Michigan's Teen Driving Laws: A Parent's Guide to the GDL Program

For a teenager in Michigan, getting a driver's license is a rite of passage. For parents, it marks the beginning of a new chapter of responsibility and concern. To address this, Michigan has a comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program for all drivers under the age of 18.

These laws are not designed to be inconvenient; they are a data-driven safety system created to protect new, inexperienced drivers by limiting their exposure to the highest-risk driving scenarios. For these laws to be effective, both teens and parents must understand and enforce them as a team.

The Foundation: Level 1 Learner's License (Age 14 years, 8 months)

The journey begins with a learner's permit, which is all about supervised practice.

Driver's Education: To get a Level 1 license, a teen must first be enrolled in a state-approved Segment 1 driver education course.
Mandatory Six-Month Holding Period: A teen must hold their Level 1 license for a minimum of six consecutive months, conviction-free, before they are eligible to take their road test.
The 50-Hour Driving Log: During this six-month period, a parent or legal guardian must supervise and certify that the teen has completed at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice.
- Of these 50 hours, at least 10 hours must take place at night.
Supervision Rule: During the entire Level 1 phase, the teen must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or a designated adult 21 or older.

The Level 2 Intermediate License

After successfully completing the permit phase and Segment 2 of driver's ed, a teen can take the road test to earn their Level 2 license. This license comes with critical restrictions.

1. Nighttime Driving Curfew

A teen with a Level 2 license CANNOT drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Exceptions: This curfew is waived if the teen is driving to or from work or a school-authorized activity, or if they are accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian.

2. Passenger Restrictions

This is one of the most important GDL rules.

A teen with a Level 2 license CANNOT transport more than one passenger under the age of 21.
Exception: This restriction does not apply if the passengers are immediate family members. It is also waived if a parent or guardian is in the vehicle.

3. The Mobile Device Ban (Kelsey's Law)

This rule is simple and strict. Drivers under the age of 18 are PROHIBITED from using any cell phone or other mobile electronic device while driving. The only exception is for reporting an emergency.

The Level 3 Full License

At age 17, after holding the Level 2 license for at least six months and being crash- and violation-free for 12 consecutive months, a teen will automatically be upgraded to a Level 3 full license. All GDL restrictions are lifted.

The Parent's Crucial Role

The GDL laws provide the legal framework, but a parent's reinforcement is what truly creates a safe driver.

Know the Rules: Be an expert on the curfew and passenger restrictions so you can enforce them correctly.
Lead by Example: Your teen learned their driving habits from watching you. Put your phone away, obey the speed limit, and always wear your seat belt.
Create a Driving Contract: A written parent-teen agreement that outlines the rules and consequences can be a powerful tool for setting expectations beyond what the law requires.

By working together, parents and teens can navigate Michigan's GDL program, ensuring the path to driving freedom is a safe one that builds a lifetime of responsible habits.