Driving skills test

Michigan Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

Michigan's driving skills test is given by a private driver testing business approved by the Secretary of State, and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. After an unscored vehicle inspection, you must pass an off-road basic control skills test (forward stop line, sight-side backing into a driveway, and blind-side backing into a parallel space) with six errors or fewer, then an on-road test through city, residential and expressway or rural highway driving. On the road you pass if you score no more than 25 points and commit no automatic failure.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 13 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
13
Most points off allowed
25with conditions
Listed automatic failures
23

Who can take the Michigan road test

Under 18: hold a Level 1 Learner's License for at least 6 months, be at least 15, complete Segment 2 of driver education, log 50 supervised hours (10 at night), have no convictions, civil infractions, suspensions or at-fault crashes in the previous 90 days, and come with a parent or guardian. 18 and older, never licensed: pass the vision and knowledge tests, get a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) and practice on it for at least 30 days. Official source 1michigan.gov“Hold the Level 1 license for a minimum of 6 months prior to testing. Your driving skills test examiner must verify that you have held your Level 1 license for the required time.”“Log a minimum of 50 hours of practice driving, 10 hours of which must have occurred at night, with a parent, legal guardian, or a licensed adult 21 years of age or older with parent permission.”“Have no convictions, civil infractions, license suspensions or at-fault crashes during the 90-day period immediately preceding your driving skills test and application for your Level 2 license.”“Pay required fees and obtain a Michigan Operator or Chauffeur Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP). Practice driving on a TIP for a minimum of 30 days to become eligible to take the driving skills test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

0 of 5 ready

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“If you are under 18 years of age, a valid Michigan Level 1 license that you have held for a minimum of 6 months, along with your Segment 2 Driver Education completion certificate.”“If you are under age 18, you must present a driving log documenting at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 10 hours at night.”“If the applicant is a minor, the minor's parent, legal guardian or authorized designated representative must be present throughout the test.”“You must show proof of valid insurance, current vehicle registration and valid license plate for the test vehicle.”“You must provide a vehicle that is in safe working order. The test vehicle should be one you are familiar with and have used during your practice driving.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • Working brakes, brake lights (center high-mount on 1986 and newer), headlights, taillights and front and rear turn signals
  • Doors that open from inside and outside
  • Enough fuel; working heater/defroster, horn, muffler and speedometer
  • No more than one missing lug nut; sound suspension; properly inflated, undamaged tires
  • Rearview mirror and outside left mirror
  • Safety belts and seats for all occupants
  • Windshield not cracked so it blocks your view; working wipers and washers
  • Backup cameras and other passive systems allowed; self-parking and other driver-activated systems not allowed
  • No 'Student Driver' signs on driver-ed cars
SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Brakes Brake lights Center-mounted rear brake light on 1986 or newer models Doors (*) Fuel level Headlights Heater/Defroster Horn Lug nuts (only one can be missing per vehicle) Muffler”“Rearview mirror and outside left mirror Safety belts for all occupants Seats for all occupants Speedometer Suspension components Taillights Tires (properly inflated; not damaged) Turn signals (front and rear) Windshield (**) Windshield wipers and washers”“Passively active devices and systems are allowed during the driving skills test.”“Driver-activated features and systems aren't allowed during the driving skills test. If there is any question about whether a system or device is permitted, check with the testing examiner before the test begins.”“When used for testing purposes, driver education vehicles must not display any warning signs used for training. This includes "Student Driver" identification signs.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the Michigan road test is scored

Two scored segments, passed in order. Basic control skills: each boundary touch (encroachment) and each reposition counts as an error, plus final position; pass with six errors or fewer. On-road test: pass with no more than 25 points and no automatic failure. Failing any part ends the test. Official source 1michigan.gov“To pass this segment and continue with the on-road driving test, you must complete the basic control skills test with six errors or less.”“Encroachments: You are penalized each time your vehicle touches an exercise boundary. Each encroachment counts as an error.”“Repositioning: You will be penalized each time you reposition your vehicle to correct your path of travel.”“To obtain a passing score, you can't accumulate more than 25 points or receive an automatic failure.”“Each segment must be passed in sequence. A failure of any part terminates testing. On subsequent attempts, you must start over from the beginning (vehicle inspection, off-road skills test, then on-road driving test).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

Any one of these ends or fails a Michigan road test, no matter how well the rest goes.

  1. Disregarding instructions or refusing to perform a maneuver Official source 1michigan.gov“Disregarding instructions or refusal to perform instructed maneuver.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  2. Failing to follow the same instruction twice (after one warning) Official source 1michigan.gov“If you fail to follow the same instructions twice, the test will be terminated as an automatic failure.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  3. Offering the examiner a bribe or gratuity Official source 1michigan.gov“Offering the examiner a bribe or gratuity. Refusal to wear a safety belt, unless you have a physician's statement or waiver. Any accident (may result in failure).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  4. Refusing to wear a safety belt Official source 1michigan.gov“Offering the examiner a bribe or gratuity. Refusal to wear a safety belt, unless you have a physician's statement or waiver. Any accident (may result in failure).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  5. Any accident (may result in failure) Official source 1michigan.gov“Offering the examiner a bribe or gratuity. Refusal to wear a safety belt, unless you have a physician's statement or waiver. Any accident (may result in failure).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  6. A crash prevented by others, or the examiner has to prevent a crash or illegal action Official source 1michigan.gov“Accident is prevented by others. Examiner prevents crash or illegal action (i.e., running a red light). Driving over curb or sidewalk, endangering others.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  7. Driving over a curb or sidewalk, endangering others Official source 1michigan.gov“Accident is prevented by others. Examiner prevents crash or illegal action (i.e., running a red light). Driving over curb or sidewalk, endangering others.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  8. Creating a serious hazard, or failing to yield so that traffic or pedestrians are affected Official source 1michigan.gov“Driver creates serious hazard for other traffic. Fails to yield (adversely affecting traffic/pedestrians).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  9. Failing to yield to a funeral procession Official source 1michigan.gov“Traffic violations in which the driver: Fails to yield right-of-way to a funeral procession. Passes a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  10. Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing Official source 1michigan.gov“Traffic violations in which the driver: Fails to yield right-of-way to a funeral procession. Passes a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  11. Not taking proper action for an emergency or road service vehicle Official source 1michigan.gov“Fails to take proper action when encountering a stationary or moving emergency vehicle; or a stationary road service vehicle.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  12. Turning on red where prohibited Official source 1michigan.gov“Turns left or right on red traffic light when prohibited by law. Makes a turn from the wrong lane. Passes improperly.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  13. Turning from the wrong lane Official source 1michigan.gov“Turns left or right on red traffic light when prohibited by law. Makes a turn from the wrong lane. Passes improperly.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  14. Passing improperly Official source 1michigan.gov“Turns left or right on red traffic light when prohibited by law. Makes a turn from the wrong lane. Passes improperly.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  15. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street or on the wrong side of the street Official source 1michigan.gov“Drives the wrong way on a one-way street. Drives on the wrong side of the street. Fails to stop for red light, flashing red light or stop sign.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  16. Failing to stop for a red light, flashing red light or stop sign Official source 1michigan.gov“Drives the wrong way on a one-way street. Drives on the wrong side of the street. Fails to stop for red light, flashing red light or stop sign.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  17. Failing to stop for a railroad signal or driving around railroad gates Official source 1michigan.gov“Fails to stop for railroad signal or drives around railroad gates. Speeds 4-9 mph over the basic speed limit (reasonable and prudent), or posted speed limit (white regulatory sign) after one warning.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  18. Speeding 4 to 9 mph over the limit after one warning Official source 1michigan.gov“Fails to stop for railroad signal or drives around railroad gates. Speeds 4-9 mph over the basic speed limit (reasonable and prudent), or posted speed limit (white regulatory sign) after one warning.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  19. Speeding 10 mph or more over the limit (no warning) Official source 1michigan.gov“Speeds 10 mph or more over the basic speed limit (reasonable and prudent) or posted speed limit (white regulatory sign) with no warning necessary. Follows another vehicle too closely (after one warning).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  20. Following too closely after one warning Official source 1michigan.gov“Speeds 10 mph or more over the basic speed limit (reasonable and prudent) or posted speed limit (white regulatory sign) with no warning necessary. Follows another vehicle too closely (after one warning).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  21. Can't keep up to the minimum expressway speed (test terminated) Official source 1michigan.gov“Can't maintain the minimum posted speed limit on the expressway (unless traffic or weather warrants lower speeds).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  22. Driving more than 10 mph under the limit after one warning (test terminated) Official source 1michigan.gov“Drive more than 10 mph under the regulatory speed limit after one warning (unless traffic or weather conditions warrant lower speeds).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  23. Stalling in a way that is hazardous or blocks traffic, or losing control so the examiner must act (test terminated) Official source 1michigan.gov“Stall the vehicle resulting in hazardous action or obstructing traffic. Lose control of the vehicle causing the examiner to take evasive action or assume control of the vehicle.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Maneuvers on the Michigan driving test

Steps and scoring come from Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State)’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Vehicle familiarization and safety inspection

Always tested

How it’s scored

Not scored, but defective safety equipment is grounds to refuse the test.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“The driving skills test always includes a vehicle component familiarization and safety inspection (not scored) and two scored test segments.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Forward stop line (basic control)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored on the final position of your front bumper relative to the stop line; touching or passing the line or leaning out counts against you. Part of the six-error basic control limit.

Steps

  1. Drive forward and stop with your front bumper within 2 feet of the stop line.
  2. Do not touch or pass the line, and do not lean out the window to see.
SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“You will drive forward and stop your vehicle with your front bumper within 2 feet of the "stop line" without touching or going past the stop line. You can't lean out the window to see better.”“To pass this segment and continue with the on-road driving test, you must complete the basic control skills test with six errors or less.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Curved path backing, sight side (Y-turn): backing into a simulated driveway

Always tested

How it’s scored

Errors for touching or crossing either side boundary and for each forward reposition; finish with the rear bumper within 2 feet of the rear boundary without touching the line. Part of the six-error basic control limit.

Steps

  1. Back from a 90-degree angle into the simulated driveway.
  2. Stay off both side boundaries (mirrors excluded).
  3. Stop with your rear bumper within 2 feet of the rear boundary, not on or over the line between the cones.
SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“You will back your vehicle from a 90-degree angle into a simulated driveway. Try to back into the space without touching or crossing over either side boundary (excluding mirrors).”“Try to finish the exercise with the rear bumper (farthest most point) of your vehicle within 2 feet of the rear boundary, not on or over the solid line between the cones.”“To pass this segment and continue with the on-road driving test, you must complete the basic control skills test with six errors or less.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Curved path backing, blind side (parallel parking)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Errors for touching or crossing any boundary and for each reposition; you must finish completely inside the space (vehicle length plus 6 feet). Part of the six-error basic control limit.

Steps

  1. Drive past the entrance of the space on the passenger side.
  2. Back into the space without touching any boundary line or repositioning.
  3. Finish with the vehicle completely inside the space; it need not be centered.
SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“You will drive by the entrance of a parking space located on the passenger side of your vehicle. You will then back your vehicle into the space. The size of the space is determined by adding 6 feet to the length of your vehicle.”“When backing, try to perform the maneuver without touching or crossing over any boundary lines or repositioning your vehicle.”“To pass this segment and continue with the on-road driving test, you must complete the basic control skills test with six errors or less.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Left turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Examiner scores setup, lane choice, signaling about 100 feet ahead, head checks, full stops, safe gap behind other cars, timing, both hands on the wheel, and finishing in the correct lane.

Steps

  1. Move to the proper lane early and signal about 100 feet before the turn.
  2. Check traffic in all directions, turning your head so the examiner sees it.
  3. If stopping, stop smoothly before the line where you can see the rear tires of the car ahead.
  4. When safe, pull ahead with wheels straight, then turn with both hands on the wheel.
  5. Finish in the lane just right of the centerline and get up to traffic speed.
SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Left turns with varying difficulty. Right turns with varying difficulty. Intersections that involve stopping and then driving straight through. Intersections that involve driving straight through without stopping.”“Activate your turn signal approximately 100 feet ahead of a turn, but not so early as to mislead others about where you are turning.”“If stopping behind another vehicle, stop at a safe distance where you can see, at a minimum, the rear tires on the vehicle directly ahead of you (safe gap).”“Turn into the correct lane. When turning left from a single left turn lane, your vehicle should finish the turn in the lane that is directly to the right of the centerline.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Right turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored on the same turn standards as left turns; finish in the right-most (curb) lane.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Left turns with varying difficulty. Right turns with varying difficulty. Intersections that involve stopping and then driving straight through. Intersections that involve driving straight through without stopping.”“Activate your turn signal approximately 100 feet ahead of a turn, but not so early as to mislead others about where you are turning.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Stop intersections and through intersections

Always tested

How it’s scored

At stop intersections: head checks, smooth full stop before the line with no rolling, safe gap. At through intersections: scan with foot off the gas, yield, don't stop for green lights, no lane changes in the intersection.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Left turns with varying difficulty. Right turns with varying difficulty. Intersections that involve stopping and then driving straight through. Intersections that involve driving straight through without stopping.”“Brake smoothly and stop without skidding or jerking the vehicle. Come to a full and complete stop. Don't let your vehicle roll forward or backward while stopped.”“Yield to any vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. Unless you are yielding to vehicles or pedestrians, don't stop for green traffic lights.”“Take your foot off the accelerator as you scan the intersection for possible hazards. Placing your foot over the brake pedal while scanning helps you react quicker to potentially hazardous situations”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Expressway or rural highway driving

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored on merging (head check, signal, speed match, spacing), traffic checks every 8 to 10 seconds, lane position, speed, and exiting.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Expressway or rural highway driving (lane changes required). Urban and residential driving (lane changes required). Collision avoidance (simulated head-on collision). Curve. Railroad crossing (actual or simulated). Turning a fan (or radio) on and off while driving.”“Check traffic to find an opening to merge into. Check blind spots by looking over your shoulder before merging onto the expressway.”“Merge smoothly into the nearest expressway lane, allowing proper spacing between you and the vehicles in front of and behind you.”“Check traffic regularly (usually at least once every 8-10 seconds). Make your traffic check obvious to the examiner by moving your head.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Lane changes (expressway and urban)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Mirror and over-the-shoulder blind-spot check, signal, yield, smooth merge with speed maintained, signal cancelled.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Expressway or rural highway driving (lane changes required). Urban and residential driving (lane changes required). Collision avoidance (simulated head-on collision). Curve. Railroad crossing (actual or simulated). Turning a fan (or radio) on and off while driving.”“Check traffic in all directions. Check blind spots by looking over your shoulder before changing lanes. Activate your turn signal to alert other drivers that you intend to change lanes.”“Yield to any vehicles occupying the lane you are merging into. Merge smoothly into the next lane; keep your vehicle under control and maintain speed.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Curve

Always tested

How it’s scored

Slow before the curve so no braking or shifting is needed in it; both hands on the wheel; stay in the lane.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Expressway or rural highway driving (lane changes required). Urban and residential driving (lane changes required). Collision avoidance (simulated head-on collision). Curve. Railroad crossing (actual or simulated). Turning a fan (or radio) on and off while driving.”“Before entering the curve, reduce speed so further braking or shifting is not required in the curve.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Railroad crossing (actual or simulated)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Look and listen both ways, slow and shift before the tracks, no lane change or shifting on the tracks.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Expressway or rural highway driving (lane changes required). Urban and residential driving (lane changes required). Collision avoidance (simulated head-on collision). Curve. Railroad crossing (actual or simulated). Turning a fan (or radio) on and off while driving.”“Look to the left and right by moving your head and listen for the presence of trains.”“Decelerate, brake smoothly and shift gears before you cross the railroad tracks. Shifting gears while crossing the railroad tracks isn't safe.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Turn fan or radio on and off while driving

Always tested

How it’s scored

Glance only briefly and keep your lane position and speed.

Steps

Not officially described by SOS.

SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Expressway or rural highway driving (lane changes required). Urban and residential driving (lane changes required). Collision avoidance (simulated head-on collision). Curve. Railroad crossing (actual or simulated). Turning a fan (or radio) on and off while driving.”“Maintain your lane position and speed during this exercise. Removing your hand from the steering wheel to turn a fan (or radio) on or off shouldn't cause you to weave out of your traffic lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Crash avoidance (simulated head-on collision)

Always tested

How it’s scored

You say aloud, without doing it, how you would avoid an oncoming vehicle in your lane, while keeping your speed.

Steps

  1. Say you would drive off the road to the right.
  2. Say that if forced to hit something you would choose a soft object and hit it with a glancing blow.
SourcesOfficial source 1michigan.gov“Expressway or rural highway driving (lane changes required). Urban and residential driving (lane changes required). Collision avoidance (simulated head-on collision). Curve. Railroad crossing (actual or simulated). Turning a fan (or radio) on and off while driving.”“At a designated location, the examiner will ask you to verbalize what you would do if an oncoming vehicle were headed directly at you in your lane.”“To avoid a head-on collision, drive off the road to the right.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Search

    Visible head checks left, right, ahead and behind, mirrors, blind spots; look about 12 seconds ahead. Official source 1michigan.gov“Establish a pattern of searching left, right, ahead, and behind using all available mirrors and moving your head to make your traffic checks obvious to the examiner.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Speed and brake control

    Smooth acceleration and braking, complete stops, keep pace with traffic without speeding. Official source 1michigan.gov“Accelerate evenly and smoothly without jerking the vehicle. When decelerating, brake smoothly and evenly, not too hard or too soft.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Steering control

    Both hands on the wheel, no palming; wheels straight while waiting to turn left. Official source 1michigan.gov“Don't palm the wheel or drive with only one hand on the wheel.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Timing and signals

    Signal at least 100 feet (3 to 4 seconds) before turning; don't drive too timidly or aggressively. Official source 1michigan.gov“Activate your turn signal at least 100 feet ahead of where you are turning (approximately 3-4 seconds), but not so early as to mislead others as to where you are turning.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the Michigan road test

Failing any part ends the test. You may retest after 24 hours (one attempt per 24 hours unless the failure was for equipment or documents) and must start over from the vehicle inspection. Retest fees are set by the testing business, not the state. Official source 1michigan.gov“You will be allowed only one attempt in a 24-hour period, unless the failure is due to faulty equipment or documents.”“If you don't successfully complete your test, you may reschedule a subsequent test after 24 hours. Tests terminated due to driver performance cannot be rescheduled for the same day.”“Fees charged by driver testing businesses aren't regulated by the Michigan Department of State.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the Michigan permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

All Class D/operator skills tests are given by private driver testing businesses approved by the Secretary of State; the SOS does not give road tests. Drivers converting a license from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or South Korea skip the test. Official source 1michigan.gov“Driving skills testing services are provided only through a privatized, testing program. This program utilizes a statewide network of public and private driver testing business authorized by the department to conduct the driving skills tests.”“If you successfully complete your Driving Skills Test, the examiner will issue a Driving Skills Test Receipt. The examiner is required to sign it before presenting it to you.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2michigan.gov“If you are from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or the Republic of Korea (South Korea), you may convert your driver's license to a Michigan license without the written knowledge test, TIP or driving skills test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Michigan road test questions

What is on the Michigan road test?

Michigan's driving skills test is given by a private driver testing business approved by the Secretary of State, and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. After an unscored vehicle inspection, you must pass an off-road basic control skills test (forward stop line, sight-side backing into a driveway, and blind-side backing into a parallel space) with six errors or fewer, then an on-road test through city, residential and expressway or rural highway driving. On the road you pass if you score no more than 25 points and commit no automatic failure. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Vehicle familiarization and safety inspection, Forward stop line (basic control), Curved path backing, sight side (Y-turn): backing into a simulated driveway, Curved path backing, blind side (parallel parking), Left turns, Right turns, Stop intersections and through intersections, Expressway or rural highway driving, Lane changes (expressway and urban), Curve, Railroad crossing (actual or simulated), Turn fan or radio on and off while driving, Crash avoidance (simulated head-on collision).

How is the Michigan driving test scored?

Two scored segments, passed in order. Basic control skills: each boundary touch (encroachment) and each reposition counts as an error, plus final position; pass with six errors or fewer. On-road test: pass with no more than 25 points and no automatic failure. Failing any part ends the test.

What is an automatic fail on the Michigan road test?

Official Michigan sources list these as automatic failures: Disregarding instructions or refusing to perform a maneuver; Failing to follow the same instruction twice (after one warning); Offering the examiner a bribe or gratuity; Refusing to wear a safety belt; Any accident (may result in failure); A crash prevented by others, or the examiner has to prevent a crash or illegal action; Driving over a curb or sidewalk, endangering others; Creating a serious hazard, or failing to yield so that traffic or pedestrians are affected; Failing to yield to a funeral procession; Passing a stopped school bus with red lights flashing; Not taking proper action for an emergency or road service vehicle; Turning on red where prohibited; Turning from the wrong lane; Passing improperly; Driving the wrong way on a one-way street or on the wrong side of the street; Failing to stop for a red light, flashing red light or stop sign; Failing to stop for a railroad signal or driving around railroad gates; Speeding 4 to 9 mph over the limit after one warning; Speeding 10 mph or more over the limit (no warning); Following too closely after one warning; Can't keep up to the minimum expressway speed (test terminated); Driving more than 10 mph under the limit after one warning (test terminated); and Stalling in a way that is hazardous or blocks traffic, or losing control so the examiner must act (test terminated).

What do I need to bring to the Michigan road test?

Under 18: your Level 1 license (held 6 months) and Segment 2 driver education completion certificate; Under 18: a driving log showing 50 supervised hours, 10 at night, plus a parent or guardian (or written designee) for the whole test; 18 and older: your Temporary Instruction Permit (held at least 30 days); Proof of insurance, current registration and a valid plate for the test vehicle; and A safe vehicle you have practiced in.

What are the vehicle requirements for the Michigan road test?

Working brakes, brake lights (center high-mount on 1986 and newer), headlights, taillights and front and rear turn signals; Doors that open from inside and outside; Enough fuel; working heater/defroster, horn, muffler and speedometer; No more than one missing lug nut; sound suspension; properly inflated, undamaged tires; Rearview mirror and outside left mirror; Safety belts and seats for all occupants; Windshield not cracked so it blocks your view; working wipers and washers; Backup cameras and other passive systems allowed; self-parking and other driver-activated systems not allowed; and No 'Student Driver' signs on driver-ed cars.

When can I take the Michigan road test?

Under 18: hold a Level 1 Learner's License for at least 6 months, be at least 15, complete Segment 2 of driver education, log 50 supervised hours (10 at night), have no convictions, civil infractions, suspensions or at-fault crashes in the previous 90 days, and come with a parent or guardian. 18 and older, never licensed: pass the vision and knowledge tests, get a Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) and practice on it for at least 30 days.

What happens if I fail the Michigan road test?

Failing any part ends the test. You may retest after 24 hours (one attempt per 24 hours unless the failure was for equipment or documents) and must start over from the vehicle inspection. Retest fees are set by the testing business, not the state.

Can the Michigan road test be waived?

All Class D/operator skills tests are given by private driver testing businesses approved by the Secretary of State; the SOS does not give road tests. Drivers converting a license from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or South Korea skip the test.

Notes from our check

Main source is the Driving Skills Test Study Guide (SOS-360, rev. 03/2021), which publishes the scoring standards, pass marks (6 errors basic control, 25 points on-road) and automatic failures. The examiner's actual score sheet is not published, and per-error point values for the on-road test are not given. The scoring rule holds the 25-point on-road limit (max_points), not a count of errors. The 'Curved path backing - sight side (Y-turn)' exercise backs from a 90-degree angle into a simulated driveway, so it uses the 'reverse-into-space' id, not 'backing-around-corner'. The 'dangerously inexperienced' items end the test at the examiner's discretion rather than being listed as automatic failures. Testing fees are set by each testing business. Custom maneuver ids: forward-stop-line, curve, railroad-crossing, fan-radio, crash-avoidance.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

michigan.gov

  1. Driving Skills Test Study Guide (PDF)
  2. WEDMK (PDF)

This guide summarizes official Michigan sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a SOS examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State) before test day.

Michigan permit practice testsSupervised driving log