel and 4 hours of observation. Segment 2 has at least 6 classroom hours and comes after 3 months on Level 1 and 30 logged hours. Each state exam needs at least 70%.
Where these rules come from
This guide uses the Michigan Department of State pages for new drivers under 18, the teen driver FAQ and new drivers 18 and older, the handbook "What Every Driver Must Know" (October 2025) and Michigan law (MCL 257.310e), as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Michigan Department of State (michigan.gov/sos) before you drive.
Who must take driver's ed in Michigan?
A teen under 18 who wants to learn to drive in Michigan must complete driver education. It is part of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL), which has two segments of driver education and three license levels: the Level 1 Learner's License, the Level 2 Intermediate License and the Level 3 Full License.
State-certified, independently owned driver education businesses (called providers) give the courses, and the Department of State certifies every instructor. All programs must offer at least the same minimum hours, and a provider can add more hours to its course.
The order of the Michigan driver education steps
| Step | Age or timing | What you complete |
|---|---|---|
| Segment 1 | At least 14 years 8 months, with a parent or guardian's permission | 24 classroom hours, 6 hours behind the wheel, 4 hours of observation, state exam at 70% or more |
| Level 1 Learner's License | At least 14 years 9 months | Segment 1 certificate, a visit to a Secretary of State office with a parent or guardian, $25 fee |
| Supervised driving | While you hold Level 1 | A driving log with at least 30 hours (2 at night) before Segment 2 |
| Segment 2 | After 3 consecutive months on Level 1 | 6 classroom hours, state exam at 70% or more |
| Driving skills test | At least 15 years old, with a parent or guardian present | Segment 2 passed, Level 1 held for 6 consecutive months and 50 logged hours (10 at night); an independent driver testing business gives the test |
What Segment 1 includes
- Classroom: at least 24 hours, no more than 2 hours of instruction a day, spread over 3 or more weeks. You need at least 4 classroom hours before any behind-the-wheel training.
- Behind the wheel: at least 6 hours, with at least 3 of them done before the classroom part ends. Only 1 hour of driving is allowed a day, and you must finish any remaining driving hours within 3 weeks after the classroom part ends. Michigan law (MCL 257.310e) makes these 6 hours of driving with the instructor a condition for Level 1.
- Observation: at least 4 hours in a vehicle with other students and an instructor.
- State exam: a score of at least 70% passes the course.
What is the Parent Driving Permit?
The Parent Driving Permit is an optional permit for teens enrolled in Segment 1. It lets the teen practice with a licensed parent or guardian, but only while the teen is enrolled in and attending a Segment 1 course. The driver education provider issues it after the parent or guardian authorizes it. Parents can consider it when their teen may need extra practice and support after enrolling.
What happens after Segment 1: Level 1 and the driving log
After the Segment 1 exam, the teen and a parent or guardian visit a Secretary of State office to apply for the Level 1 license. With Level 1, the teen may drive only with a licensed parent, guardian or designated adult age 21 or older, and must keep a driving log of the supervised hours. Kelsey's Law bans the use of a cell phone while driving at Level 1, except in an emergency. The Level 1 Learner's License rules explain the designated adult and the authorization letter. Test the age rule with this practice question on the minimum age for Level 1.
When can I take Michigan Segment 2?
- You have held a Level 1 license for at least 3 consecutive months.
- Your driving log shows at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including at least 2 hours at night. Check this rule with the practice question on the Segment 2 driving log.
- Segment 2 has at least 6 hours of classroom instruction, limited to 2 hours a day, and most courses last about 3 days.
- A score of at least 70% on the Segment 2 state exam passes the course. It is the last required classroom segment of GDL, but keep driving: the driving skills test needs 50 logged hours, with 10 at night.
Which driver's ed courses does Michigan accept?
Does Michigan pay for driver's ed?
No. Public Act 71 of 2004 ended the driver education fund, and the state has no funding for driver education. Each provider sets its own program fees, not the Department of State. Compare the costs and any contract requirements of several providers before you enroll.
Key takeaways
- Teens under 18 must complete driver education: Segment 1 from 14 years 8 months, then Level 1 from 14 years 9 months.
- Segment 1 means at least 24 classroom hours, 6 hours behind the wheel, 4 hours of observation and a state exam score of at least 70%.
- Segment 2 comes after 3 consecutive months on Level 1 and a log of 30 hours with 2 at night. It has 6 classroom hours and a 70% exam.
- Online-only and home-school courses do not count. Use a state-certified provider.
- Next step: practice the rules on the free Michigan operator practice test (English only).
Michigan driver's ed: common questions
Can I take Michigan driver's ed online?
Not online only. Online courses can help you study, but they cannot replace a certified Michigan program with classroom, behind-the-wheel and observation hours. To find a certified provider near you, search the state list of driver education providers by county or by classroom.
Can my parent teach me driver's ed in Michigan?
No. Parent-taught and home-school driver education are not accepted. A parent still has a role: with a Parent Driving Permit during Segment 1, and as a supervisor for the driving log after Level 1. Only a licensed parent, guardian or designated driver age 21 or older may coach a teen driver.
How long does Segment 1 take in Michigan?
It can take from a month or two to several months. It depends on the provider's extra hours and on student enrollment. Classroom instruction runs at least 3 weeks, at no more than 2 hours a day, and you must finish the remaining driving hours within 3 weeks after the classroom part ends.
Can my teen get accommodations in driver's ed for a disability?
Often, yes. Teens with disabilities may be entitled to accommodations, including auxiliary aids and services, at no cost, if the disability does not prevent safe driving. Work it out with the provider first. If the provider will not help, email the Michigan Department of State Driver Education and Testing Section.
Does Michigan driver's ed count if we move to another state?
Not automatically. No automatic reciprocity exists between Michigan and other states for driver education coursework and certificates of completion. Before you move, contact the licensing agency of the new state and ask whether it accepts your Segment 1 or Segment 2 work.
Practise for your Michigan Operator Knowledge test
5 free practice tests with 100 questions, answers and explanations.
Start free Practice Test 1Share or ask AI about this article
Continue the conversation or send this guide to someone who needs it.
Related guides
How to Get a Class 7 Learner's Licence in Alberta (2026 Steps)
You can apply for an Alberta Class 7 learner's licence at 14. See the four steps, the knowledge test fee, the temporary licence and what you may drive.
Florida Learner's License at 15: Requirements, Hours and Rules
How to get a Florida learner's license at 15: the tests, the course, parental consent, who must ride with you, when you can drive and what comes next.
Can International Students Drive in Michigan? License Rules
Yes, if you are temporarily in the U.S., you may drive on your home license, with a translation or IDP if it is not in English. See the F-1 and J-1 documents.