Driving Tests

Michigan Driver's Test in Other Languages: Interpreters and Audio

informational·how to guide·Published June 2, 2026

Can I take the Michigan driver's test in another language?

Yes. The Michigan knowledge test is available in English and a number of foreign languages, in audio and written format, at Secretary of State offices and, for adults 18 and older, online. An interpreter may help on written tests and on the driving skills test, but not on CDL tests. For the interpreter list, call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) in advance.

Where these rules come from

The Michigan Department of State (the Secretary of State) sets these rules. This guide uses its new drivers 18 and older page, the "What Every Driver Must Know" handbook page with the handbook (SOS-133, October 2025), and the Driving Skills Test Study Guide. It also uses the new drivers under 18 page, the first-time license page, the licenses and ID FAQ and the news release of July 2, 2025 on online testing. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Michigan Department of State (michigan.gov/sos) before you drive.

Language and audio choices for the Michigan knowledge test

The knowledge test is available in English and a number of foreign languages, in both an audio and a written format.
Original license tests in foreign languages come in electronic, paper or audio formats.
The audio option is also offered online, for adults who take the test at home.
The online test is the same test that Secretary of State offices give on computer kiosks.
Adults 18 and older who were not licensed in Michigan or another state in the previous four years must pass this test before they get a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP).

Can I take the Michigan knowledge test online in my language?

Yes, if you are 18 or older. The online knowledge test comes in multiple languages and has an audio option. It costs a $6.50 (U.S. dollars) convenience fee. You need a computer or laptop with a keyboard and a mouse (no touch screen) and a webcam, which takes random photos during the test. The test at a Secretary of State office has no fee, and you schedule an appointment online. The guide to the Michigan online driver's license test has the full steps.

Which language help fits you

You read your own language better than English

Take the written knowledge test in a foreign language, in a Secretary of State office or (at 18 or older) online.

You understand spoken words better than written words

Choose the audio format. It is offered in the office and online.

You want a person to translate for you

Use an interpreter on the written test (not a CDL test). Office staff give a list of foreign language interpreters.

You are deaf or hard of hearing

Ask for a sign language interpreter, or use one you know. You can also contact the Michigan Relay Center at 711.

You are under 18

You pass the Segment 1 state exam in driver education. Then you and a parent or guardian visit a Secretary of State office to apply for the Level 1 Learner's License.

Can I use an interpreter on the Michigan written test?

Yes, on every written test except the CDL knowledge tests. If speaking or reading English is hard for you, office staff give you a list of the foreign language interpreters that are available. Call the Department of State Information Center at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) before your visit to get that list. A hearing-impaired customer can ask for a sign language interpreter or bring an interpreter they know.

How to use an interpreter on the driving skills test

1
Choose your interpreter
A sign language or foreign language interpreter may be in the vehicle to translate the examiner's instructions. You may bring your own foreign language interpreter to an auto or motorcycle skills test. All interpreters must be at least 16 years old, and the department does not pay foreign language interpreters.
2
Plan a sign language interpreter when you schedule
A deaf or hard of hearing driver may bring a sign language interpreter or ask the tester to arrange one. Tell the tester about the interpreter when you schedule the test.
3
Bring photo ID for the interpreter
The interpreter must show photo ID to the examiner. A foreign language interpreter shows a driver license or other photo ID at the test site, and the examiner records the name and ID. If the interpreter will not give this information, the test is not given.
4
Let the interpreter translate only
The interpreter may only translate the instructions as the examiner gives them. A foreign language interpreter may not add comments, except in an emergency, and the examiner may end the test after one warning of unnecessary interaction with the driver. Read more in the guide to the Michigan driving skills test.

Interpreter rules by test

Interpreter rules by test
Test	Interpreter allowed?	What to know
Written knowledge test (not CDL)	Yes	Office staff give a list of foreign language interpreters. Call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) in advance.
Driving skills test, auto or motorcycle	Yes	Bring your own, or ask the tester to arrange a sign language interpreter. The interpreter shows photo ID.
CDL knowledge tests and CDL skills test	No	On the CDL skills test, this also covers talk before the test and feedback after it.

Which languages is the Michigan driver handbook in?

The handbook page (published October 2025) lists "What Every Driver Must Know" (SOS-133) in nine languages: English, Spanish ("Lo que todo conductor debe saber"), Arabic, Chinese, Dari, French, Pashto, Swahili and Vietnamese. For the written knowledge test, adults are encouraged to study the handbook, especially chapters 4 to 7, and the Driving Skills Test Study Guide.

Documents and English: what to know before you apply

Documents for a first Michigan license must be in English or include an English translation.
Photocopies are not accepted.
A resident of a foreign country who is in the U.S. for a short time may drive in Michigan with a home country license. If that license is not in English, carry an English translation of it or an International Driving Permit.

Practice before the test

Our practice test and question pages are free and in English only. One question page shows how the Operator and Signs parts are treated, and another lists the tests an adult passes before a TIP.

Key takeaways

The Michigan knowledge test is in English and a number of foreign languages, in audio and written format, in the office and (for adults) online.
An interpreter may help on written tests and on the driving skills test, but not on CDL tests.
For the written test, call 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424) in advance to get the interpreter list.
On the driving skills test, the interpreter shows photo ID and translates only the examiner's instructions.
Next step: practice on the free Michigan operator practice test.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take the Michigan written test in Spanish or Arabic?

The Michigan knowledge test comes in English and a number of foreign languages, in audio and written format. To check your language before you schedule, call the Michigan Department of State Information Center at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424). If your language is not offered, a foreign language interpreter can help on the written test. The driver handbook has Spanish and Arabic editions.

Can I bring my own interpreter to the Michigan road test?

Yes. You may bring your own foreign language interpreter to an auto or motorcycle driving skills test. The interpreter must be at least 16 years old and must show a driver license or other photo ID to the examiner. The department does not pay foreign language interpreters.

Who pays for a sign language interpreter on the Michigan road test?

The state can pay a sign language interpreter who is registered as a state vendor. This applies when you bring the interpreter and when the tester arranges one. The interpreter sends an invoice to the driver testing business, which sends it to the Department of State. Tell the tester about the interpreter when you schedule.

Does Michigan allow an interpreter on a CDL test?

No. Interpreters are not allowed on CDL knowledge tests or on the CDL driving skills test, including talk before the skills test and feedback after it. For other written tests and the auto or motorcycle driving skills test, an interpreter is allowed.