Michigan Teen Graduated License: What Parents Should Know

The Insurance Pros

15 years ago

🚘 Michigan Teen Graduated License Law: What You Need to Know

Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law is designed to reduce risk for young drivers by gradually increasing driving privileges. Recent updates and ongoing safety efforts, such as Kelsey’s Law, necessitate teens and parents comprehending the rules at each GDL level.

Download:
✅ Michigan Teen Driver Rules at a Glance (PDF)

📋 Key Michigan GDL Rules

Level 1 License: Must drive with a licensed parent or adult 21+ at all times.
Level 2 License:
- 🚫 No more than one non-family passenger under 21 (exceptions: travel to/from school or events).
- 🌙 No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless for work or school activities.
Level 3 License: Full privileges granted after 6 months on Level 2 with no violations or suspensions.

These restrictions are based on strong crash data showing that teen accident risk increases with nighttime driving and multiple young passengers.

🧭 When Do Teens Move Between GDL Levels in Michigan?

Understanding when your teen can advance to the next GDL level is just as important as knowing the rules. To move from Level 1 to Level 2, a driver must:

📆 Hold the Level 1 license for at least 6 months
🧑‍🏫 Complete a certified Segment 2 driver education course
🚙 Log at least 50 hours of supervised driving (including 10 nighttime hours)
📄 Pass the road skills driving test

To progress to Level 3, the driver must hold a Level 2 license for 6+ months with no traffic violations, at-fault crashes, or license suspensions. The upgrade happens automatically once eligibility is met through the Secretary of State.

📱 Kelsey’s Law: No Phone Use for Level 1 & 2 Drivers

Kelsey’s Law prohibits teen drivers with Level 1 or 2 licenses from using a cellphone while driving. This includes texting, calling, or using navigation apps—unless hands-free or during an emergency.

We go into further detail about phone restrictions in our related post:
📵 Michigan Teen Drivers & Cell Phone Use.

📊 Teen Driving Risk Facts

🚗 Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.
📉Although teens make up 6.7% of drivers, they are involved in 14% of fatal crashes.
🌃 41% of fatal teen crashes occur between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
👬 Risk of a fatal crash increases 158% with two passengers and 207% with three or more.