Updated for 2026

Michigan SOS (Michigan Secretary of State)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

50

Passing Score

40

Standard Fee

$25 (Level 1 Learner's License)

Testing System

written or computerized touchscreen (in-person at SOS branch)

Critical Failure Factors

A primary reason for failure in Michigan is the confusion surrounding the unique 'Michigan Left' traffic maneuver (turning right to go left) and the specific restrictions of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, particularly the passenger limits for Level 2 drivers.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Michigan's traffic laws are distinct due to its unique road engineering and severe winter conditions. The most famous and confusing maneuver for new drivers is the 'Michigan Left'. At many intersections involving divided highways, direct left turns are prohibited. Instead, drivers must drive straight through the intersection, perform a U-turn at a designated median crossover (often marked with 'Authorized Vehicles Only' signs that actually permit U-turns for all traffic in this context), and then turn right or proceed straight. Failing to navigate this correctly is a common test error. Another critical law is 'Kelsey's Law' (MCL 257.602c), named after a teen victim of distracted driving. This law specifically prohibits drivers with a Level 1 or Level 2 Graduated Driver License from using a cell phone while driving. This includes making or answering calls, even with hands-free technology. It is a primary offense, meaning police can pull a teen over solely for seeing them on a phone. Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system is a three-tier process. Level 1 (Learner's) requires completing Segment 1 of Driver Education. Level 2 (Intermediate) restricts driving between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless for work or authorized activities. Crucially, Level 2 drivers cannot have more than one passenger under the age of 21 in the vehicle, unless they are immediate family members or the driver is accompanied by a parent/guardian. Michigan also enforces a strict 'Move Over Law'. It requires drivers to slow down by at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over a lane for ANY stationary vehicle displaying flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights—including police, fire, tow trucks, and road maintenance vehicles. Regarding school buses, drivers must stop at least 20 feet away from a bus with flashing red lights. This applies to traffic in both directions unless the road is divided by a physical barrier (like a concrete median); a turn lane is NOT a barrier. Finally, winter laws are rigorous: it is illegal to pass a snowplow on the right side, and you must maintain a distance of at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Michigan presents specific challenges tied to its geography as the 'Great Lakes State'. A major environmental factor is the 'Lake Effect Snow', which can cause sudden whiteouts in Western Michigan. State law (MCL 257.709) explicitly mandates that a driver must remove all snow and ice from their vehicle before driving. This is known as the 'Snow Removal Law'. It is illegal to drive with snow on your roof, hood, or trunk that could blow off and obscure the vision of other drivers; doing so can result in a fine even if no accident occurs. Another unique hazard is deer collisions. Michigan consistently ranks in the top tier of states for deer-vehicle crashes, with nearly 50,000 reported annually. The manual advises that if a crash is unavoidable, do NOT swerve; swerving often leads to head-on collisions or hitting trees, which is far deadlier than hitting the deer. Regarding the licensing process, Michigan is unique in its 'Segment' system for teens. Before you can even apply for a Level 1 license at the Secretary of State (SOS), you must pass 'Segment 1' of driver education, which includes 24 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel driving. This is more rigorous than many states. The written test at the SOS consists of 50 questions, and you must answer 40 correctly (80%) to pass. The questions often include specific scenarios about 'flashing yellow arrows' (which mean you can turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic) and the correct procedure for a 4-way stop. Furthermore, Michigan has specific laws for 'Basic Speed Law', meaning you must drive at a careful and prudent speed for conditions, regardless of the limit. If it is icy and the limit is 70 mph, driving 70 mph is illegal and ticketable. Also, be aware of the 'No-Fault Insurance' system in Michigan, which requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. Finally, an odd but important fact: it is illegal to park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant in Michigan, a distance that is strictly enforced in urban areas like Detroit and Grand Rapids.