Minimum age for a car driving licence in Michigan (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Michigan issues graduated licences to persons aged 17 or under in three levels. Level 1 may be issued from age 14 years and 9 months and requires supervision. The statute read states no separate minimum age for level 2, so the earliest age for unsupervised driving is not stated here.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a car licenceCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Earliest age to drive a car supervisedCar (category B) driving licence | 14.75 years [1] |
| Driving before the minimum ageCar (category B) driving licence | Level 1 may be issued from 14 years and 9 months after a vision test, segment 1 of driver education (including 6 hours on the road with an instructor) and parental approval, and lasts at least 6 months. Level 2 requires at least 6 months at level 1, segment 2 of driver education, no moving violation or at-fault accident in the preceding 90 days, a parent's certification of at least 50 hours of driving (10 at night) and a driving skills test. A level 2 licence holder may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. or with more than one passenger under 21 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or a designated licensed driver aged 21 or over, with exceptions for work and authorised activities; level 3 may be issued from age 17 after 12 consecutive months at level 2 without violations. [1] |
| Visitors on a foreign licence: ageCar (category B) driving licence | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Learner's permit from ageCar (category B) driving licence | 14.75 years [1] |
| Supervised driving hours requiredCar (category B) driving licence | For level 2, a parent or guardian must certify at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience with a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed driver aged 21 or over, including at least 10 hours at night. [1] |
| Night-time limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A level 2 licence holder may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or a designated licensed driver aged 21 or over, or driving for or to and from work or an authorised activity. Level 2 lasts at least six months. [1] |
| Passenger limit for new driversCar (category B) driving licence | A level 2 licence holder may not carry more than one passenger under 21, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian or designated licensed driver aged 21 or over, the extra passengers are immediate family, or the trip is for or to and from work or an authorised activity. [1] |
Notes
- The official pages for this state could not be read on 9 October 2026 (access refused), so no value is stated.
- This is the age at which a level 1 graduated licensing status may be issued; the holder may drive only when accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian or, with their permission, a licensed driver aged 21 or over.
Sources
- Michigan Legislature: Michigan Vehicle Code, Act 300 of 1949, MCL 257.310e: Graduated licensing (Internet Archive snapshot of 17 May 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Michigan and neighbouring states
| State | Minimum age for a car licence | Earliest age to drive a car supervised | Driving before the minimum age | Visitors on a foreign licence: age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | ⚠ Not yet verified | 14 years 9 months (level 1) | Level 1 from 14 y 9 m; level 2 after 6 months, 50 hours | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Illinois | 16 (initial licensing phase) | 15 (permit, enrolled in driver education) | 9 months on permit; licence at 16; full at 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Indiana | ⚠ Not yet verified | 15 (enrolled in driver education) | 180 days on permit; 16y 90d/270d (sources differ) | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minnesota | 16 (provisional licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Provisional at 16 after 6 months with a permit | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Ohio | 16 (probationary licence; full at 18) | 15 yrs 6 mths (temporary permit) | Probationary licence at 16 with night and passenger limits | Home-state rules apply; no Ohio age stated |
| Wisconsin | 16 (probationary licence) | 15 (instruction permit) | Permit at 15; probationary licence at 16 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Michigan
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: up to 12 plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (business district) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 14+ for Class 3
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (consumer fireworks; licensed retail) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not named; "dangerous weapon" concealed is banned · Locking or one-handed knives: Former mechanical-opening ban repealed (2017)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $13.73 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Hands-free allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Adults: no; under 16: yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.