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Michigan · Permit test

The Michigan temporary instruction permit (TIP)

At 18 or older, your learner’s permit in Michigan is a temporary instruction permit (TIP). You get it at a Secretary of State (SOS) office once you pass the knowledge and vision tests, and it lets you practice with a licensed adult before the driving skills test. A Michigan temporary instruction permit isn’t a license, so driving on one without supervision is illegal.

  • $25TIP fee at the office
  • 30 daysLeast practice before the skills test
  • 180 daysHow long a TIP lasts
Read the steps for adultsFree practice test

Updated November 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Who needs a Michigan temporary instruction permit?

The SOS issues a TIP to people who:

  • Are 18 or older and haven’t been licensed in Michigan or any other state in the previous four years
  • Hold a license from another country and want a Michigan license. Licenses from Canada, Germany and South Korea can be converted without one
  • Had a license that expired at least four years ago and want to apply again

Under 18, the Level 1 license takes its place.

See the Level 1 rules →

How to get a TIP

At the SOS office:

  1. Pass the vision test and meet the health standards
  2. Pass the written knowledge test and the road sign test, at the office or online beforehand
  3. Show your Social Security number, legal presence, identity and residency documents
  4. Pay the TIP fee and have your photo taken

Pre-apply online when you schedule the office visit, so the application goes faster.

See how the test works →Take the test online →

Practicing on your TIP

Drive only with a validly licensed adult, such as a family member, a friend or a co-worker, or with a driver education provider. You practice for at least 30 days before the skills test. If you were licensed before, in Michigan, another state or another country, SOS office staff may waive that practice period.

Driver’s ed isn’t required at your age, but the manual encourages an adult course, and the where-to-learn page explains them.

Find out about adult courses →

When your TIP ends

A TIP lasts 180 days. If you haven’t passed the driving skills test by then, it expires and you start over with a fresh application.

Read the skills test steps →
Sources: Michigan Department of State and 2 more. Checked November 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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