Michigan GDL Rules Explained
Last updated 2026-07-29
Level 1: the Learner's License
You can begin driver education Segment 1 at 14 years and 8 months — 24 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, 4 hours of observation, and a minimum 70% score on the Segment 1 state exam. Completing Segment 1 gets you a Level 1 Learner's License.
While on Level 1, you must log at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before you're eligible for the driving skills test — and you have to hold the Level 1 license itself for at least 6 months regardless of how quickly you complete those hours.
Segment 2 comes after the Level 1 hold, not before it
To apply for the Level 2 Intermediate License, you need Segment 2 of driver education completed — a minimum of 6 hours of classroom instruction, plus passing the Segment 2 exam. This is a distinct, separate requirement from Segment 1, not a continuation you complete at the same time.
You also need a completed 50-hour driving log, your Level 1 Learner's License itself, and your Segment 2 Certificate of Completion together to actually take the driving skills test.
Level 2: a clean-record requirement, and real curfew/passenger rules
A Level 2 Intermediate License requires no violations, at-fault crashes, or suspensions on your record for the 90 days immediately preceding your application — a genuine clean-record window, not just a formality.
Once you have Level 2, you can't drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless a supervising adult is with you, or you're driving to or from work or an authorized activity. You also can't carry more than one passenger under 21 unless a supervising adult is present, the passengers are immediate family, or the trip is for work or an authorized activity.
Kelsey's Law bans phone use for every GDL driver
Under Kelsey's Law, any driver still in the GDL system — Level 1 or Level 2 — cannot use a cell phone while driving except for a genuine emergency. Violating it is a civil infraction carrying fines and/or community service, separate from any other GDL violation consequences.
This ban applies regardless of whether you're using a handheld or hands-free setup — Kelsey's Law doesn't carve out an exception for hands-free devices the way some adult-driver phone laws do.
Level 3: the full, unrestricted license
To reach Level 3, you must be at least 17, have held the Level 2 Intermediate License for at least 6 months, and have driven 12 consecutive months without a moving violation, at-fault crash, suspension, or GDL restriction violation.
That 12-consecutive-month clean-record requirement is unforgiving in a specific way — a single violation late in that window doesn't just cost you a point or a fine, it resets the entire 12-month clock you need for Level 3 eligibility.
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Rules and requirements change — always confirm current details with Michigan SOS before your exam. Check the full guides index or the Michigan cheat sheet and FAQ, or take a free Michigan practice test.