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
10. Test 10

Printable MI practice test with answer key

40 sample 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 should following space change when rain makes the pavement wet?

   1. Increase it because wet pavement requires more stopping time and space
   2. Reduce it because rain cools the brakes
   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 1

2. 2. What is the youngest age at which a Michigan teen can apply for a GDL Level 1 Learner's License?

   1. 14 years, 9 months
   2. 14 years, 8 months
   3. 15 years, 6 months
   4. 16 years
   Show answer

   14 years, 9 months. The Level 1 Learner's License requires the applicant to be at least 14 years and 9 months old, visit a Secretary of State office with a pare Full explanation in Test 2

3. 3. A single broken yellow line marks the center of a two-way roadway. When may you cross it?

   
   1. Whenever the vehicle behind you is close
   2. Only after a police officer waves you across
   3. Only when passing is safe
   4. Never, because all yellow lines prohibit crossing
   Show answer

   Only when passing is safe. A single broken yellow center line separates traffic moving in opposite directions and permits a pass when the maneuver is safe. Full explanation in Test 3

4. 4. 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

5. 5. How far from a school bus must Michigan drivers stop when its red overhead lights are flashing?

   
   1. At least 5 feet
   2. At least 20 feet
   3. Exactly 100 feet
   4. At least 50 feet
   Show answer

   At least 20 feet. When a school bus’s red overhead lights are flashing, Michigan requires a driver to stop at least 20 feet from the bus. Full explanation in Test 5

6. 6. 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 a barrier separates the directions of travel
   3. When the driver cannot see children
   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 6

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

   1. A route direction to a destination
   2. A railroad crossing is ahead
   3. Construction or maintenance crews are working in the area
   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 7

8. 8. What roadway pattern begins where this two-arrow sign is posted?

   
   1. A divided highway begins with a center median
   2. Passing is allowed in both directions
   3. All traffic must use the left lane
   4. Two-way traffic begins, so keep to the right
   Show answer

   Two-way traffic begins, so keep to the right. The opposing arrows mean two-way traffic begins, so keep to the right side of the roadway. Full explanation in Test 8

9. 9. A 19-year-old Michigan driver refuses a Preliminary Breath Test at the roadside. How many points does that refusal carry?

   1. Zero, because the test is voluntary
   2. Two points
   3. Four points
   4. Six points
   Show answer

   Two points. For a driver younger than 21, refusing the Preliminary Breath Test is a two-point violation. Full explanation in Test 9

10. 10. When does a Michigan driver's license expire for a driver under 21?

    1. Four years after issue
    2. At age 18
    3. At age 25
    4. On the driver's 21st birthday
    Show answer

    On the driver's 21st birthday. A Michigan license is usually valid for four years and expires on your birthday in the year shown, but if you are under age 21 your license Full explanation in Test 10

11. 11. When yellow hazard lights on a school bus are flashing, what should a driver do?

    1. Proceed with caution
    2. Pass the bus before its red lights appear
    3. Stop in the travel lane immediately
    4. Accelerate to clear the school zone
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution. Yellow hazard lights on a school bus mean proceed with caution. Full explanation in Test 1

12. 12. A Michigan driver under 21 is convicted of driving with any bodily alcohol content. How many points are posted?

    1. Four points
    2. Two points
    3. Six points
    4. None, if the level is below 0.08
    Show answer

    Four points. Michigan assigns four points when a driver younger than 21 has any bodily alcohol content, a zero tolerance rule that does not wait for an a Full explanation in Test 2

13. 13. A vehicle displays Michigan's slow-moving vehicle emblem. What does the emblem indicate?

    1. The vehicle must remain parked on the shoulder
    2. The vehicle is authorized to exceed the posted speed limit
    3. The vehicle is carrying hazardous materials
    4. The vehicle cannot move faster than 25 mph
    Show answer

    The vehicle cannot move faster than 25 mph. The orange triangle identifies a vehicle that travels no faster than 25 mph, including examples such as farm combines and other large agricu Full explanation in Test 3

14. 14. 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. Move close to the right edge, clear the intersection, and stop
    3. Turn left across traffic to create a wider gap
    4. Stop immediately in the middle of the intersection
    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 4

15. 15. 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. Slippery conditions reduce available stopping power
    3. Dry pavement gives less control than ice
    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

16. 16. What does Michigan's general cell phone law prohibit while a vehicle is operating on a public road?

    1. Using a permanently installed vehicle navigation screen
    2. Listening to directions from a passenger
    3. Looking at a mounted dash camera that continuously records video
    4. Holding or using a mobile electronic device, such as a phone or tablet
    Show answer

    Holding or using a mobile electronic device, such as a phone or tablet. Michigan's general law prohibits holding or using a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle on a public road, street, highw Full explanation in Test 6

17. 17. What do warning signs in construction and maintenance areas look like?

    1. Round, with white lettering on a blue background
    2. Diamond-shaped, with black lettering on an orange or yellow background
    3. Vertical rectangles with green lettering
    4. Octagons with red lettering on a white background
    Show answer

    Diamond-shaped, with black lettering on an orange or yellow background. Construction and maintenance warning signs use a diamond shape, with black lettering placed on an orange or yellow background. Full explanation in Test 7

18. 18. Where should you expect this crossbuck, and what hazard does it identify?

    
    1. At a freeway split with three exit lanes
    2. At a school crossing with three walking lanes
    3. At a railroad crossing with three train tracks
    4. At a work zone with three narrowed lanes
    Show answer

    At a railroad crossing with three train tracks. The X-shaped crossbuck identifies a railroad crossing, and this example indicates that three train tracks are ahead. Full explanation in Test 8

19. 19. A Michigan driver collects 12 points within two years. What does the Secretary of State require?

    1. An automatic lifetime revocation
    2. Nothing, because points expire after 12 months
    3. A driver assessment reexamination
    4. Only a letter from the insurance company
    Show answer

    A driver assessment reexamination. Twelve or more points within a two-year period, or six or more one-point violations in that time, triggers a driver assessment reexamination Full explanation in Test 9

20. 20. Until which Michigan child passenger milestone must a child use an approved car seat or booster seat?

    1. Until age 2 only, regardless of height
    2. Until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first
    3. Until the child can sit in the front seat
    4. Until age 12 in every seating position
    Show answer

    Until age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall, whichever comes first. Michigan requires children to remain properly buckled in a car seat or booster seat until they are eight years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall, Full explanation in Test 10

21. 21. What does a yield line indicate at a Michigan mid-block crosswalk?

    1. The point where drivers may accelerate past pedestrians
    2. The place where parking becomes permitted
    3. The boundary where bicycles must leave the roadway
    4. The location where drivers should stop for pedestrians
    Show answer

    The location where drivers should stop for pedestrians. At a mid-block crosswalk, Michigan may use a yield line to show where drivers should stop for pedestrians in the crossing. Full explanation in Test 1

22. 22. 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 2

23. 23. When passing a stopped emergency vehicle, what speed reduction is required if you cannot move over?

    
    1. At least 10 mph below the posted speed limit
    2. The full posted limit with hazard lights on
    3. Exactly 5 mph below the posted speed limit
    4. Any speed above the limit if the lane is clear
    Show answer

    At least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. If traffic or conditions prevent a lane change away from a stopped emergency vehicle, Michigan requires the driver to slow at least 10 mph b Full explanation in Test 3

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

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

    A majority, 4.6 million. A majority of Michiganders, 4.6 million, are registered organ donors. Full explanation in Test 4

25. 25. What does a solid yellow line on your side of the centerline require before passing?

    
    1. Use it as a lane for turning left only
    2. Cross it whenever the road ahead is clear
    3. Do not cross it to pass
    4. Treat it as a broken white lane divider
    Show answer

    Do not cross it to pass. A solid yellow line on the driver’s side of the centerline marks a no-passing condition. Full explanation in Test 5

26. 26. How does a Michigan traffic sign's outline help a driver?

    
    1. It provides a clue to the sign's meaning and purpose
    2. It states the driver's legal blood alcohol concentration
    3. It reports whether the road surface is wet
    4. It gives the exact distance to the next intersection
    Show answer

    It provides a clue to the sign's meaning and purpose. Michigan teaches that a traffic sign’s shape gives a driver a clue about its meaning and purpose. Full explanation in Test 6

27. 27. What should a driver do when approaching a stopped road maintenance vehicle with flashing lights?

    1. Sound the horn and force the vehicle onto the shoulder
    2. Pass at the posted speed without changing position
    3. Stop in the opposing lane to wait for instructions
    4. Proceed cautiously and be ready to yield
    Show answer

    Proceed cautiously and be ready to yield. Highway workers and stopped maintenance vehicles create a changing hazard, so the driver must approach with caution and be ready to yield. Full explanation in Test 7

28. 28. 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 8

29. 29. Unless posted otherwise, what is the speed limit in a Michigan platted subdivision or condominium complex?

    1. 15 mph
    2. 35 mph
    3. 25 mph
    4. 45 mph
    Show answer

    25 mph. Michigan's standard limit in platted subdivisions and condominium complexes is 25 mph. Full explanation in Test 9

30. 30. What traffic directions do yellow lines separate?

    1. A bicycle lane from a sidewalk
    2. Traffic lanes moving in the same direction only
    3. Traffic lanes moving in opposite directions
    4. A parking area from a driveway
    Show answer

    Traffic lanes moving in opposite directions. Yellow lines separate traffic lanes moving in opposite directions. Full explanation in Test 10

31. 31. 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 1

32. 32. What does a green traffic light permit after the driver checks the intersection?

    1. Proceed without checking because green removes all hazards
    2. Turn in any direction without following lane markings
    3. Stop and wait for a flashing red indication
    4. Proceed with caution after checking for pedestrians and vehicles
    Show answer

    Proceed with caution after checking for pedestrians and vehicles. A green traffic light permits movement only after the driver checks for pedestrians and vehicles. Full explanation in Test 2

33. 33. 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 3

34. 34. Which turn is prohibited at the location shown?

    
    1. A right turn
    2. A U-turn at a railroad crossing
    3. A turn into a marked parking space
    4. A left turn from a center lane
    Show answer

    A right turn. The crossed right-pointing arrow prohibits right turns at the posted location, including a right turn that a driver might otherwise consider Full explanation in Test 4

35. 35. What must a driver do when a moving emergency vehicle displays flashing warning lights and sounds a siren?

    1. Pass it quickly before it reaches the next intersection
    2. Never pass it unless directed by the emergency vehicle driver or a law enforcement officer
    3. Follow it closely so other traffic can see you
    4. Stop beside it and wait for the siren to turn off
    Show answer

    Never pass it unless directed by the emergency vehicle driver or a law enforcement officer. Michigan prohibits passing a moving emergency vehicle that displays flashing warning lights unless the emergency vehicle driver or a law enf Full explanation in Test 5

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

    
    1. Traffic merges from the right
    2. Traffic is prohibited from entering from the right
    3. Traffic must leave through the next right exit
    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 6

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

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

    Three to four seconds. Michigan’s general timing method uses a three to four second gap. Full explanation in Test 7

38. 38. A Michigan driver is caught going 18 mph over the limit in a construction zone. How many points apply?

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

    Five points. Work zone speeding carries heavier points than ordinary speeding. Full explanation in Test 8

39. 39. If your vehicle begins hydroplaning on a wet road, which condition can contribute to the loss of control?

    1. Worn tires or low tire pressure
    2. A properly adjusted rearview mirror
    3. A full fuel tank and working turn signals
    4. A clean windshield and dry brakes
    Show answer

    Worn tires or low tire pressure. Hydroplaning occurs when the tires ride on top of water instead of maintaining dependable contact with the pavement. Full explanation in Test 9

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

    1. A $6.50 convenience fee
    2. $25
    3. It is free
    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 10