Michigan Permit Practice Test — Written Test, Free to Start

Free 10-question Michigan permit practice test, then 40-question practice tests, each question cited to the What Every Driver Must Know.

The exam

This practice test is 40 questions in 2 parts — 30 road rules, 24 right; 10 road signs, 8 right — and every part has to be passed. Everything on it comes out of What Every Driver Must Know. Officially it is the knowledge test; most people call it the written test, or the permit test.

Michigan does not publish how many questions its knowledge test asks, or the score that passes it. This practice test asks 40 and passes at 32.

How this works

Most practice tests hand you a bank of questions and leave the manual somewhere else. This one puts them together.

You read one law and the reason behind it, then answer a question on that law while it is still fresh. Get it right and you move on; get it wrong and you have found the gap while it is cheap to fix, not on the morning of the exam.

Learning one rule at a time, and proving it immediately, is what turns a manual you skimmed into something you actually know — and it makes studying feel like getting somewhere rather than like waiting to find out.

Ask a question about Michigan road law

Easier than searching the manual: ask in your own words — how far from a fire hydrant you may park, when you must stop for a school bus — and the answer comes from What Every Driver Must Know or Michigan’s code, with the page or the section it is in. When neither says, the answer says so rather than guess. Or tick Nationwide and compare every state on one question.

Ask a question

Michigan driving law, answered

Michigan driving questions, answered

What it costs

  • One payment, once — not a subscription. Nothing renews and there is nothing to cancel, for an exam you sit one time.
  • Free to start: a 10-question test and the first section of cards. No sign-up and no account.
  • Paying opens the rest of the cards, unlimited full-length practice tests, and retests built from exactly the questions you got wrong.
  • Every level up to Prepared — 3 tests passed in a row.
  • Do the work, fail the real exam, and we refund you.

What Michigan tests

75 concepts, 525 separate rules. Each one is a page of its own.

Questions from the Michigan test

What makes you a Michigan resident for licensing?

Living in Michigan and being legally present. The state only licenses people who live here and are lawfully here. Both have to be shown before a license is issued. What Every Driver Must Know, p.1: “You must reside in Michigan and have established that you are legally present in the state to be considered a Michigan resident.”

You have never had a license. How many moving-violation convictions in the last 3 years will stop Michigan issuing you one?

2 or more. Someone with no license who is already getting moving tickets has shown how they drive. The state waits for a cleaner record. What Every Driver Must Know, p.1: “You have two or more convictions for moving violations on your driving record within three years of the date that you apply for a license.”

When is a chauffeur's license required?

When you are employed mainly to drive certain vehicles. Driving for pay puts other people's lives and goods in your hands, so it takes more than a basic license. What Every Driver Must Know, p.2: “A chauffeur’s license is required if you are employed for the principal purpose of operating a motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more, operating a motor vehicle as a carrier of passengers or as a common or contract carrier of property, or operating a bus or a school bus.”

A driver licensed in which of these places may convert to a Michigan license without the written test?

Germany. Those places test drivers in ways Michigan accepts, so their licensed drivers do not have to start over. What Every Driver Must Know, p.3: “If you are from another U.S. state, Canada, Germany or the Republic of Korea (South Korea), you may convert your driver’s license to a Michigan license without the written knowledge test, TIP or driving skills test.”

When does Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing end?

When you turn 18. New teen drivers crash far more than anyone else, so GDL adds privileges one step at a time as skill grows. What Every Driver Must Know, p.4: “GDL ends when you turn age 18.”

You are 19 and have never been licensed. What must you get first?

A temporary instruction permit (TIP). An adult beginner still needs supervised practice and a road test, even without driver education. What Every Driver Must Know, p.6: “If you are age 18 or older and have never been licensed, you must apply for a temporary instruction permit (TIP) at a Secretary of State office and pass a driving skills test administered by a driver testing business.”

You need glasses to pass the vision test. What happens?

Your license will require you to wear them to drive. If you need glasses to see well enough to pass, you need them to see well enough to drive. What Every Driver Must Know, p.7: “If corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, are needed to pass the test, your driver’s license will indicate you must wear them while driving.”

How long are new Michigan drivers on probation, at minimum?

3 years. The first years of driving carry the highest crash risk, so the state watches new drivers' records closely. What Every Driver Must Know, p.9: “New drivers, including teen drivers under Graduated Driver Licensing, are placed on probation for a minimum of three years.”

What can happen if you fail to change your address with the Secretary of State?

Your license may be suspended or revoked. Notices about your license go to that address. If it is wrong, you can miss a warning that matters. What Every Driver Must Know, p.10: “Your driver’s license may be suspended or revoked if you fail to change your address with the Secretary of State.”

What can happen if a licensed driver stops showing they can drive safely?

The license may be restricted, suspended or revoked. A license is not earned once and kept forever. How you drive afterward decides whether you keep it. What Every Driver Must Know, p.13: “Once you obtain a driver’s license, you must continually show that you have the skill and knowledge to drive safely or your driver’s license may be restricted, suspended or revoked.”

When are points placed on your Michigan driving record?

After a conviction for a moving violation. A ticket is only an accusation. Points come when a court finds you responsible. What Every Driver Must Know, p.13: “Points are placed on your driving record only after you have been convicted of a moving violation.”

How many points does operating while intoxicated carry?

6 points. Drunk driving is among the deadliest things a driver can do, so it carries the most points. What Every Driver Must Know, p.14: “Operating while intoxicated or operating with any presence of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine.”

Which contains the same amount of alcohol as a 12-ounce can of beer?

A 5-ounce glass of wine. Beer is not a safer choice than liquor. One standard drink of any kind affects your body the same way. What Every Driver Must Know, p.14: “A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey all contain the same amount of alcohol.”

Why is driving impaired by marijuana dangerous, according to the manual?

It distorts your sense of time, space and speed. Judging speed and distance is most of driving, and marijuana throws both off. What Every Driver Must Know, p.15: “since it tends to distort your perception of time, space and speed.”

How many crashes in 2 years can lead to a driver reexamination?

3 or more. Repeated crashes in a short time suggest a problem that should be looked at before the next one. What Every Driver Must Know, p.16: “You have been in three or more traffic crashes resulting in personal injury or property damage over the past two years.”

Which is illegal while driving in Michigan?

Answering a call on a phone held in your hand. Holding a phone takes a hand off the wheel and your eyes and mind off the road at the same time. What Every Driver Must Know, p.23: “Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal in Michigan and this includes reading, texting, or making or answering a call.”

Who does Michigan's general cell phone law apply to?

Every driver on a public road. The law covers every driver, not just teens, because a phone in the hand distracts anyone. What Every Driver Must Know, p.24: “Michigan’s general cell phone law (MCL 257.602b) prohibits all drivers from using a cell phone while driving.”

Who in a vehicle must wear a seat belt under Michigan law, regardless of age?

The driver and all front seat passengers. In a crash, an unbelted front-seat rider can be thrown into the windshield or out of the car. What Every Driver Must Know, p.25: “All front seat passengers to be buckled up (including the driver).”

A child under what age must ride in a car seat or booster seat?

Age 8. An adult belt does not fit a small child. It rides up on the stomach and neck, where it does harm in a crash. What Every Driver Must Know, p.25: “All children younger than age 8 or under 4 feet, 9 inches tall to be in an approved child-safety seat or booster seat in all seating positions.”

It is illegal to leave a child younger than what age unattended in a vehicle at unreasonable risk?

Age 6. A closed car heats up fast, and a small child cannot get out or call for help. What Every Driver Must Know, p.26: “Under Michigan law, it is illegal to leave children younger than 6 years old unattended in a vehicle if the amount of time or circumstances in which they are left poses an unreasonable risk of harm or injury.”

How much space should be between your breastbone and the steering wheel?

At least 10 inches. An air bag inflates with great force, and the space lets it fill before it reaches you. What Every Driver Must Know, p.26: “It is recommended that drivers sit with at least 10 inches of space between the center of their breastbone and the center of the steering wheel.”

What does Michigan's Basic Speed Law require?

A speed that lets you stop within the clear distance ahead. The posted limit is the most you may drive in good conditions. Rain, fog or traffic can make it too fast. What Every Driver Must Know, p.26: “Drive at a speed that always allows you to stop within the clear distance ahead.”

What do warning signs in work areas look like?

Diamond-shaped, black lettering on orange or yellow. The shape and color warn you before you can read the words that a work zone is ahead. What Every Driver Must Know, p.26: “Warning signs in construction, maintenance or other designated work areas are diamond-shaped with black lettering on an orange or yellow background.”

An ambulance with lights and siren is coming up behind you. What should you do?

Pull to the edge of the road, clear of intersections, and stop. Emergency crews need a clear lane to reach people quickly, and pulling over gives them one. What Every Driver Must Know, p.28: “Pull over to the edge of the roadway or highway, clear of intersections and stop.”

How far from a school bus with flashing red overhead lights must you stop?

At least 20 feet. Children cross in front of and behind the bus, and 20 feet gives them room and you a clear view. What Every Driver Must Know, p.28: “Stop at least 20 feet from a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing”

When turning right on a red light, who must you yield to?

Other vehicles, and pedestrians. Turning across or into a lane means cutting into traffic that already has the way. What Every Driver Must Know, p.29: “Making a right turn, including at a red light.”

Your light turns green but a car is still crossing the intersection. What do you do?

Yield to it, then proceed. A green light gives you the right to go only once the intersection is clear. What Every Driver Must Know, p.30: “If vehicles are still in the intersection when the light changes, you must yield to them before proceeding.”

You are approaching a stopped garbage truck with its lights flashing. What must you do?

Proceed with caution and be ready to yield. Workers step out of those trucks into the road without much warning. What Every Driver Must Know, p.30: “whenever you are approaching or passing a stopped waste collection, utility service or road maintenance vehicle with its lights flashing.”

Where must you yield to a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk?

At an intersection or midblock. A crosswalk tells walkers they may cross there, and drivers must honor it wherever it is. What Every Driver Must Know, p.31: “To a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk, at an intersection or midblock.”

Which vehicles may go ahead of a funeral procession?

Fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles. A procession is meant to stay together, and only emergency vehicles go before it. What Every Driver Must Know, p.31: “Funeral processions have the right of way over all other vehicles, except for fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles.”

Before passing on a two-lane highway, what must you be able to see?

A clear view of the left lane with oncoming traffic far away. Passing puts you in the lane of oncoming traffic, and you need enough room to get back. What Every Driver Must Know, p.31: “On a two-lane highway, you should have a clear, unobstructed view of the left lane”

Passing on the right is allowed, but where may you not drive to do it?

On the shoulder or off the road. The shoulder is for emergencies and stopped cars, not a passing lane. What Every Driver Must Know, p.32: “Passing a vehicle on the right is allowed but don’t drive on the shoulder or off the road to do so.”

There is a solid yellow line on your side of the center. May you pass?

No, you may not. The solid line on your side marks a stretch where you cannot see far enough ahead to pass. What Every Driver Must Know, p.32: “A solid yellow line is on your side of the center of the road.”

When must you drive in the right-hand lane?

Except when passing or another exception applies. Keeping right leaves the left lane free for passing and keeps you away from oncoming traffic. What Every Driver Must Know, p.33: “You must drive in the right-hand lane except when:”

When must you use your turn signal?

Every time you turn. A signal tells everyone around you what you are about to do before you do it. What Every Driver Must Know, p.33: “Always use your turn signal when turning.”

Which way does traffic travel around a roundabout's central island?

Counterclockwise. Everyone circles the same way, so traffic flows without head-on conflicts. What Every Driver Must Know, p.35: “A roundabout is a circular intersection where entering traffic yields to vehicles traveling counterclockwise around a central island.”

How far can a train take to stop?

A mile or more. A train cannot swerve and can barely brake. Avoiding the crash is entirely up to you. What Every Driver Must Know, p.35: “Trains can take a mile or more to stop”

Once crossing lights activate, about how long until the train arrives?

About 20 seconds. Twenty seconds is enough to get everyone out, not enough to try to free the car. What Every Driver Must Know, p.36: “you have about 20 seconds before the train arrives.”

When parking downhill with a curb, which way should you turn your wheels?

Toward the curb. If the car rolls, the curb catches the front tire instead of the car rolling into traffic. What Every Driver Must Know, p.37: “Turn wheels toward the curb when parking downhill.”

What do you need to park in a disability parking space?

A qualifying disability and a disability plate or placard. These spaces are kept for people who cannot walk far, and the plate or placard proves the need. What Every Driver Must Know, p.38: “You must have a disability license plate or parking placard.”

A leased car gets a parking ticket. Who is responsible for it?

The person leasing the car. A parking ticket attaches to the car, so the person who controls the car answers for it. What Every Driver Must Know, p.38: “If the vehicle is being leased, the person leasing it is responsible.”

Which shape is used for a stop sign?

An octagon. Shape can be read from far away, or from behind snow, before the words on a sign can. What Every Driver Must Know, p.41: “A traffic sign’s shape gives you a clue as to its meaning and purpose.”

What does red mean on a traffic sign?

Stop, prohibited or forbidden. Red is kept for the signs you must obey right away, such as stop and do not enter. What Every Driver Must Know, p.42: “Red: Stop/prohibited/forbidden”

What must you do at this sign?

Stop completely and yield before going. A full stop gives you time to see everyone who has the right of way before you go. What Every Driver Must Know, p.44: “Stop Sign. Come to a complete stop and yield to traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.”

What does this sign warn of?

A sharp turn to the left. A sharp turn needs a much lower speed, and the sign gives you time to slow before it. What Every Driver Must Know, p.45: “Road Turns Left. The road turns or curves sharply to the left.”

What does this sign warn of?

A railroad crossing ahead. It gives you time to slow and look for a train before you reach the tracks. What Every Driver Must Know, p.45: “RR. A railroad crossing is ahead.”

What does this sign tell you?

School children are present; obey the crossing guard. Children may cross without looking, and the crossing guard controls traffic there. What Every Driver Must Know, p.44: “School Children Present. School children are in the area. Drive carefully and obey directions given by a school crossing guard.”

What does this sign tell you?

Which direction to go to reach a place. Guide signs help you choose your turn early, before you reach the intersection. What Every Driver Must Know, p.44: “Informs you of the direction to take to reach a location, in this case the communities of Brookfield and Onondaga.”

What does a PASS WITH CARE sign mark?

The end of a no-passing zone. The no-passing stretch is over, but passing is still only allowed when it is safe. What Every Driver Must Know, p.44: “Pass With Care. This sign follows the Do Not Pass sign. It is on the right side of the road and marks the end of a no-passing zone.”

What do route markers identify?

Federal, state and county road systems. Knowing which kind of road you are on helps you follow directions and read a map. What Every Driver Must Know, p.42: “Federal, state, and county road systems”

What colors are pavement markings?

White or yellow. Markings carry rules where signs would be hard to see, right on the road surface. What Every Driver Must Know, p.45: “Pavement markings are white or yellow and warn, regulate and inform drivers.”

How do you turn left at an intersection with a Michigan Left?

Go past or turn right, then U-turn at a crossover. Moving left turns out of the intersection lets traffic flow more smoothly and cuts crashes. What Every Driver Must Know, p.48: “Instead, to turn left, a person must drive straight through the intersection, or turn right, then make a U-turn at a median crossover.”

What does the law say about cutting through a parking lot to avoid a red light?

It is illegal to do so. Cutting through a lot puts you among shoppers who do not expect through traffic. What Every Driver Must Know, p.49: “It is illegal to drive across public or private property, such as a store parking lot, to avoid a traffic-control device.”

The walk signal starts flashing while a pedestrian is mid-crossing. What should the pedestrian do?

Complete the crossing. A walker caught in the middle still has to get across, so drivers must wait for them. What Every Driver Must Know, p.50: “Any pedestrians in the crosswalk at that time should complete their crossing.”

At 55 mph, about how far does a commercial vehicle take to stop?

About 400 feet. A loaded truck weighs many times more than a car, so it cannot stop short behind you. What Every Driver Must Know, p.53: “A commercial vehicle traveling at the same speed takes about 400 feet to stop.”

On which side should you pass a commercial vehicle?

On the left side. The driver can see the left side best, and a steady speed gets you past quickly. What Every Driver Must Know, p.54: “Pass commercial vehicles on the left side and maintain a consistent speed when passing.”

Which of these is a slow-moving vehicle?

An Amish buggy. You close on a slow vehicle fast, so recognize one early. What Every Driver Must Know, p.54: “Slow-moving vehicles are those that cannot travel faster than 25 mph.”

Who counts as a pedestrian you must yield to?

People walking, jogging or skateboarding. A person on foot has no protection, and any crash with a car can kill them. What Every Driver Must Know, p.54: “Always yield the right of way to pedestrians.”

How should you pass a motorcyclist?

Move into an adjacent lane when safe and legal. Squeezing past a rider in the same lane leaves them no room to avoid a hazard. What Every Driver Must Know, p.55: “Pass them as you would any other vehicle – when it is safe and legal to move over into an adjacent lane.”

May a car drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane?

No, it is illegal. A motorcycle needs the whole lane to move around hazards. What Every Driver Must Know, p.56: “It is illegal for motorists to drive beside motorcyclists or pass them in the same lane.”

Where may bicyclists legally ride in Michigan?

On roads except limited-access freeways. A bicyclist in the middle of the lane is riding legally, often to avoid hazards at the edge. What Every Driver Must Know, p.57: “Bicyclists may legally ride on Michigan roads, except limited access freeways.”

What can happen if you respond to an aggressive driver in the same way?

It can escalate into road rage. If you get mad back, a bad mood on the road can turn into a fight. What Every Driver Must Know, p.59: “If you respond equally, the situation can get out of control and escalate into road rage”

Where do more traffic deaths and serious injuries happen than anywhere else on the road?

At intersections. Intersections are where paths cross, so they are where drivers most need to slow down and look. What Every Driver Must Know, p.60: “Crashes at intersections result in more traffic fatalities and serious injuries than on any other portion of the road.”

What is the acceleration lane on a freeway entrance for?

Getting up to the speed of freeway traffic. Entering at freeway speed is safer than pulling in slowly in front of fast traffic. What Every Driver Must Know, p.61: “The entrance ramp usually merges into an acceleration lane allowing you to increase your speed to match freeway traffic speed.”

When should you slow down to exit a freeway?

Once you are fully in the deceleration lane. Braking in the travel lane surprises the drivers behind you at full speed. What Every Driver Must Know, p.61: “Wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane before reducing your speed and then slow down gradually.”

How often should you take a break on a long freeway drive?

At least every 2 hours. A tired driver can drift or fall asleep without warning; breaks reset your attention. What Every Driver Must Know, p.62: “If you feel tired, stop and take a 10-minute break at least every two hours.”

An oncoming car is in your lane. Which way should you look for an escape?

To the right edge of the road. The right edge leads away from the other car; the left leads toward where it may return. What Every Driver Must Know, p.62: “Look for an escape route on the right edge of the road.”

In cold weather, what freezes before the rest of the road?

Bridges and underpasses. Cold air on all sides of a bridge freezes it while the road still looks wet. What Every Driver Must Know, p.62: “In cold weather, bridges and underpasses freeze before the road does.”

Your car starts to skid. What should you do first?

Take your foot off the accelerator. Over-steering in a skid makes the car spin the other way. What Every Driver Must Know, p.63: “Take your foot off the accelerator.”

Which of these affects your stopping distance?

The condition of your tires and brakes. Many things add to the distance you need, so leave more room than you think. What Every Driver Must Know, p.64: “Your stopping distance can be affected by fatigue, how well you pay attention, the type and weight of your vehicle, the condition of your tires and brakes, the type of road surface and the weather.”

Headlights must be on whenever you cannot clearly see people and vehicles at what distance?

500 feet. If you cannot see 500 feet, others cannot see you either. What Every Driver Must Know, p.64: “Headlights must be on any time there is not enough daylight to see people and vehicles clearly at 500 feet.”

What does the law say about leaving the scene of a crash you were in?

It is illegal, with fines or jail. People who are hurt need help and the facts, and the law requires you to stay. What Every Driver Must Know, p.65: “Leaving the scene of a crash is against the law and punishable by fines, jail time or both.”

About how many vehicle-deer crashes happen in Michigan each year?

About 60,000. Deer are a real hazard on Michigan roads, not a rare one. What Every Driver Must Know, p.65: “About 60,000 vehicle-deer crashes happen in Michigan each year and officials suspect that as many as half are unreported.”

Where are a car's blind spots?

To the left and right rear. Knowing where your blind spots are tells you where to look over your shoulder. What Every Driver Must Know, p.66: “Most cars have at least two blind spots, areas to the left and right rear of the vehicle that you cannot see with your sideview mirrors.”

An officer signals you to pull over. Where should you stop?

On the right side, as soon as it is safe. Pulling right gets you out of traffic where the officer can safely approach. What Every Driver Must Know, p.67: “If a law enforcement officer signals you to pull over, pull off on the right side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so and stop.”

Where these come from

Every rule here is checked against What Every Driver Must Know, published by the Michigan Department of State, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-10-03.