Michigan 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. Come back on a later day and retake the questions you missed. A score on questions you have not seen before tells you more than a repeat.

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
10. Test 10
11. Test 11
12. Test 12
13. Test 13
14. Test 14
15. Test 15
16. Test 16
17. Test 17
18. Test 18
19. Test 19
20. Test 20
21. Test 21
22. Test 22
23. Test 23
24. Test 24
25. Test 25

Printable MI practice test with answer key

40 sample practice 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. How long is a Michigan temporary instruction permit valid?

   1. 180 days
   2. 30 days
   3. One year
   4. Two years
   Show answer

   180 days. A temporary instruction permit, or TIP, is valid for 180 days and allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking the dri Full explanation in Test 1

   Study this in the handbook: Permits, tests, probation and renewal

2. 2. What does the Michigan manual advise about changing gears at a railroad crossing?

   1. Shift to a lower gear while on the tracks
   2. Shift into neutral and coast across
   3. Avoid changing gears while crossing the tracks
   4. Change gears just before the far rail
   Show answer

   Avoid changing gears while crossing the tracks. A stall on railroad tracks can be deadly, and a missed shift is an easy way to stall. Full explanation in Test 2

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings

3. 3. If a train is coming at a Michigan railroad crossing, where must vehicles stop?

   1. On the tracks until the train passes
   2. Exactly 10 feet from the nearest rail
   3. At least 100 feet from the crossing in every case
   4. No more than 50 feet and no less than 15 feet from the tracks
   Show answer

   No more than 50 feet and no less than 15 feet from the tracks. When a train is coming, Michigan places the stopping range between 15 feet and 50 feet from the tracks. Full explanation in Test 3

   Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings

4. 4. How far does a passenger vehicle at 55 mph need to stop compared with a commercial vehicle, according to the Michigan manual?

   1. About 400 feet for both
   2. About 50 feet and 100 feet
   3. About 130 feet for a car and about 400 feet for a commercial vehicle
   4. About 1,000 feet for the truck
   Show answer

   About 130 feet for a car and about 400 feet for a commercial vehicle. A passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130 feet, while a commercial vehicle at the same speed takes about 400 feet to sto Full explanation in Test 4

   Study this in the handbook: Trucks, pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles

5. 5. How long do points remain on a Michigan driving record from the date of conviction?

   1. Six months
   2. Five years
   3. Two years
   4. Until the driver changes insurers
   Show answer

   Two years. Michigan keeps points on a driving record for two years from the date of conviction. Full explanation in Test 5

   Study this in the handbook: Your driving record, points and implied consent

6. 6. At a Michigan intersection where two vehicles arrive and stop at the same time, which vehicle yields?

   1. The vehicle on the right yields to the vehicle on the left
   2. Both vehicles proceed together
   3. The larger vehicle yields
   4. The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right
   Show answer

   The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. When two vehicles reach and stop at an intersection at the same time, Michigan directs the vehicle on the left to yield to the vehicle on th Full explanation in Test 6

   Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts

7. 7. What distinction does Michigan claim from 1955 in driver education?

   1. It abolished driver education
   2. It raised the driving age to 21
   3. It became the first state to require teens under 18 to take driver education
   4. It issued the first license
   Show answer

   It became the first state to require teens under 18 to take driver education. In 1955 Michigan became the first state to require teens under age 18 to take driver education, and the state's graduated driver licensing s Full explanation in Test 7

   Study this in the handbook: Permits, tests, probation and renewal

8. 8. What upcoming control does this warning sign identify?

   
   1. A yield sign has ended
   2. A stop sign is posted ahead
   3. A no-stopping zone begins immediately
   4. A traffic signal is permanently out of service
   Show answer

   A stop sign is posted ahead. STOP AHEAD warns that a stop sign is posted farther along the road. Full explanation in Test 8

   Study this in the handbook: Traffic sign shapes and colors

9. 9. What fine does a Michigan adult driver face for a first offense of using a hand-held phone while driving?

   1. $25
   2. $100
   3. $250
   4. $500
   Show answer

   $100. Michigan's hand-held phone law covers reading, texting, and making or answering a call. Full explanation in Test 9

   Study this in the handbook: Phones, seat belts and child passengers

10. 10. Before turning left on a green light, what must you wait for?

    
    1. Oncoming traffic to clear
    2. Every vehicle behind you to stop
    3. A flashing red signal to appear
    4. The road to become one-way
    Show answer

    Oncoming traffic to clear. A green light permits movement, but it does not give a left-turning driver priority over oncoming traffic. Full explanation in Test 10

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts

11. 11. A Michigan driver exempt from seat belt use for a medical condition must carry what?

    1. A note from a family member at home
    2. A hospital bracelet from the last visit
    3. A letter from the vehicle insurance agent
    4. A doctor's statement
    Show answer

    A doctor's statement. Drivers excused from belt use by a medical condition must carry a doctor statement while driving. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Phones, seat belts and child passengers

12. 12. When judging whether a Michigan child still needs a car seat, what does the guidance suggest emphasizing?

    1. Height rather than age
    2. The child's age in years and months only
    3. The child weight shown on a home scale
    4. The type of vehicle the family drives
    Show answer

    Height rather than age. Michigan suggests weighing the height requirement more than age, because a seat belt may fit a smaller child poorly even after the eighth bi Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Phones, seat belts and child passengers

13. 13. You enter a Michigan work zone and see no 45 mph sign. What speed limit applies?

    1. 45 mph for every work zone
    2. 35 mph until the work ends
    3. The normal speed limit for that area
    4. The lower of 45 mph and the posted limit
    Show answer

    The normal speed limit for that area. A work zone does not create a 45 mph limit by itself. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Phones, seat belts and child passengers

14. 14. How many vehicles is a single-lane Michigan Left crossover designed to handle at one time?

    1. Two vehicles turning side by side together
    2. Three vehicles waiting in a single file
    3. One vehicle to turn at a time
    4. As many vehicles as can fit in the opening
    Show answer

    One vehicle to turn at a time. A single-lane Michigan Left crossover is built for one vehicle turning at a time. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and traffic signals

15. 15. A driver with a disability placard parks in a disability space, but the passenger with the disability stays in the car. Is this allowed in Michigan?

    1. Yes, because the vehicle displays a valid disability placard and plate
    2. No, the person with the disability must accompany the driver
    3. Yes, if the driver stays in the car too
    4. No, only the driver may use a placard
    Show answer

    No, the person with the disability must accompany the driver. Displaying a placard is not enough by itself. Full explanation in Test 15

16. 16. Why must you avoid honking or revving your engine near a horse on a Michigan road?

    1. Loud noises can startle horses and cause danger
    2. The noise violates city noise ordinances only
    3. Drivers must sound the horn to warn the rider before passing
    4. The rider may not hear other traffic afterward
    Show answer

    Loud noises can startle horses and cause danger. Sudden loud sounds can startle a horse, which may jump sideways into traffic or throw its rider. Full explanation in Test 16

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles

17. 17. What supervision does Michigan require while riding under a motorcycle TIP?

    1. A licensed driver age 18 or older must follow in another vehicle.
    2. A licensed motorcycle operator age 18 or older must keep constant visual contact.
    3. A licensed passenger must watch the rider during every stop.
    4. No supervisor is needed after passing the knowledge test.
    Show answer

    A licensed motorcycle operator age 18 or older must keep constant visual contact.. Under a Michigan motorcycle TIP, the rider must remain under constant visual supervision of a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 1 Full explanation in Test 17

    Study this in the handbook: Permits, tests, probation and renewal

18. 18. Why can a recumbent bicycle or handcycle be difficult for a Michigan driver to see?

    1. Their low profiles can make them difficult to see
    2. Their narrow width makes them blend into ordinary traffic
    3. Their slower speed makes them hard for drivers to notice
    4. Their tall orange flags can hide them from approaching drivers
    Show answer

    Their low profiles can make them difficult to see. Michigan’s manual explains that three-wheeled recumbent bicycles and super-recumbent handcycles can be difficult to see because they ride wi Full explanation in Test 18

    Study this in the handbook: Trucks, pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles

19. 19. What is prohibited while a Michigan vehicle is moving with a young child inside?

    1. Reading a map in the front passenger seat
    2. Giving a child a drink from a sealed cup
    3. Playing music for children in the rear seat
    4. Removing a child from a car seat to nurse while moving
    Show answer

    Removing a child from a car seat to nurse while moving. Taking a child out of a car seat to nurse while the vehicle moves is prohibited in Michigan. Full explanation in Test 19

    Study this in the handbook: Phones, seat belts and child passengers

20. 20. Why is cruise control not recommended on slippery Michigan roads?

    1. It cancels itself whenever the wheels slip
    2. It may need constant resetting and distract the driver
    3. It raises the speed limit shown on the sign
    4. It disables the vehicle anti-lock brakes
    Show answer

    It may need constant resetting and distract the driver. On rain, snow, or ice, cruise control can demand constant resetting that pulls attention from the road. Full explanation in Test 20

    Study this in the handbook: Aggressive driving, intersections and freeways

21. 21. At a Michigan Left, traffic on the main divided highway that cannot turn left directly must do what instead?

    1. Turn left across the median at the junction before you reach the cross street
    2. Continue past the intersection and turn left into the median crossover
    3. Stop in the through lane and wait for a gap
    4. Use the shoulder to make a wide U-turn
    Show answer

    Continue past the intersection and turn left into the median crossover. Drivers barred from a direct left at a Michigan Left continue past the intersection, then turn left into the median crossover. Full explanation in Test 21

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and traffic signals

22. 22. After driving through deep water, what should a Michigan driver do about the brakes?

    1. Use the parking brake instead of the foot brake until they dry
    2. Pump them hard once and keep the same speed
    3. Wait for them to dry without using the pedal
    4. Test them gently and slow until they work normally
    Show answer

    Test them gently and slow until they work normally. Water can leave brakes wet after deep water or heavy rain, and the manual warns that they may pull to one side or fail to hold. Full explanation in Test 22

    Study this in the handbook: Aggressive driving, intersections and freeways

23. 23. At higher speeds or in poor conditions, how far should following distance increase when needed?

    1. Up to two seconds or more if necessary
    2. Up to six seconds or more if necessary
    3. It should stay at one second at all speeds
    4. It should shrink so others cannot cut in
    Show answer

    Up to six seconds or more if necessary. The basic three-to-four-second gap should grow to six seconds or more when speed rises or weather worsens. Full explanation in Test 23

    Study this in the handbook: Bad weather, stopping distance and night driving

24. 24. Why may two Michigan construction zones use different traffic-merging strategies?

    1. The project type alone controls the merge, regardless of traffic
    2. Strategies can depend on both the project type and the amount of traffic
    3. The merge automatically changes with the day of the week
    4. Traffic volume alone controls the merge, regardless of the project
    Show answer

    Strategies can depend on both the project type and the amount of traffic. Michigan says construction projects may use different merging strategies because both the type of project and the amount of traffic can affe Full explanation in Test 24

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and work zones

25. 25. What view must you have before passing on the left on a Michigan two-lane highway?

    1. A clear, unobstructed view of the left lane ahead
    2. A view of only the vehicle you are passing
    3. A clear view for at least one car length
    4. A view blocked by a hill is acceptable
    Show answer

    A clear, unobstructed view of the left lane ahead. Passing on the left demands a clear, unobstructed view of the opposing lane, with traffic far enough away for the distance and time the pass Full explanation in Test 25

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts

26. 26. Which color pattern is listed for Michigan regulatory signs?

    1. Blue and green only
    2. White and black, red, white and black, or red and white
    3. Fluorescent pink and brown
    4. Yellow and orange only
    Show answer

    White and black, red, white and black, or red and white. Michigan lists several color patterns for regulatory signs: white and black, red, white and black, or red and white. Full explanation in Test 1

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic sign shapes and colors

27. 27. How many points does a Michigan driver receive for failing to stop for a school bus?

    1. Two points
    2. Three points
    3. Four points
    4. Six points
    Show answer

    Three points. Failure to stop for a school bus, like disobeying a school crossing guard or failing to stop at a railroad crossing, is a three-point offens Full explanation in Test 2

    Study this in the handbook: Your driving record, points and implied consent

28. 28. When must a Michigan driver yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk?

    1. At a marked crosswalk once the pedestrian is already halfway across
    2. At a marked crosswalk, but not when the traffic light is green for the driver
    3. At a marked crosswalk, even when the traffic light is green for the driver
    4. Never when the driver has a green light
    Show answer

    At a marked crosswalk, even when the traffic light is green for the driver. Michigan requires drivers to yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk, including when the driver's traffic light is green. Full explanation in Test 3

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts

29. 29. Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit on a Michigan highway that is not a designated freeway?

    1. 45 mph
    2. 65 mph
    3. 70 mph
    4. 55 mph
    Show answer

    55 mph. Unless another limit is posted, Michigan streets that are not designated freeways, and all highways, default to 55 mph. Full explanation in Test 4

    Study this in the handbook: Phones, seat belts and child passengers

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

    1. At a point where you can see approaching traffic
    2. Past the intersection so the front wheels are visible
    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 5

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts

31. 31. 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 6

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic sign shapes and colors

32. 32. How should you respond to a flashing red traffic light?

    1. Slow down but continue without stopping
    2. Come to a full stop, then proceed when the road is clear
    3. Stop only if a pedestrian is present
    4. Treat it as a green arrow
    Show answer

    Come to a full stop, then proceed when the road is clear. A flashing red light requires the same first action as a stop sign: bring the vehicle to a full stop. Full explanation in Test 7

    Study this in the handbook: Pavement markings and traffic signals

33. 33. What does this pennant-shaped sign mark?

    
    1. The end of a no-passing zone
    2. A no-passing zone where passing is hazardous
    3. A recreational picnic area
    4. A lane where passing is required
    Show answer

    A no-passing zone where passing is hazardous. The yellow pennant marks a no-passing zone on the left side of the roadway. Full explanation in Test 8

    Study this in the handbook: Traffic sign shapes and colors

34. 34. How many points does a Michigan conviction for having an open alcohol container in a vehicle add?

    1. 3 points on the record
    2. 4 points on the record
    3. 6 points on the record
    4. 2 points on the record
    Show answer

    2 points on the record. An open alcohol container in the vehicle is listed among the two point violations, with six to 10 mph over the limit, a young driver refusin Full explanation in Test 9

    Study this in the handbook: Your driving record, points and implied consent

35. 35. 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. Stop in the traffic lane and argue through the window
    4. Get out of the way, avoid eye contact, and ignore gestures or verbal attacks
    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 10

    Study this in the handbook: Aggressive driving, intersections and freeways

36. 36. When you park a vehicle in Michigan, what should hold it in place?

    1. Rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle in place
    2. Set only the emergency flashers when you leave
    3. Leave the engine running while the car is parked
    4. Set the parking brake; the transmission is not a brake
    Show answer

    Set the parking brake; the transmission is not a brake. Michigan's parking checklist starts with the parking brake. Full explanation in Test 11

    Study this in the handbook: Railroad crossings

37. 37. Who is not allowed to display green lights on maintenance vehicles in Michigan?

    1. State road agency maintenance crews on duty
    2. Local road agency maintenance crews on duty
    3. Private contractors working beside the roadway
    4. County crews clearing snow from highways
    Show answer

    Private contractors working beside the roadway. Only state and local road agencies may equip maintenance vehicles with flashing or oscillating green lights, and private contractors may not Full explanation in Test 12

    Study this in the handbook: Speed limits and work zones

38. 38. A Michigan driver sees one deer cross the road ahead. Why should the driver slow down?

    1. The deer will wait on the shoulder
    2. Deer are attracted to headlights
    3. Deer often travel in groups
    4. A single deer never crosses twice
    Show answer

    Deer often travel in groups. Seeing one deer is a warning that others may be close, because deer frequently travel in groups. Full explanation in Test 13

    Study this in the handbook: Crashes, deer and roadside emergencies

39. 39. How many vehicles should a Michigan driver pass at one time on a two-lane road?

    1. Two vehicles if the road is straight
    2. One vehicle at a time
    3. As many as fit before oncoming traffic
    4. A line of vehicles if you use the shoulder
    Show answer

    One vehicle at a time. Michigan's passing rule says not to pass more than one vehicle at a time. Full explanation in Test 14

    Study this in the handbook: Passing, lane use and turns

40. 40. Your light turns green while a pedestrian is still crossing in the crosswalk ahead. What must you do?

    1. Proceed slowly around the pedestrian, passing close beside the person still crossing
    2. Yield to the pedestrian even though your light is green
    3. Honk once to warn the pedestrian, then continue through the marked crosswalk area
    4. Turn right at the corner to avoid waiting behind the pedestrian in the crosswalk
    Show answer

    Yield to the pedestrian even though your light is green. A green light never cancels a pedestrian already crossing in front of you. Full explanation in Test 15

    Study this in the handbook: Right of way, pedestrians and roundabouts