MI Permit Practice Test

How to use this MI practice test

1. Take the full practice test above once, untimed, to find your weak topics.
2. Work through the numbered 20 question sets below. Each one is fixed, so a second attempt is a fair comparison.
3. Read the explanation on every miss. The wording comes from the What Every Driver Must Know (Michigan), which is what the examiners use.
4. When you pass three sets in a row at the score your state requires, book the real test.

MI practice tests, 20 questions each

Fixed sets in a fixed order so you can retake one and compare your score.

1. Test 1
2. Test 2
3. Test 3
4. Test 4
5. Test 5
6. Test 6
7. Test 7
8. Test 8
9. Test 9

Printable MI practice test with answer key

First 40 questions from the MI bank

Every question below comes from the Michigan question bank on this page. Open a question to see the correct answer and the explanation. Nothing here is hidden behind a signup.

1. 1. While traveling in a Michigan roundabout, where should a driver keep the vehicle relative to the center island?

   1. To the left of the center island
   2. To the right of the center island
   3. On the center island
   4. Outside the roundabout on the shoulder
   Show answer

   To the right of the center island. A vehicle entering a roundabout must give way to traffic already approaching from the left, including a bicyclist or pedestrian who is prese Full explanation in Test 1

2. 2. How do Michigan's marijuana-impaired driving penalties compare with alcohol-impaired driving penalties?

   1. They apply only when marijuana was sold illegally
   2. They are limited to a written warning
   3. They apply only to drivers under age 21
   4. They are the same
   Show answer

   They are the same. Michigan states that penalties for operating under the influence of marijuana are the same as penalties for operating under the influence of Full explanation in Test 1

3. 3. How long do points remain on a Michigan driver's driving record?

   1. Six months from the date of the ticket
   2. Until the driver reaches age 21
   3. Two years from the date of conviction
   4. Ten years from the date of conviction
   Show answer

   Two years from the date of conviction. Michigan keeps points on a driving record for two years from the date of conviction. Full explanation in Test 1

4. 4. When a school bus stops on the opposite side of a divided Michigan highway, when is stopping generally unnecessary?

   1. When the bus is more than 20 feet away
   2. When the driver cannot see children
   3. When a barrier separates the directions of travel
   4. When the road has two lanes in each direction
   Show answer

   When a barrier separates the directions of travel. Michigan does not require a driver to stop for a school bus on the other side of a highway when a barrier, such as a concrete or grass media Full explanation in Test 1

5. 5. What should a Michigan driver do when an approaching emergency vehicle has red and blue lights and a siren?

   1. Stop in the middle of the intersection immediately
   2. Follow the emergency vehicle closely to get through traffic
   3. Turn left at once, even if the path is blocked
   4. Pull to the edge of the road, clear of intersections, and stop
   Show answer

   Pull to the edge of the road, clear of intersections, and stop. When the approaching emergency vehicle has red and blue lights and its siren sounding, pull toward the roadway edge, clear of intersections, Full explanation in Test 1

6. 6. When changing into Michigan's left lane, what check should the driver make before moving?

   1. Check traffic behind and on the left, signal, and move carefully
   2. Check only the right mirror and move quickly
   3. Use the shoulder without checking traffic
   4. Turn without a signal if the lane looks open
   Show answer

   Check traffic behind and on the left, signal, and move carefully. For a move into the left lane, Michigan calls for checking traffic behind and on the left, performing a head check, using the left-turn sign Full explanation in Test 2

7. 7. What is the normal lane position for a Michigan driver on a multi-lane road?

   1. The left-hand lane whenever it has the clearest pavement
   2. The right-hand lane, except for listed situations such as passing or obstacles
   3. The center lane at all times to avoid merging
   4. Any lane chosen by the driver without regard to traffic direction
   Show answer

   The right-hand lane, except for listed situations such as passing or obstacles. Michigan directs drivers to use the right-hand lane except when a listed reason requires another position, such as passing, an obstacle, a d Full explanation in Test 2

8. 8. When parallel parking in Michigan, how far from the curb should the vehicle be positioned at most?

   1. 12 inches
   2. 6 inches
   3. 24 inches
   4. 36 inches
   Show answer

   12 inches. The manual directs drivers not to park more than 6 to 12 inches from the curb, so the maximum distance in this question is 12 inches. Full explanation in Test 2

9. 9. What happens to fines for moving violations committed in a Michigan work zone?

   1. They are waived for the first offense
   2. They are reduced by half
   3. They stay the same as outside the zone
   4. They are doubled
   Show answer

   They are doubled. Michigan doubles fines for all moving violations committed in work zones. Full explanation in Test 2

10. 10. What is the only thing that sobers a person after drinking alcohol?

    1. Coffee
    2. A cold shower
    3. Time
    4. Fresh air
    Show answer

    Time. Michigan explains that time is the only thing that sobers a person after drinking alcohol. Full explanation in Test 2

11. 11. What minimum Segment 2 supervised-driving log must accompany a Michigan applicant?

    1. At least 50 hours, including at least 10 hours at night
    2. At least 30 hours, including at least 2 hours at night
    3. At least 20 hours, all during daylight
    4. At least 6 hours, including 2 hours on a freeway
    Show answer

    At least 30 hours, including at least 2 hours at night. Segment 2 requires a log showing at least 30 hours of supervised driving, with a minimum of two nighttime hours, under the parent, guardian, Full explanation in Test 3

12. 12. When must a Michigan child use an approved car seat or booster seat?

    1. When younger than 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches
    2. Until age 10 regardless of height
    3. Only until age 4 regardless of height
    4. Whenever seated in the front seat, regardless of age or height
    Show answer

    When younger than 8 or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches. Michigan requires an approved child-safety seat or booster for children younger than eight or under 4 feet 9 inches tall, in every seating p Full explanation in Test 3

13. 13. What clue does a Michigan traffic sign’s shape provide?

    1. The exact distance to the next gas station
    2. Its meaning and purpose
    3. The age of the pavement beneath it
    4. The color of the vehicle that must obey it
    Show answer

    Its meaning and purpose. Michigan explains that a traffic sign’s shape provides a clue about its meaning and purpose. Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. What traffic pattern does this sign establish?

    1. Traffic alternates direction by time of day
    2. Traffic travels in the same direction in every lane
    3. Traffic may travel only toward a railroad crossing
    4. Traffic must turn around at the next intersection
    Show answer

    Traffic travels in the same direction in every lane. ONE WAY means every lane on that roadway carries traffic in the same direction shown by the arrow. Full explanation in Test 3

15. 15. What kind of traffic sign is the pictured speed limit sign?

    1. A regulatory sign stating a legal limit
    2. A recreational sign identifying a destination
    3. A warning sign about a road hazard
    4. A service sign for fuel or lodging
    Show answer

    A regulatory sign stating a legal limit. A speed limit sign is regulatory because it communicates a legal rule governing traffic movement. Full explanation in Test 3

16. 16. What roadway area does this five-sided sign identify?

    1. A recreational parking area
    2. An adult pedestrian-only trail
    3. A hospital entrance
    4. A school crossing for children
    Show answer

    A school crossing for children. The five-sided school sign marks a school crossing for children. Full explanation in Test 4

17. 17. What change in traffic should you anticipate at this sign?

    1. Traffic must leave through the next right exit
    2. Traffic is prohibited from entering from the right
    3. Traffic merges from the right
    4. Traffic becomes two-way immediately
    Show answer

    Traffic merges from the right. The merging-traffic symbol warns that vehicles will join the roadway from the right. Full explanation in Test 4

18. 18. What road condition does the skidding-car symbol warn about?

    1. A racing course begins after the next curve
    2. A gravel surface is required for the next mile
    3. The road is closed to vehicles with traction control
    4. Road conditions may become slippery in bad weather
    Show answer

    Road conditions may become slippery in bad weather. The skidding-car warning means road conditions can become slippery in bad weather. Full explanation in Test 4

19. 19. What intersection does the yellow plus-shaped sign warn you about?

    1. A hospital entrance with ambulance traffic
    2. A location where all turns are prohibited
    3. A pedestrian-only crossing with no vehicles
    4. A road intersection with cross traffic
    Show answer

    A road intersection with cross traffic. The plus-shaped warning identifies an intersection ahead and tells you to watch for cross traffic. Full explanation in Test 4

20. 20. What following interval should a Michigan driver use as a general rule on dry or wet pavement?

    1. One second at every speed
    2. Exactly ten car lengths
    3. A half second when traffic is light
    4. Three to four seconds
    Show answer

    Three to four seconds. Michigan’s general timing method uses a three to four second gap. Full explanation in Test 4

21. 21. What should a driver expect from a yellow diamond sign showing that the road curves sharply left and then right?

    1. A mandatory left turn at the next street
    2. The end of a no-passing zone
    3. A sharp curve sequence requiring reduced speed and care
    4. A railroad crossing with three tracks
    Show answer

    A sharp curve sequence requiring reduced speed and care. The sign warns that the roadway curves sharply first to the left and then to the right. Full explanation in Test 5

22. 22. Why must drivers allow more time and space when roads are covered with snow or ice?

    1. The posted limit automatically increases stopping distance by law
    2. Dry pavement gives less control than ice
    3. Slippery conditions reduce available stopping power
    4. Snow and ice make brakes work faster
    Show answer

    Slippery conditions reduce available stopping power. Snow and ice reduce traction, so a vehicle cannot stop as effectively as it can on dry, clear pavement. Full explanation in Test 5

23. 23. What is the required response when an emergency vehicle approaches with flashing red or blue lights and a siren?

    1. Continue straight because the emergency vehicle can pass anywhere
    2. Stop immediately in the middle of the intersection
    3. Turn left across traffic to create a wider gap
    4. Move close to the right edge, clear the intersection, and stop
    Show answer

    Move close to the right edge, clear the intersection, and stop. The driver should move as close as possible to the right edge or curb, get clear of the intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle p Full explanation in Test 5

24. 24. How many Michiganders are registered organ donors, according to the manual?

    1. A majority, 4.6 million
    2. About 100,000
    3. About 1 million
    4. Fewer than half
    Show answer

    A majority, 4.6 million. A majority of Michiganders, 4.6 million, are registered organ donors. Full explanation in Test 5

25. 25. How should following space change when rain makes the pavement wet?

    1. Reduce it because rain cools the brakes
    2. Increase it because wet pavement requires more stopping time and space
    3. Keep exactly one car length at every speed
    4. Follow more closely so spray cannot enter the gap
    Show answer

    Increase it because wet pavement requires more stopping time and space. Wet pavement needs more stopping time and space, so the driver should increase the following interval. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. An emergency vehicle with red and blue lights and a siren approaches. Where should you stop?

    1. As close as possible to the right edge, clear of the intersection
    2. On the left shoulder, facing traffic
    3. In the center of the intersection until the vehicle passes
    4. On the nearest railroad track if the shoulder is blocked
    Show answer

    As close as possible to the right edge, clear of the intersection. Michigan requires an immediate move toward the right edge or curb, followed by a stop that leaves the intersection open. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What does an orange Michigan traffic sign indicate?

    1. Construction or maintenance crews are working in the area
    2. A railroad crossing is ahead
    3. A route direction to a destination
    4. A service or hospitality location
    Show answer

    Construction or maintenance crews are working in the area. An orange sign warns that construction or maintenance crews are working in the area, so drivers should proceed with care and expect changing Full explanation in Test 6

28. 28. A traffic signal is not working and no officer or other device is controlling the intersection. What is required?

    1. Proceed without stopping because the signal is dark
    2. Come to a complete stop and yield to vehicles already there
    3. Yield only to vehicles approaching from the left
    4. Wait for a green light from another intersection
    Show answer

    Come to a complete stop and yield to vehicles already there. A nonworking signal does not make the intersection uncontrolled in the sense of permitting free movement. Full explanation in Test 6

29. 29. At a four-way stop, two vehicles arrive and stop at the same time. Which vehicle has priority?

    1. The vehicle on the left
    2. The vehicle with the larger engine
    3. The vehicle on the right
    4. The vehicle that signals first
    Show answer

    The vehicle on the right. When vehicles reach a four-way stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. Full explanation in Test 6

30. 30. At a T-intersection without signals or signs, which traffic has the right of way?

    1. Vehicles entering from the terminating road
    2. The vehicle traveling fastest
    3. The vehicle that sounds its horn
    4. Vehicles on the through road
    Show answer

    Vehicles on the through road. At a T-intersection with no signs or signals, the road that continues through has priority over a driver entering from the road that ends. Full explanation in Test 6

31. 31. What does it cost to take Michigan's written knowledge test online at home?

    1. It is free
    2. $25
    3. A $6.50 convenience fee
    4. $50
    Show answer

    A $6.50 convenience fee. The written knowledge test is given at Secretary of State offices at no charge, and you also have the option of taking an online version at Full explanation in Test 7

32. 32. After pulling over for an approaching emergency vehicle, how long must a Michigan driver remain stopped?

    1. Until the siren can no longer be heard
    2. For exactly 30 seconds
    3. Until the emergency vehicle has passed
    4. Until another driver begins moving
    Show answer

    Until the emergency vehicle has passed. After an approaching emergency vehicle causes a driver to pull over and stop, Michigan requires the driver to remain there until that emerge Full explanation in Test 7

33. 33. What does an orange slow-moving vehicle triangle tell a driver about the vehicle ahead?

    1. It may legally travel at freeway speed
    2. It is an emergency vehicle with priority
    3. It must stop at every railroad crossing
    4. It travels no faster than 25 mph
    Show answer

    It travels no faster than 25 mph. The orange triangle identifies a vehicle that does not move faster than 25 mph, such as farm machinery or another large agricultural vehicle Full explanation in Test 7

34. 34. Why should a driver look 20 to 30 seconds down the road?

    1. To spot hazards and avoid last-second reactions
    2. To keep the eyes fixed on one distant point
    3. To estimate the vehicle's fuel consumption
    4. To replace mirror checks during lane changes
    Show answer

    To spot hazards and avoid last-second reactions. Looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead helps the driver detect developing hazards before they become immediate emergencies. Full explanation in Test 7

35. 35. What can happen when a driver fails to obey the Move Over requirement for a stopped emergency vehicle?

    1. There is no penalty unless the driver hits the vehicle
    2. The offense can become a felony if emergency personnel are injured or killed
    3. The violation is always treated as a parking ticket
    4. Only a warning may be issued in every case
    Show answer

    The offense can become a felony if emergency personnel are injured or killed. Failure to obey the emergency-vehicle rule is serious. Full explanation in Test 7

36. 36. Where can a Michigan resident register to vote during the 14 days before an election?

    1. Only at the city or township clerk's office
    2. At any Secretary of State office
    3. Online
    4. By mail
    Show answer

    Only at the city or township clerk's office. When you apply for or renew a Michigan license or state ID you are automatically registered to vote unless ineligible or you decline. Full explanation in Test 8

37. 37. What should a driver do when approaching children near a school-zone crosswalk?

    1. Yield and be especially cautious because children may dart into the street
    2. Keep the posted speed and assume children will wait
    3. Use the horn to make children leave the crosswalk
    4. Pass a stopped vehicle that is yielding to the children
    Show answer

    Yield and be especially cautious because children may dart into the street. Drivers must yield to children near or in a school-zone crosswalk when school is in session and should be especially cautious because childr Full explanation in Test 8

38. 38. At a stop sign, where should you stop if there is no stop line or crosswalk?

    1. Past the intersection so the front wheels are visible
    2. At a point where you can see approaching traffic
    3. Beside the nearest parked vehicle
    4. Only at the edge of the pavement after turning
    Show answer

    At a point where you can see approaching traffic. When a stop line or crosswalk is absent, stop at a point that lets you see all approaching traffic without pulling into the intersection. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. What does a red upraised hand or the words DONT WALK mean at a pedestrian signal?

    1. Cross quickly before vehicles receive a green light
    2. Cross only after looking over your shoulder
    3. Cross if the nearest lane appears empty
    4. Do not cross the roadway
    Show answer

    Do not cross the roadway. The red upraised hand and the words DONT WALK both tell a pedestrian not to cross the roadway. Full explanation in Test 8

40. 40. What should you do first if confronted by an aggressive driver?

    1. Make an angry gesture so the driver knows you are not intimidated
    2. Follow the driver closely to record the license plate
    3. Get out of the way, avoid eye contact, and ignore gestures or verbal attacks
    4. Stop in the traffic lane and argue through the window
    Show answer

    Get out of the way, avoid eye contact, and ignore gestures or verbal attacks. An encounter with an aggressive driver should be defused by creating space and refusing to participate in the confrontation. Full explanation in Test 8