Graduated licensing is a step-by-step process for issuing driver licenses to young people. It is designed to help young drivers gain the knowledge and skills they need to drive a motor vehicle safely.

This is accomplished by gradually increasing driving privileges as the young driver gains experience behind the wheel. Graduated licensing is a new method of licensing young drivers. The goal of graduated licensing is to reduce crashes, serious injuries, and traffic-related fatalities involving new, young drivers.

Evidence shows that young, inexperienced drivers pose serious safety threats not just to themselves, but to other drivers who share the road. Statistics show teen drivers are over represented in at-fault crashes and fatal crashes. Young drivers lack experience and are often prone to risk taking behavior. The restrictions in place at each level of licensing are intended to help young drivers develop safe driving habits, while allowing them to gain knowledge and experience.

Teens who begin a driver education course after March 31, 1997, are subject to the new graduated licensing requirements. Any teen who has started a driver education course on or before March 31, 1997, is not subject to graduated licensing. However, everyone applying for an original license after March 31, 1997, is required to take a road test.

Before a young driver can obtain driving privileges at Level 1, written approval from a parent or legal guardian is required.

A parent or legal guardian must certify that the young driver has accumulated at least 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience before advancing to Level 2 Intermediate License.

The young driver's parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult will be given The Road Test Skills Study Guide that contains a log to record behind-the-wheel experience.

Under the graduated licensing program and until the young driver reaches age 18, a parent or guardian will be sent information by the Secretary of State about any violation of the graduated license law received by the young driver.

The curriculum will be developed by the Michigan Department of Education and consist of two segments. The Segment One completion certificate must be presented at a branch office to receive a Level 1 Learner's License. Segment two must be completed before the Level 2 Intermediate License is issued.

Segment 1 is the first class that starts a teen on their driving career. It consist of 24 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction in a specialized driver education vehicle with a licensed instructor. The focus of Segment 1 is to instill confidence in the young driver, and to teach them the rules of the road. It is required for all teens (under 18) to complete a Segment 1 course prior to receiving a Level 1 License.

In order to enroll in a Segment 1 class a student must be 14 years, 8 months old. The student should have corrected vision of 20/40 or better and no physical conditions that would prevent safe driving.

Segment 2 is a 6 hour class that is taken prior to taking the road test. Segment 2 focuses on defensive driving, hazard awareness, and risk management. There is no behind-the-wheel instruction in Segment 2.

Most students elect to take Segment 2 in the month or two before their 16th birthday or road test, but Segment 2 can be taken anytime after students have a minimum of 90 days on their level 1 license . Students must also have completed a minimum of 30 hours (out of 50 total) driving with their parents or responsible adult. Two of those 30 hours must be driven at night.

Complete segment one of a driver education course approved by the Michigan Department of Education, including six hours of on-the-road driving with an instructor, and a pass (80%) a 100 question written exam.

Pass a vision test and meet physical and mental health standards set by the Department of State.

Complete Segment Two of a driver education course approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

Have no convictions/civil infractions, license suspensions or crashes during the 90-day period immediately prior to applying for a Level 2 Intermediate License.

Complete a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, that is certified by a parent or legal guardian.

Pass a road test conducted by an independent road testing agency approved by the Secretary of State.

Complete 12 consecutive months of driving without a moving violation, an at-fault crash (even if no citation is issued), a license suspension or a violation of the graduated license restrictions.

Any person who is age 16 or older who applies for an original driver license after March 31, 1997, must take a road test. This includes anyone who has completed driver education on or before March 31, 1997.

Yes. The Level 1 Learner's License allows a young driver to operate a motor vehicle only when accompanied by either a licensed parent or licensed legal guardian, or a licensed driver over age 21 who has been designated by the parent or legal guardian.

A Level 2 Intermediate License allows teens to drive without supervision except from midnight to 5 a.m. Driving is only permitted from midnight to 5 a.m. if driving to and from employment or if driving with a parent, legal guardian or designated licensed driver over the age of 21.

Yes. A conviction for violating restrictions may delay your eligibility to advance to Level 2 or Level 3. In addition, a conviction will probably result in a suspension of your license for a period of time.

No. In fact, graduated licensing complements the probationary program to create a stronger program. Probation begins whenever a new driver receives an original license. Probation lasts for three years and until the driver has been violation and crash-free for the last 10 months of the probation period.

In addition to the requirements established by the graduated driver license program, drivers are also subject to the probationary license requirements. Both programs may result in an extension of probation or delayed advancement to the next licensing level.

Driver education requirements are established by the Michigan Department of Education. For information on where and when you can enroll in driver education, contact your high school principal.

No fee will be charged for a Level 1 Learner's License. The regular fee for an operator or chauffeur license will be collected upon application for the Level 2 Intermediate License, when the photo license is also issued. Drivers eligible for a Level 3 Full License will be mailed a sticker to attach to the license at no charge to the driver.

The road skills testing fee will be determined by the independent agency administering the test. The Secretary of State does not set these fees.