MI Permit practice Updated for 2026

Michigan Permit Practice Test

Your Michigan test at a glance

Car learner knowledge exam
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Questions
Not published by Michigan Department of State
Correct to pass
Not published by Michigan Department of State
Passing score
70%
Mistakes allowed
Not published by Michigan Department of State

70% or higher

Sources & exam details
  • Age range means Segment 1 enrollment from 14 years 8 months until the eighteenth birthday, not permit issuance.
  • Level 1 learner licensing begins at 14 years 9 months.
  • Do not apply the Segment 1 threshold to the adult operator exam. The page also describes a distinct Segment 2 examination.

Independent practice. Read it alongside the official handbook.

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Michigan Practice Test 1

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Question 1 of 20
  1. 1. You stop at a red light on a two-way street. The one-way road to your left carries traffic leftward. No device prohibits the turn. What may you do?
  2. 2. All lights at an intersection are out. No officer, temporary sign or other device directs traffic. What should you do?
  3. 3. At an uncontrolled intersection, a car from another road has already entered before you arrive. What must you do?
  4. 4. A slow vehicle is ahead and the center two-way left-turn lane is empty. May you use that lane to pass it?
  5. 5. You are stopped behind a school bus whose alternating red lights are on. Which event ends this particular requirement to remain stopped?
  6. 6. A tow truck is stationary on your side of the road with its warning lights operating. Which statement is correct?
  7. 7. Which approach is appropriate when preparing a car's cooling system for winter?
  8. 8. Before a snowy trip, what preparation best supports a clear windshield?
  9. 9. A car develops persistent tire vibration and repeatedly loses pressure. What is the appropriate next step?
  10. 10. Can drowsiness create a crash risk during an afternoon drive?
  11. 11. Another car is stopped at a crosswalk, blocking your view across it. What danger should you anticipate?
  12. 12. Your car still starts after hitting a deer. What should you conclude about continuing the trip?
  13. 13. Your route calls for a left turn at an intersection displaying this sign. What does the sign tell you?
    White square with a bent black arrow pointing left beneath a red circle and slash.
  14. 14. How should you interpret the two arrows pointing in opposite directions?
    Yellow diamond with two vertical black arrows pointing in opposite directions.
  15. 15. Which road alignment best matches the repeated bends in this arrow?
    Yellow diamond with a black arrow following several alternating bends.
  16. 16. A fully licensed adult wedges a phone between the shoulder and ear during a routine call while driving. Both hands remain on the wheel. Does this satisfy Michigan's hands-free rule?
  17. 17. A person is injured in a crash involving your car and needs medical help. Beyond exchanging the required information, what responsibility does Michigan impose?
  18. 18. After drinking, a person's ability to drive is visibly impaired. The person plans to move a car across a shopping-center lot open to the public without entering a street. Does Michigan's impaired-driving rule apply?
  19. 19. Who administers the ordinary Michigan driving skills test?
  20. 20. Once a Michigan teen receives the Level 1 hard-card license, when does SOS say it must be carried?
Review all 20 questions with answers
  1. You stop at a red light on a two-way street. The one-way road to your left carries traffic leftward. No device prohibits the turn. What may you do?

    Correct answer: Turn left after yielding as required

    Michigan permits a stopped left turn from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way road carrying traffic in the turn's direction, unless a traffic-control device prohibits it. Required yielding still applies.

    Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.14 > B(3), quoting MCL 257.612(1)(c)(i)–(ii). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗

  2. All lights at an intersection are out. No officer, temporary sign or other device directs traffic. What should you do?

    Correct answer: Stop, yield to hazards, and proceed with care

    With no other direction, stop at the marked line, or before the near crosswalk if no line exists, or before the intersection if neither exists. Yield to immediate hazards and use ordinary care.

    Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(2), quoting complete MCL 257.649(4)–(5); corroborated by MSP dark-signal FAQ. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗

  3. At an uncontrolled intersection, a car from another road has already entered before you arrive. What must you do?

    Correct answer: Yield to the car already in the intersection

    The ordinary uncontrolled-intersection rule requires an approaching driver to yield to a vehicle that has already entered from a different road.

    Source: Michigan Judicial Institute Traffic Benchbook, Section 4.12 > A(1), quoting MCL 257.649(1)–(3). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗

  4. A slow vehicle is ahead and the center two-way left-turn lane is empty. May you use that lane to pass it?

    Correct answer: No; that lane is for left-turn movements

    A two-way left-turn lane serves left-turn maneuvers. An empty center turn lane is not a passing lane.

    Source: MSP Traffic Laws FAQs, updated April 23, 2026 > Lane Use > Can the center left turn lane be used as a passing lane?. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗

  5. You are stopped behind a school bus whose alternating red lights are on. Which event ends this particular requirement to remain stopped?

    Correct answer: The bus resumes moving or its visual signal stops

    The bus stop requirement continues until the bus resumes motion or its visual signals are no longer actuated. A guessed time or a wave from another driver does not end it.

    Source: MSP Legal Update No.165, June 2025 > Stopping for a school bus displaying flashing red lights, MCL 257.682(1). HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗

  6. A tow truck is stationary on your side of the road with its warning lights operating. Which statement is correct?

    Correct answer: The Move Over law also covers that road-service vehicle

    MSP identifies tow trucks as authorized road-service vehicles covered by the Move Over requirement when the specified warning lights are operating.

    Source: MSP Move Over, Michigan's Move Over Law and FAQs > Michigan's Move Over Law > authorized vehicle list; FAQ > Do I have to move over for a tow truck?. HTML read 2026-09-12; statutory effective date not independently retrieved. ↗

  7. Which approach is appropriate when preparing a car's cooling system for winter?

    Correct answer: Use the specified coolant and have leaks or worn hoses checked

    The correct coolant and a sound cooling system matter in winter too. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

    Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips > Preparing Your Vehicle > Cooling System (HTML safety guidance; reviewed September 12, 2026) ↗

  8. Before a snowy trip, what preparation best supports a clear windshield?

    Correct answer: Sound wipers, defrosters and winter washer fluid

    Winter conditions can consume washer fluid quickly and demand effective wiping and defrosting.

    Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips > Preparing Your Vehicle > Windshield Wipers (HTML practical guidance; reviewed September 12, 2026) ↗

  9. A car develops persistent tire vibration and repeatedly loses pressure. What is the appropriate next step?

    Correct answer: Have a tire-service professional inspect it

    Changes in performance, pressure loss and vibration warrant professional attention.

    Source: NHTSA, TireWise > Aging > Should I replace my tires?, performance-issues bullet (HTML practical guidance; reviewed September 12, 2026) ↗

  10. Can drowsiness create a crash risk during an afternoon drive?

    Correct answer: Yes; sleepiness can cause crashes at any time

    Drowsiness is not confined to darkness; late afternoon is among the common risk periods.

    Source: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving > Crashes and Fatalities, introductory sentence and first factor (HTML practical guidance; reviewed September 12, 2026) ↗

  11. Another car is stopped at a crosswalk, blocking your view across it. What danger should you anticipate?

    Correct answer: A pedestrian may be hidden in front of that car

    A stopped vehicle can conceal a crossing pedestrian from the next driver.

    Source: NHTSA, Pedestrian Safety > 8 Safety Tips for Drivers, item 6; Common Crash Types > Multiple Threat (HTML practical guidance; reviewed September 12, 2026) ↗

  12. Your car still starts after hitting a deer. What should you conclude about continuing the trip?

    Correct answer: Check for damage before continuing

    Being able to start does not establish roadworthiness after impact. Check for damage and arrange towing if needed.

    Source: Michigan State Police, Deer-Vehicle Crashes > What to Do if You Hit a Deer > Motorists and Motorcyclists (HTML safety guidance; reviewed September 12, 2026) ↗

  13. Your route calls for a left turn at an intersection displaying this sign. What does the sign tell you?

    Correct answer: Do not make the planned left turn

    NO LEFT TURN prohibits the left-turn movement. Stopping, yielding, or choosing a different lane does not remove the displayed restriction.

    Source: FHWA MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2B.26, paragraphs 01–03, R3-2; printed page 89 / physical PDF page 130 ↗

  14. How should you interpret the two arrows pointing in opposite directions?

    Correct answer: Traffic travels in both directions

    TWO-WAY TRAFFIC warns that vehicles travel in opposite directions. It is not an added-lane sign or an instruction to choose an exit.

    Source: FHWA MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.51, paragraphs 01–03, W6-3; printed page 189 / physical PDF page 230 ↗

  15. Which road alignment best matches the repeated bends in this arrow?

    Correct answer: A series of closely spaced curves

    WINDING ROAD warns of a series of changes in roadway direction. It conveys neither an exact speed nor a distance unless a separate plaque supplies that information.

    Source: FHWA MUTCD, 11th Edition with Revision 1 (December 2025), Section 2C.07, paragraphs 05–06, W1-5; printed page 155 / physical PDF page 196 ↗

  16. A fully licensed adult wedges a phone between the shoulder and ear during a routine call while driving. Both hands remain on the wheel. Does this satisfy Michigan's hands-free rule?

    Correct answer: No. Supporting the phone with a shoulder still counts.

    The rule includes supporting a phone with a hand, arm, or shoulder. A routine call does not become hands-free just because neither hand is holding the device.

    Source: Go Hands-Free. Just Drive. It's the Law. — opening paragraph defining support by hands, arms or shoulders; current page includes April 2026 enforcement materials. ↗

  17. A person is injured in a crash involving your car and needs medical help. Beyond exchanging the required information, what responsibility does Michigan impose?

    Correct answer: Give reasonable help in securing medical aid or transport.

    Michigan requires reasonable assistance to an injured person in obtaining medical aid or arranging or providing transportation. Calling emergency services can help secure aid; this is not an instruction to perform untrained treatment or move an injured person regardless of the circumstances.

    Source: Traffic Benchbook §5.2(A), Statutory Authority — MCL 257.619(c), reasonable medical-aid/transport assistance; §5.2(C), reasonableness depends on circumstances. ↗

  18. After drinking, a person's ability to drive is visibly impaired. The person plans to move a car across a shopping-center lot open to the public without entering a street. Does Michigan's impaired-driving rule apply?

    Correct answer: Yes. The rule also covers public-access parking areas.

    Michigan's visibly impaired driving prohibition is not limited to streets and highways. It also covers places open to the public or generally accessible to motor vehicles, expressly including parking areas.

    Source: Traffic Benchbook §9.6(A), Statutory Authority — MCL 257.625(3), public/general motor-vehicle access and parking-area applicability. ↗

  19. Who administers the ordinary Michigan driving skills test?

    Correct answer: An authorized independent driver testing business

    Michigan uses independent testing organizations with state-authorized examiners. Teaching or repairing vehicles alone does not confer testing authority.

    Source: Michigan SOS, New drivers (18 and older) > Driving skills test, opening paragraph (current HTML service instructions read September 12, 2026) ↗

  20. Once a Michigan teen receives the Level 1 hard-card license, when does SOS say it must be carried?

    Correct answer: Whenever the teen drives

    The Level 1 credential must accompany the teen whenever driving, not just during selected trips.

    Source: Michigan SOS, New drivers (under 18) > GDL Level 1 Learner's License, hard-card paragraph (current HTML service instructions read September 12, 2026) ↗

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Your Michigan study guide

Read the study notes alongside the handbook, then check the licensing essentials below.

Before you apply

Michigan licensing essentials

From Michigan Department of State, Secretary of State (SOS). Check the requirements for your age and application.

Sources checked

What is Michigan's minimum age for a learner's license?

A teen can receive a Michigan Level 1 Learner's License at 14 years and 9 months after meeting the Segment 1 requirements. Segment 1 enrollment can begin at 14 years and 8 months. First-time drivers 18 or older use the separate Temporary Instruction Permit process.

New drivers (under 18) (opens in a new tab)

How does a first-time Michigan driver age 18 or older get started?

Pass the knowledge test, complete the Secretary of State's application and document checks, and pass a vision examination to obtain a Temporary Instruction Permit. Driver-education classes are not required for adults. You must then practice with a licensed adult for at least 30 days before the driving skills test.

New drivers (18 and older) (opens in a new tab)

When can a Michigan teen begin Segment 2 driver education?

Before starting Segment 2, a teen must hold a Level 1 license for three consecutive months and log at least 30 supervised driving hours, including two at night. Segment 2 adds at least six classroom hours. These are entry requirements for that course, not permission to drive alone.

New drivers (under 18) (opens in a new tab)

Check the agency for updates before you apply.

Michigan permit test: frequently asked questions

How should I prepare for the Michigan permit test?

Read a section of the Michigan driver handbook, then try a short practice test. Review each explanation and revisit the rules behind your mistakes before you try again.

Are these Michigan permit practice tests free?

Yes. The Michigan practice tests are free and include answer explanations. No account is needed. Choose a test to begin.

How should I use the Michigan handbook with these questions?

Read the explanation after each answer. If a rule is unclear, find it in the handbook and explain it in your own words. Try the question again after you understand the rule.

Where can I practice Michigan road signs?

Open the Michigan road-sign section to practice recognizing shapes, colors and meanings. The illustrated sign guide also compares signs that look similar. Study the action each sign requires, then check the Michigan handbook for local rules that apply with it.

How can I review mistakes from my Michigan practice tests?

Use My mistakes to revisit questions saved from your Michigan car practice on this browser. Full test results also offer answer review and, when available, a retry of missed questions. Progress is stored on this device; it does not transfer automatically to another browser or phone.

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