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You must have a valid driver's license or driving permit to operate a motor vehicle on public streets and highways in Michigan. As part of the examination process, you will be given a vision test to determine if your vision meets minimum standards. The Michigan DMV written test is designed to check your knowledge of road signs, road rules, traffic laws and safe driving practices. Everything you need to know is covered in the Michigan Driver's Manual. The DMV knowledge test consists of 50 questions. To pass the MI DMV written test, you must score 80% or higher (at least 40 correct answers).
1. This road sign means:
hill sign
Steep grade ahead
No trucks allowed
One-way traffic
Do not pass trucks
2. If a traffic officer signals you to drive through a red light:
you must not obey the officer. Signs and signals take precedence over directions given by traffic officers.
you must do it.
you must wait for the red light to turn green.
you must call the police.
3. This road sign:
roundabout circle sign
provides an advance notice of a roundabout.
is a no-right-turns sign.
warns drivers that U-turns are not permitted.
warns drivers of a sharp turn left. Drivers should slow their speed and keep to the left.
4. This sign warns drivers of:
narrow bridge sign
a reduction of lanes.
a narrow road ahead.
a dip in the road. Drivers should be ready to stop if the dip is filled with water.
a bridge ahead, wide enough to accommodate two lanes of traffic, but with very little clearance.
5. What does this sign indicate?
divided highway ends sign
Roundabout ahead.
Drivers will soon be on a roadway with two-way traffic.
The highway ahead is divided into two one-way roadways.
Winding road ahead. Drive with caution.
6. What type of pavement marking shows you which lane you must use for a turn?
Diamond
Arrows
Crosswalk Lines
Edge line
7. When you are in a line of traffic that is crossing a railroad track that has no signals or gates:
you may pass slower drivers crossing the track.
you have the right of way and do not need to check for trains.
before you start to cross, you need to make sure there is space to get all the way across the tracks without stopping.
All of the above.
8. This road sign means:
cross road sign
Crossroad ahead
Turn right or go through
Flagger ahead
Side Road
9. When you prepare to make a left turn from a one-way road into a one-way road, you must:
move into the left lane, or to the left side of a single lane.
move into the right lane, or to the left side of a single lane.
move into the right lane, or to the right side of a single lane.
None of the above.
10. This sign tells drivers that:
no right turn sign
they must make a left turn at the intersection.
U-turns are not allowed.
they must not make a right turn.
None of the above.
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

The age requirements for obtaining a class O driver's license in Michigan are established by the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program:
  • For a Level 1 Learner's License, you must be at least 14 years and 9 months old.
  • For a Level 2 Intermediate License, you must be at least 16 and have held a learner’s license for at least six months.
  • For a Level 3 Full License, you must be at least 17 and have held an intermediate license for at least six months.  
If you are age 18 or older, you have to apply for a temporary instruction permit and pass a driving skill test to obtain a standard operator's license.

If you are under 18, after completing the required hours of both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, you must pass a DMV written test at your state-certified driver’s education provider. Once you pass and receive a Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 of the GDL program, you can apply for your learner’s license at a Secretary of State office with your parent/legal guardian. If you are 18 or older, you can schedule an appointment and take the permit test directly at a Secretary of State office.
Before your appointment, make sure you have the required documents:  
  • One proof of your Social Security Number.
  • One proof of your legal presence.
  • One proof of identity (if applicable, provide evidence of any name changes).
  • Two proofs of Michigan residency.
  • Driver Education Certificate of Completion for Segment 1 (for individuals under 18).
You can use this checklist to ensure you have all the correct documents.


The DMV written test at all Secretary of State offices is offered in Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, Dari, English, French, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. If you have difficulty speaking or reading English, you can request an interpreter by contacting the Department of State Information Center at 888-767-6424 in advance. Additionally, if you are hearing-impaired, a sign language interpreter can assist you.

The DMV written test is based on the official Michigan Driver's Handbook, 'What Every Driver Must Know'. The manual is also available here in other foreign languages. Focus on road signs, parallel parking, turning, passing a vehicle, yielding the right of way, etc. After studying it, test your preparation with our free practice tests

The DMV written test includes 80 questions. The questions cover various topics to ensure that applicants have a solid understanding of the rules of the road. Carefully study the manual to enhance your chances of passing the exam.

You need a score of 70% or higher. You should get at least 56 questions right, and you're allowed to miss up to 24 questions out of the total 80. Stay focused and take the time to read the questions carefully.

For individuals with a learner's license:
  • Driving is allowed only under the supervision of a licensed parent/legal guardian or a licensed individual aged 21 or older who has been authorized by your parent/legal guardian.
  • Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
For individuals with an intermediate license:
  • Driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger under 21 (except siblings) is forbidden unless accompanied by a parent/legal guardian, a designated licensed driver aged 21 or older, or for work/authorized activities.
  • Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.
Once you have held your intermediate license for 6 months without a traffic violation and have reached at least 17 years of age, these restrictions no longer apply.

If you are under 18 and enrolled in the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, your learner's license expires on your 18th birthday. For individuals over 18 years old, the permit is valid for 180 days. You can renew your temporary permit either online or by contacting the Michigan Department of State.

You have three chances to pass the DMV written test. If you don't pass the exam after three attempts, you'll be required to retake the course and pay the enrollment charge again. If you find the permit test difficult, sign up for DMV Premium, which offers numerous resources and practice tests to improve your preparation.

MI DMV Permit Practice Test

Number of questions: 50
Correct answers to pass:40
Passing score:80%
Minimum age to apply: 14 ¾
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