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

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Numbers flashcards

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  • 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.

    What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 28

  • 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.

    What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 27

  • 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.

    What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 39

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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
0.08%Legal BAC limit for adult driverslegislature.mi.gov
Quote
The 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 driverslegislature.mi.gov
Quote
An 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 vehiclelegislature.mi.gov
Quote
who 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 yearsDrunk driving (DUI)Implied-consent refusal without a successful hearing: license suspended 1 year (2 years for a second refusal within 7 years)legislature.mi.gov
Quote
suspend 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 pointsA 19-year-old Michigan driver is convicted of driving with any bodily alcohol content. How many points go on the record?Answer: 4 pointsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 28
Quote
Four Points: • Drag racing. • Impaired driving. • Younger than age 21 with any bodily alcohol content.
six monthsYou 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 monthsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 29
Quote
If there are no prior drug violations, your driver's license is suspended for six months.

Fines, points & penalties

10 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$100, 16 hoursPhone useCivil infraction: $100 fine and/or 16 hours of community service for a first violationlegislature.mi.gov
Quote
For a first violation, pay a $100.00 civil fine or perform 16 hours of community service, or both.
$250, 24 hoursPhone use$250 and/or 24 hours for later violationslegislature.mi.gov
Quote
For a second or subsequent violation, pay a $250.00 civil fine or perform 24 hours of community service, or both.
10 mphMove 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 awaylegislature.mi.gov
Quote
the 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
$10,000InsuranceProperty damage liability must be at least $10,000legislature.mi.gov
Quote
A limit of not less than $10,000.00 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any accident.
Two yearsHow long do points stay on your Michigan driving record?Answer: Two years from the date of convictionWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 27
Quote
Points placed on your driving record remain there for two years from the date of conviction.
3 pointsHow many points are added to a Michigan driving record for speeding 11 to 15 mph over the limit (outside a work zone)?Answer: 3 pointsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 28
Quote
Three Points: • Careless driving. • Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign or improper passing. • 11 to 15 mph over the legal speed limit.
$100What is the fine for a first offense of using a hand-held phone while driving in Michigan?Answer: $100What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 37
Quote
Drivers face a fine of $100 for a first offense and $250 for subsequent violations.
5 pointsHow many points does Michigan assess for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit in a work zone?Answer: 5 pointsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 41
Quote
Five points for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit.
$1,000After 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 moreMichigan Department of State (Secretary of State) website
Quote
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
$50,000, $100,000A 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 accidentMichigan Department of State (Secretary of State) website
Quote
may 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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
25 mphSpeed limitsBusiness district: 25 mphlegislature.mi.gov
Quote
Twenty-five miles per hour on a highway segment within a business district.
20 mph, 25 mphSpeed limitsSchool zone: posted, up to 20 mph below the normal limit but not below 25 mph, during set times around the school daylegislature.mi.gov
Quote
Twenty-five miles per hour on a highway segment within a business district.
55 mphSpeed limitsTrunk line, county and gravel roads with no other limit: 55 mphlegislature.mi.gov
Quote
the 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 mphA 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 mphWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 39
Quote
Anyone under 18 years old is prohibited from riding in the open bed of a pickup truck traveling more than 15 mph.
70 mphUnless signs say otherwise, what is the maximum speed limit on Michigan freeways?Answer: 70 mphWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40
Quote
70 mph maximum/55 mph minimum – On all freeways unless posted otherwise.
55 mphYou 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 mphWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40
Quote
55 mph – Unless otherwise posted, on all streets that are not designated freeways and on all highways.
25 mphWhat is the standard speed limit in a Michigan platted subdivision or condominium complex?Answer: 25 mphWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40
Quote
25 mph – In platted subdivisions (showing boundaries, streets, easements and other features of surveyed lots) and condominium complexes.
15 mphWhat standard speed limit applies in Michigan mobile home parks?Answer: 15 mphWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 40
Quote
15 mph – In mobile home parks and some municipal parks.
45 mphFor most Michigan construction, maintenance or surveying work, what is the speed limit if no other limit is posted?Answer: 45 mphWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 41
Quote
For most construction, maintenance or surveying activities, the speed limit is 45 mph unless posted differently.
10 mphYou 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 safeWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 42
Quote
The 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 mphWhat does an orange triangle on the back of a vehicle mean?Answer: It is a slow-moving vehicle that cannot go faster than 25 mphWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 58
Quote
The orange triangle is mounted on the back of vehicles that do not move faster than 25 mph
15-20 mph, 20 feetYou 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 backWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 68
Quote
reduce 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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
20 feetSchool 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 offlegislature.mi.gov
Quote
The 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 feetA school bus ahead has its red overhead lights flashing. How close may you stop to the bus?Answer: No closer than 20 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 43
Quote
When the RED overhead lights are flashing, stop at least 20 feet from the school bus.
500 feetHow far behind a moving emergency vehicle with flashing lights and siren must you stay in Michigan?Answer: At least 500 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 42
Quote
Stay at least 500 feet behind any moving emergency vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren.
200 feetWhen 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 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 46
Quote
You must return to your lane before you get within 200 feet of any oncoming vehicle.
100 feetWithin how many feet of an intersection or railroad crossing is passing prohibited?Answer: 100 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 46
Quote
You are within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad crossing.
50 feet, 15 feetA 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 tracksWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 49
Quote
If a train is coming, all vehicles must stop no more than 50 feet or less than 15 feet from the tracks.
20 secondsOnce railroad crossing lights and gates activate, about how long do you have before the train arrives?Answer: About 20 secondsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 50
Quote
Once 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 feetMichigan law requires how much space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when you pass?Answer: At least 3 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 71
Quote
Michigan law requires that you leave at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist when passing.
400 feet, 130 feetAt 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 carWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 67
Quote
A 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 secondsWhat following distance does the Michigan handbook require under normal conditions?Answer: 3 to 4 secondsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78
Quote
A 3- to 4-second following distance is required.
6 secondsAt higher speeds or in bad driving conditions, how much should you increase your following distance?Answer: Up to 6 seconds or more if necessaryWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78
Quote
When speeds are increased, or during adverse driving conditions, increase your following distance up to 6 seconds or more if necessary.
500 feetWithin what distance of an oncoming vehicle is it illegal to use or flash your high beams?Answer: 500 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78
Quote
It is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

Parking

4 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
15 feetHow close to a fire hydrant may you legally park in Michigan?Answer: No closer than 15 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52
Quote
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
20 feetYou 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 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52
Quote
Within 20 feet of a fire station driveway on the same side of the street
50 feetHow close may you park to the nearest rail of a railroad crossing?Answer: No closer than 50 feetWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52
Quote
Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
12 inchesWhen parallel parked next to a curb, what is the farthest your vehicle may be from the curb?Answer: 12 inchesWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 52
Quote
More 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
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$25Feemichigan.gov
Quote
You 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 monthsHow old must a Michigan teen be to start Segment 1 of driver education?Answer: 14 years, 8 monthsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 18
Quote
you must be at least 14 years, 8 months and have your parent or guardian's permission to start Segment 1
14 years, 9 monthsWhat is the minimum age to receive a Michigan GDL Level 1 Learner's License?Answer: 14 years, 9 monthsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 18
Quote
To apply, you must be at least 14 years, 9 months old, visit a Secretary of State office with your parent or legal guardian
50 hoursHow many hours of supervised driving must a Michigan teen log before taking the driving skills test?Answer: 50 hours, including 10 at nightWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 19
Quote
complete a minimum of 50 hours, including 10 hours at night) before taking the driving skills test
90 daysTo 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 daysWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 19
Quote
You must have no violations, at-fault crashes or suspensions on your driving record for the 90 days preceding your license application.
70 percentWhat score must a teen earn on the Segment 1 state exam to pass driver education Segment 1?Answer: At least 70 percentWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 18
Quote
training vehicle and a minimum of 70 percent on the Segment 1 state exam.
180 daysHow long is a Michigan temporary instruction permit (TIP) valid?Answer: 180 daysWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 21
Quote
A temporary instruction permit (TIP) is valid for 180 days.
30 daysYou 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 daysWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 21
Quote
You must complete a minimum of 30 days of practice driving on a TIP before taking the driving skills test.
three yearsFor how long are newly licensed Michigan drivers placed on probation?Answer: A minimum of three yearsWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 23
Quote
New drivers, including teen drivers under Graduated Driver Licensing, are placed on probation for a minimum of three years.

Time limits & deadlines

2 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
$1,000CrashesIf 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 officerlegislature.mi.gov
Quote
The 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 hoursOn a long trip you start to feel drowsy. What does the Michigan handbook advise?Answer: Take a 10-minute break at least every two hoursWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 76
Quote
If you feel tired, stop and take a 10-minute break at least every two hours.

Seat belts, lights & equipment

6 numbers
NumberWhat it’s aboutSource
age 8 or 4 ft 9 inSeat beltsThen belt-positioning booster until age 8 or 4 ft 9 inlegislature.mi.gov
Quote
must 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 16Seat beltsThe driver and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts, and passengers under 16 must be belted in every seatlegislature.mi.gov
Quote
each 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 inchesSeat beltsChildren ride in a car seat or booster until age 8 or 4 feet 9 incheslegislature.mi.gov
Quote
must 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 16Under Michigan law, which passengers in the back seat must wear a seat belt?Answer: All passengers younger than 16What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 39
Quote
All passengers younger than age 16 to be buckled up, in all seating positions
age 8 or 4 feet 9 inchesUntil 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 firstWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 39
Quote
Children 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-hourBesides 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 sunriseWhat Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133), page 78
Quote
Headlights 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.

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