Driving Tests

Michigan Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) for Adults 18+

informational·how to guide·Published June 11, 2026

How do I get a Michigan driver's license at 18 or older?

If you are 18 or older and have not been licensed in any state in the previous four years, pass the knowledge and vision tests and get a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) for $25 (U.S. dollars) at a Secretary of State office. Practice with a licensed adult for at least 30 days. Pass the driving skills test within the TIP's 180 days. You cannot drive alone on a TIP.

Where these rules come from

The Michigan Department of State (the Secretary of State) explains the adult steps on its new drivers 18 and older page. Its driver handbook, What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), and a Department of State news release of July 2, 2025 on online knowledge testing add detail. The test rules are in Michigan law, MCL 257.309. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Michigan Department of State (michigan.gov/sos) before you drive.

Who needs a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) in Michigan?

You need a TIP if you are 18 or older and have not been licensed in Michigan or any other state in the previous four years. The same applies if your license has been expired for at least four years, or if you have a foreign license and want a Michigan license. Michigan law (MCL 257.309) allows test waivers for a valid license from another state or country. A license from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or South Korea converts with no knowledge test, TIP or skills test. Other foreign licenses need a skills test, as the foreign license guide explains. Under 18, you use Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL).

How to get a Michigan TIP: the steps

1
Pre-apply and schedule your visit
You pre-apply for a driver's license online as part of scheduling your Secretary of State office visit. Pre-applying makes the visit shorter.
2
Pass the knowledge test
Take the written knowledge test, which includes a road sign test, at a Secretary of State office, where it is free. You can also take it online for $6.50 for each attempt, and then schedule an office visit to get the permit. If you fail in the office, you must reschedule for a different day.
3
Pass the vision test
You take the vision test at a Secretary of State office.
4
Bring your documents and have your photo taken
Show proof of a valid Social Security number (or a letter of ineligibility), legal presence, identity and Michigan residency. Michigan residency needs two documents. Staff take your driver's license photo at the visit. The guide to what to bring lists the documents.
5
Pay the $25 TIP fee
Offices accept cash, checks, money orders and debit or credit cards. There is a service fee when you pay by card.

What can you do with a TIP, and how long is it valid?

A TIP lets you practice driving on public roads with a validly licensed adult, such as a family member, friend or co-worker. A driver education provider can also train you. The TIP is not a license, and it is illegal to drive on it without supervision. A TIP is valid for 180 days from the day it is issued. You can check yourself on this with the practice question on how long a Michigan TIP is valid.

How many days must you practice before the driving skills test?

At least 30 days of supervised driving, counted from the day you get the TIP. Try the practice question on the minimum adult practice period. Plan the 30 days inside the 180 days of the TIP. Start with simple maneuvers such as starting, stopping, braking and turning in a safe area, for example a large empty parking lot. Driver education is not required for Michigan residents 18 and older, but the handbook encourages an adult driver education course before the skills test.

What happens at the end of your TIP

You pass the driving skills test before the TIP expires

A Department of State news release says adults who pass the road test before the TIP expires get their driver's license free of charge. The license is processed and mailed to you.

The TIP expires before you pass

Start over with a new application for a new TIP at a Secretary of State office, and take the knowledge test again.

How the Michigan driving skills test works

Independent driver testing businesses give the driving skills test, and the Michigan Department of State does not regulate their fees. Before you schedule, ask the business about all its fees, including initial and retest fees, and its refund policy. The test has three parts: a vehicle inspection, a basic control skills test and an on-road test. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Driver-activated features and systems, such as a parking-assist system that parks the car, are not allowed during the test.

Your license after you pass

If you are under 21, your license is a vertical license with the "Under 21" designation printed on it. Near your 21st birthday, you apply for a new license in person at a Secretary of State office. Every newly licensed Michigan driver is on probation for at least three years. To end probation, the last 10 months must have no at-fault or had-been-drinking crash, no license suspension and no traffic conviction. One of these in that time extends probation.

Key takeaways

At 18 or older, with no license in the previous four years, you pass the knowledge and vision tests and get a TIP for $25.
A TIP is valid for 180 days. You need at least 30 days of supervised practice before the driving skills test.
You can never drive alone on a TIP. A validly licensed adult must supervise you.
If you pass the driving skills test before the TIP expires, the license is free. If the TIP expires first, you start over.
Next step: practice on the free Michigan operator practice test.

Michigan TIP: common questions

How much does it cost to get a driver's license at 18 in Michigan?

The knowledge test is free at a Secretary of State office, or $6.50 for each attempt online. The TIP costs $25. Each driver testing business sets its own driving skills test fee, so ask before you book. The driver's license itself is free if you pass the road test before your TIP expires.

Can I drive home alone after I pass the road test?

Not on the TIP, and not on the receipt: the Driving Skills Test Receipt from the examiner is not a license. The testing business reports your results to the Department of State. When the results are in, log in to e-Services and get a Temporary Operator License. You can drive alone on it until your license is processed and mailed.

What do I bring to the Michigan road test on a TIP?

Show the examiner your TIP and bring a vehicle in safe, working order. A vehicle with defective or missing parts, such as a broken signal light or side view mirror, cannot be used. You also need proof of Michigan No-fault insurance and the vehicle's valid registration, with a valid license plate and tab.

What if my road test results do not show up in e-Services?

If your results are not in your account within 24 hours of the test, visit a Secretary of State office. Bring the driving skills test certificate, your TIP and identification documents, such as a certified birth certificate. Staff can then complete the transaction for your license.

How long is a passed knowledge test good for in Michigan?

One year. For example, if you pass the test online, you have up to one year to visit a Secretary of State office and get your TIP with that result. Your TIP is then valid for 180 days from the day it is issued.