how does the Michigan graduated DRiver licensing program work?

The Michigan Graduated Drivers Licensing program (GDL) is a driver licensing system designed to teach teens to drive by gradually increasing their driving privileges as they advance through the system. GDL consists of two segments of driver education instruction and three licensing levels.

The driver education course is made up of Segment 1, which consists of a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction, a minimum of 6 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 4 hours of observation in the car and Segment 2, which consists of a minimum of 6 hours of classroom instruction, designed to provide teens with defensive driving skills.


The three licensing levels in GDL are: a supervised learner's license (Level 1 License) an intermediate license that limits unsupervised nighttime driving (Level 2 License), and a full-privilege driver license (Level 3 License) issued after a teen driver has successfully completed all previous instructional and driving requirements. GDL, license levels 1 and 2 have certain restrictions to limit teens' driving exposure to high risk situations and help protect them while they're learning to drive.

Timeline for GDL

14 years & 8 months onward -

  • Enroll in & complete a Segment 1 program
  • Bring Segment 1 completion certificate (provided by the Jungle), original Social Security Card, original Birth Certificate, and proof of Michigan residence for both parents and students (report card, utility bill, bank statement, etc.), & Parent to Secretary of State to obtain a Level 1 Learner's License
  • For a list of acceptable forms of identification click " Applying For a License"

At least 3 months after obtaining a Level 1 License from The Secretary of State-

  • Enroll in & complete a Segment 2 program
  • Take Road Test Evaluation

16 years (and having possesed a Level 1 license for at least 6 months) onward -

  • Bring to Secretary of State to obtain a Level 2 Intermediate License (cannot drive from 12 pm - 5 am)
  • Level 1 license
  • Appropriate form of ID
  • Segment 2 completion certificate (provided by the Jungle)
  • Road Test Certificate
  • Parent

17 years onward -

  • After completing 6 months at Level 2, and 12 months without a moving violation, an accident in which a moving violation resulted, or a license suspension, the SOS will mail the student a Level 3 Full License

18 years onward -

  • The GDL program ends, all drivers are issued a Level 3 Full License

For a full outline from the Secretary of State click here: Michigan SOS GDL Outline