Michigan permit test numbers to know
Distances, speeds, limits, fines and deadlines are the questions people miss most, because they have to be memorized. Here are 61 Michigan numbers, grouped and cited, with a free quiz and flashcards to lock them in.
Numbers quiz
12 questions a round from the 44 number questions in our Michigan bank. Questions you miss come back more often in later rounds.
Free and unlimited. Your answers count toward your readiness and mistake review.
Numbers flashcards
44 cards: the question on the front, the number and its source on the back. Swipe right if you knew it.
Each deck starts with 20 free cards. Swipe right if you knew it, left to see it again.
See 3 of the cards
Alcohol & drugs
A 19-year-old Michigan driver is convicted of driving with any bodily alcohol content. How many points go on the record?
4 points
Michigan has zero tolerance for drivers under 21: any bodily alcohol content is a four-point violation.
Fines, points & penalties
How long do points stay on your Michigan driving record?
Two years from the date of conviction
Points are posted only after you are convicted of a moving violation, and they stay on your record for two years from the conviction date.
Speed limits
A 16-year-old wants to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck. Under Michigan law, what is the limit?
The truck may not travel more than 15 mph
Anyone under 18 may not ride in the open bed of a pickup going faster than 15 mph.
Every Michigan number, by topic
Official test facts and Michigan laws come first in each group, then the numbers from our handbook questions. Tap a source to read the exact words it comes from.
Alcohol & drugs
6 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | Legal BAC limit for adult drivers | legislature.mi.govQuoteThe person has an alcohol content of 0.08 grams or more per 100 milliliters of blood, per 210 liters of breath, or per 67 milliliters of urine |
| 0.02% | BAC limit for underage drivers | legislature.mi.govQuoteAn alcohol content of 0.02 grams or more but less than 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters of blood |
| 0.04% | BAC limit in a commercial vehicle | legislature.mi.govQuotewho has an alcohol content of 0.04 grams or more but less than 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters of blood |
| 1 year, 2 years, 7 years | Drunk driving (DUI)Implied-consent refusal without a successful hearing: license suspended 1 year (2 years for a second refusal within 7 years) | legislature.mi.govQuotesuspend or deny the person's operator's or chauffeur's license or permit to drive, or nonresident operating privilege, for 1 year or, for a second or subsequent refusal within 7 years, for 2 years. |
| 4 points | A 19-year-old Michigan driver is convicted of driving with any bodily alcohol content. How many points go on the record?Answer: 4 points | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 28QuoteFour Points: • Drag racing. • Impaired driving. • Younger than age 21 with any bodily alcohol content. |
| six months | You are convicted of a drug crime for the first time, and you were not driving when it happened. What happens to your Michigan license?Answer: It is suspended for six months | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 29QuoteIf there are no prior drug violations, your driver's license is suspended for six months. |
Fines, points & penalties
10 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $100, 16 hours | Phone useCivil infraction: $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service for a first violation | legislature.mi.govQuoteFor a first violation, pay a $100.00 civil fine or perform 16 hours of community service, or both. |
| $250, 24 hours | Phone use$250 and/or 24 hours for later violations | legislature.mi.govQuoteFor a second or subsequent violation, pay a $250.00 civil fine or perform 24 hours of community service, or both. |
| 10 mph | Move Over lawWith 2+ lanes in your direction: slow to at least 10 mph below the posted limit and move at least one lane or two vehicle widths away | legislature.mi.govQuotethe driver of the approaching vehicle shall proceed with caution, reduce his or her speed by at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit, and yield the right-of-way by moving into a lane at least 1 moving lane or 2 vehicle widths apart from the stationary authorized emergency vehicle |
| $10,000 | InsuranceProperty damage liability must be at least $10,000 | legislature.mi.govQuoteA limit of not less than $10,000.00 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any accident. |
| Two years | How long do points stay on your Michigan driving record?Answer: Two years from the date of conviction | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 27QuotePoints placed on your driving record remain there for two years from the date of conviction. |
| 3 points | How many points are added to a Michigan driving record for speeding 11 to 15 mph over the limit (outside a work zone)?Answer: 3 points | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 28QuoteThree Points: • Careless driving. • Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign or improper passing. • 11 to 15 mph over the legal speed limit. |
| $100 | What is the fine for a first offense of using a hand-held phone while driving in Michigan?Answer: $100 | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 37QuoteDrivers face a fine of $100 for a first offense and $250 for subsequent violations. |
| 5 points | How many points does Michigan assess for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit in a work zone?Answer: 5 points | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 41QuoteFive points for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit. |
| $1,000 | After a crash, when must a Michigan driver immediately report it to the police?Answer: If anyone is hurt or killed, or damage totals $1,000 or more | Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) websiteQuoteinvolved in an accident that injures or kills any person, or that damages property to an apparent extent totaling $1,000.00 or more, shall immediately report that accident |
| $50,000, $100,000 | A Michigan driver signs the form to choose lower bodily injury liability limits than the default. What are the lowest limits the law allows?Answer: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident | Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) websiteQuotemay choose to purchase lower limits than required under subsection (1)(a) and (b), but not lower than $50,000.00 under subsection (1)(a) and $100,000.00 under subsection (1)(b). |
Speed limits
12 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mph | Speed limitsBusiness district: 25 mph | legislature.mi.govQuoteTwenty-five miles per hour on a highway segment within a business district. |
| 20 mph, 25 mph | Speed limitsSchool zone: posted, up to 20 mph below the normal limit but not below 25 mph, during set times around the school day | legislature.mi.govQuoteTwenty-five miles per hour on a highway segment within a business district. |
| 55 mph | Speed limitsTrunk line, county and gravel roads with no other limit: 55 mph | legislature.mi.govQuotethe speed limit on all trunk line highways and all county highways upon which a speed limit is not otherwise fixed under this act is 55 miles per hour |
| 15 mph | A 16-year-old wants to ride in the open bed of a pickup truck. Under Michigan law, what is the limit?Answer: The truck may not travel more than 15 mph | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 39QuoteAnyone under 18 years old is prohibited from riding in the open bed of a pickup truck traveling more than 15 mph. |
| 70 mph | Unless signs say otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit on Michigan freeways?Answer: 70 mph | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40Quote70 mph maximum/55 mph minimum – On all freeways unless posted otherwise. |
| 55 mph | You are on a two-lane highway in Michigan that is not a freeway, and there are no speed limit signs. What is the limit?Answer: 55 mph | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40Quote55 mph – Unless otherwise posted, on all streets that are not designated freeways and on all highways. |
| 25 mph | What is the standard speed limit in a Michigan platted subdivision or condominium complex?Answer: 25 mph | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40Quote25 mph – In platted subdivisions (showing boundaries, streets, easements and other features of surveyed lots) and condominium complexes. |
| 15 mph | What standard speed limit applies in Michigan mobile home parks?Answer: 15 mph | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40Quote15 mph – In mobile home parks and some municipal parks. |
| 45 mph | For most Michigan construction, maintenance or surveying work, what is the speed limit if no other limit is posted?Answer: 45 mph | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 41QuoteFor most construction, maintenance or surveying activities, the speed limit is 45 mph unless posted differently. |
| 10 mph | You approach a police car stopped on the shoulder with its lights flashing. What does Michigan law require?Answer: Slow to at least 10 mph under the limit and move over if safe | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 42QuoteThe law requires you to slow down at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over a lane if traffic and conditions allow. |
| 25 mph | What does an orange triangle on the back of a vehicle mean?Answer: It is a slow-moving vehicle that cannot go faster than 25 mph | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 58QuoteThe orange triangle is mounted on the back of vehicles that do not move faster than 25 mph |
| 15-20 mph, 20 feet | You come up behind a horse-drawn buggy. What does the Michigan handbook advise?Answer: Slow to 15-20 mph and stay at least 20 feet back | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 68Quotereduce your speed to 15-20 mph and maintain a safe distance of at least 20 feet between your vehicle and the rider or buggy |
Distances & following gaps
12 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 20 feet | School busesVehicles overtaking or meeting a stopped school bus showing alternately flashing red lights must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and stay stopped until the bus moves or the lights are turned off | legislature.mi.govQuoteThe operator of a vehicle overtaking or meeting a school bus that has stopped and is displaying 2 alternately flashing red lights located at the same level shall bring the vehicle to a full stop not less than 20 feet from the school bus |
| 20 feet | A school bus ahead has its red overhead lights flashing. How close may you stop to the bus?Answer: No closer than 20 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 43QuoteWhen the RED overhead lights are flashing, stop at least 20 feet from the school bus. |
| 500 feet | How far behind a moving emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren must you stay in Michigan?Answer: At least 500 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 42QuoteStay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren. |
| 200 feet | When passing on a two-lane road, you must return to your lane before you get within how many feet of an oncoming vehicle?Answer: 200 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 46QuoteYou must return to your lane before you get within 200 feet of any oncoming vehicle. |
| 100 feet | Within how many feet of an intersection or railroad crossing is passing prohibited?Answer: 100 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 46QuoteYou are within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing. |
| 50 feet, 15 feet | A train is coming at a railroad crossing. Where must you stop your vehicle?Answer: No more than 50 feet and no less than 15 feet from the tracks | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 49QuoteIf a train is coming, all vehicles must stop no more than 50 feet or less than 15 feet from the tracks. |
| 20 seconds | Once railroad crossing lights and gates activate, about how long do you have before the train arrives?Answer: About 20 seconds | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 50QuoteOnce railroad crossing lights and gates are activated, or you hear the horn of an approaching train, you have about 20 seconds before the train arrives. |
| 3 feet | Michigan law requires how much space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when you pass?Answer: At least 3 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 71QuoteMichigan law requires that you leave at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing. |
| 400 feet, 130 feet | At 55 mph, about how far does a commercial vehicle need to stop compared with a passenger car?Answer: About 400 feet, compared with about 130 feet for a car | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 67QuoteA passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130 feet. A commercial vehicle traveling at the same speed takes about 400 feet to stop. |
| 3 to 4 seconds | What following distance does the Michigan handbook require under normal conditions?Answer: 3 to 4 seconds | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78QuoteA 3- to 4-second following distance is required. |
| 6 seconds | At higher speeds or in bad driving conditions, how much should you increase your following distance?Answer: Up to 6 seconds or more if necessary | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78QuoteWhen speeds are increased, or during adverse driving conditions, increase your following distance up to 6 seconds or more if necessary. |
| 500 feet | Within what distance of an oncoming vehicle is it illegal to use or flash your high beams?Answer: 500 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78QuoteIt is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. |
Parking
4 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 15 feet | How close to a fire hydrant may you legally park in Michigan?Answer: No closer than 15 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52QuoteWithin 15 feet of a fire hydrant. |
| 20 feet | You want to park on the same side of the street as a fire station driveway. How far away must you be?Answer: At least 20 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52QuoteWithin 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street |
| 50 feet | How close may you park to the nearest rail of a railroad crossing?Answer: No closer than 50 feet | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52QuoteWithin 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing. |
| 12 inches | When parallel parked next to a curb, what is the farthest your vehicle may be from the curb?Answer: 12 inches | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52QuoteMore than 12 inches from the curb. This means the curb should never be more than a foot from your parked vehicle. |
Ages, permits & the test
9 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $25 | Fee | michigan.govQuoteYou will need to pass two portions of the test: The "Operator" section takes about 45 minutes to complete, and the "Signs" segment takes about 15 minutes. ... Online testing costs $6.50, which includes the convenience fee along with the credit card processing fee. ... Pay the $25 TIP fee |
| 14 years, 8 months | How old must a Michigan teen be to start Segment 1 of driver education?Answer: 14 years, 8 months | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 18Quoteyou must be at least 14 years, 8 months and have your parent or guardian's permission to start Segment 1 |
| 14 years, 9 months | What is the minimum age to receive a Michigan GDL Level 1 Learner's License?Answer: 14 years, 9 months | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 18QuoteTo apply, you must be at least 14 years, 9 months old, visit a Secretary of State office with your parent or legal guardian |
| 50 hours | How many hours of supervised driving must a Michigan teen log before taking the driving skills test?Answer: 50 hours, including 10 at night | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 19Quotecomplete a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night) before taking the driving skills test |
| 90 days | To get a Level 2 Intermediate License, how long before applying must your driving record be free of violations, at-fault crashes and suspensions?Answer: 90 days | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 19QuoteYou must have no violations, at-fault crashes or suspensions on your driving record for the 90 days preceding your license application. |
| 70 percent | What score must a teen earn on the Segment 1 state exam to pass driver education Segment 1?Answer: At least 70 percent | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 18Quotetraining vehicle and a minimum of 70 percent on the Segment 1 state exam. |
| 180 days | How long is a Michigan temporary instruction permit (TIP) valid?Answer: 180 days | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 21QuoteA temporary instruction permit (TIP) is valid for 180 days. |
| 30 days | You are 19 and just got your first temporary instruction permit. How long must you practise before taking the driving skills test?Answer: At least 30 days | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 21QuoteYou must complete a minimum of 30 days of practice driving on a TIP before taking the driving skills test. |
| three years | For how long are newly licensed Michigan drivers placed on probation?Answer: A minimum of three years | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 23QuoteNew drivers, including teen drivers under Graduated Driver Licensing, are placed on probation for a minimum of three years. |
Time limits & deadlines
2 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | CrashesIf a crash injures or kills anyone, or causes apparent property damage of $1,000 or more, the driver must immediately report it to the nearest police station or officer | legislature.mi.govQuoteThe driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident that injures or kills any person, or that damages property to an apparent extent totaling $1,000.00 or more, shall immediately report that accident at the nearest or most convenient police station, or to the nearest or most convenient police officer. |
| 10-minute, two hours | On a long trip you start to feel drowsy. What does the Michigan handbook advise?Answer: Take a 10-minute break at least every two hours | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 76QuoteIf you feel tired, stop and take a 10-minute break at least every two hours. |
Seat belts, lights & equipment
6 numbers
| Number | What it’s about | Source |
|---|---|---|
| age 8 or 4 ft 9 in | Seat beltsThen belt-positioning booster until age 8 or 4 ft 9 in | legislature.mi.govQuotemust be restrained in a belt-positioning child booster seat secured with a lap-shoulder safety belt until the child meets either of the following conditions: (i) The child has reached the height of 4 feet 9 inches. (ii) The child is 8 years of age or older. |
| under 16 | Seat beltsThe driver and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts, and passengers under 16 must be belted in every seat | legislature.mi.govQuoteeach operator of a motor vehicle transporting a child 13 years of age or older but less than 16 years of age in a motor vehicle shall secure the child in a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt |
| age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches | Seat beltsChildren ride in a car seat or booster until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches | legislature.mi.govQuotemust be restrained in a belt-positioning child booster seat secured with a lap-shoulder safety belt until the child meets either of the following conditions: (i) The child has reached the height of 4 feet 9 inches. (ii) The child is 8 years of age or older. |
| younger than 16 | Under Michigan law, which passengers in the back seat must wear a seat belt?Answer: All passengers younger than 16 | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 39QuoteAll passengers younger than age 16 to be buckled up, in all seating positions |
| age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches | Until when must a Michigan child ride in a car seat or booster seat?Answer: Until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 39QuoteChildren are to be properly buckled up in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall. |
| half-hour | Besides any time visibility is reduced, during what hours does Michigan law require your headlights to be on?Answer: From a half-hour after sunset until a half-hour before sunrise | What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78QuoteHeadlights must be turned on one half-hour after sunset until one half-hour before sunrise and at other times when visibility is reduced. |
Memory tips
How to study them (our advice, not official rules):
- Learn the number with its unit and its place. “15 feet from a hydrant” sticks; “15” on its own gets mixed up with 15 mph.
- Say the answer before you look. Recalling the number yourself is harder than spotting it among four options, and it is what makes it stick.
- Come back to the ones you miss. The quiz above brings missed questions back more often. Short rounds over several days beat one long session.
Questions about the numbers
What numbers do I need to know for the Michigan permit test?
Mostly distances (how close you may park to a hydrant or crosswalk, when to signal, when to dim your high beams), speed limits, blood-alcohol limits, and the ages, hours and deadlines for your permit and license. This page lists 61 of them for Michigan, each with its source.
Why focus on numbers?
A California DMV study of its own knowledge test found that many of the hardest questions “are numerical and have correct answers that must be learned by rote memorization.” Numbers are easy to mix up under pressure, so they are worth drilling on their own.
Where do these numbers come from?
Each one is quoted from the What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), Michigan statutes or SOS pages. Our build checks that every number on this page appears word for word in the quote it cites.
Is the numbers drill free?
Yes. The table and the numbers quiz are free and unlimited, and so are the first 20 flashcards.