DMV Michigan · Fees, age, and practice test
Michigan Permit Test: Cost, Age, and DMV Facts
Sourced procedural facts for Michigan DMV, plus a free 180-question practice test with real sign images and audio.
How much does the Michigan permit test cost?
No fee at a Secretary of State office; online testing costs $6.50, which includes the convenience fee and credit card processing fee
- Learner permit / application fee: $25 Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) fee, paid at a Secretary of State office (adults 18+; the teen GDL Level 1 Learner's License also carries a $25 licensing fee)
- Knowledge (written) test fee: No fee at a Secretary of State office; online testing costs $6.50, which includes the convenience fee and credit card processing fee
- Initial driver license fee: $25 for a standard first-time driver's license (enhanced license is $45)
Source: Michigan Department of State · Last verified 2026-07-06. Our 180-question Michigan practice test is free and separate from these DMV fees.
Quick facts
Minimum permit age
14 years and 9 months old for a Level 1 learner license after Segment 1 driver education
Knowledge test fee
No fee at a Secretary of State office; online testing costs $6.50, which includes the convenience fee and credit card processing fee
Permit fee
$25 Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) fee, paid at a Secretary of State office (adults 18+; the teen GDL Level 1 Learner's License also carries a $25 licensing fee)
Initial license fee
$25 for a standard first-time driver's license (enhanced license is $45)
Retake fee
No fee to retake at a Secretary of State office; the online test charges a $6.50 convenience fee per test, up to two attempts per calendar day
Supervised driving before road test
50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night
What to bring
Parent or legal guardian, Segment 1 completion certificate, proof of Social Security number or ineligibility, legal presence, identity, and two proofs of Michigan residency
Find an office / appointment
Schedule a branch visit at Michigan.gov/SOS or call 888-SOS-MICH; unscheduled arrivals are served as availability allows.
REAL ID status
REAL ID available; convert in person at a Secretary of State office with proof of legal presence. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025.
Motorcycle license
16+ can get endorsement; under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course (with parent signature for 16-17); 18+ may instead get a Temporary Instruction Permit, practice up to 180 days, and pass a Rider Skills Test.
Commercial license (CDL)
18 minimum, but restricted to intrastate (Michigan-only) operation until age 21; 21 required for interstate driving or hazmat transport.
Official source: Michigan Department of State
Things like renewing registration, REAL ID, or a change of address are outside what this page covers -- go straight to the official Michigan Secretary of State site.
How much is the Michigan permit test?
Michigan knowledge test fee: No fee at a Secretary of State office; online testing costs $6.50, which includes the convenience fee and credit card processing fee (official source). Permit fee: $25 Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) fee, paid at a Secretary of State office (adults 18+; the teen GDL Level 1 Learner's License also carries a $25 licensing fee) (official source).
Michigan DMV fees at a glance
| Fee | Official figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge test fee | No fee at a Secretary of State office; online testing costs $6.50, which includes the convenience fee and credit card processing fee | source |
| Permit fee | $25 Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP) fee, paid at a Secretary of State office (adults 18+; the teen GDL Level 1 Learner's License also carries a $25 licensing fee) | source |
| Initial license fee | $25 for a standard first-time driver's license (enhanced license is $45) | source |
| Retake fee | No fee to retake at a Secretary of State office; the online test charges a $6.50 convenience fee per test, up to two attempts per calendar day | source |
Studying for it? Take the free Michigan DMV practice test (180 questions, instant explanations, no signup).
What a Michigan driver license covers
Initial license fee: $25 for a standard first-time driver's license (enhanced license is $45) (official source)
REAL ID status: REAL ID available; convert in person at a Secretary of State office with proof of legal presence. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. (official source)
See a real Michigan license sample on the official DMV site (Michigan Department of State) →
The gold star marks a REAL ID compliant card. Many states hand you a paper interim license the day you pass and mail the physical card later; the interim paper generally works for driving but not for TSA airport ID. Check the official Michigan DMV site for exact card timelines.
Getting a license in Michigan
Getting your first permit
In Michigan, the minimum permit age is 14 years and 9 months old for a Level 1 learner license after Segment 1 driver education. When you apply for a permit or license, bring: parent or legal guardian, Segment 1 completion certificate, proof of Social Security number or ineligibility, legal presence, identity, and two proofs of Michigan residency. Schedule a branch visit at Michigan.gov/SOS or call 888-SOS-MICH; unscheduled arrivals are served as availability allows.
Fees, retakes, and practice hours
No fee at a Secretary of State office; online testing costs $6.50, which includes the convenience fee and credit card processing fee. Before the road test, the state requires 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
REAL ID, motorcycle, and CDL
REAL ID available; convert in person at a Secretary of State office with proof of legal presence. Federal enforcement began May 7, 2025. For a motorcycle license: 16+ can get endorsement; under 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safety course (with parent signature for 16-17); 18+ may instead get a Temporary Instruction Permit, practice up to 180 days, and pass a Rider Skills Test. For a commercial license (CDL): 18 minimum, but restricted to intrastate (Michigan-only) operation until age 21; 21 required for interstate driving or hazmat transport.
The Michigan bank has 180 questions across 9 topics
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