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Level 1 License: Now What?

The Level 1 License is a supervised learner’s license. It places the greatest restrictions on your teen’s driving privileges during the time he or she is beginning to acquire the fundamental skills necessary to be a competent and safe driver. With a Level 1 License, a teen may operate a motor vehicle only when accompanied by a licensed parent or legal guardian or any licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian.

Sign Up for Segment 1

Learn More About Level 1 Learner's License

As a parent or guardian, it is your responsibility to make sure your teen completes the required supervised driving with you or another licensed adult driver before Segment 2 of driver education begins. If your teen is driving with a designated licensed adult, your teen should carry a signed letter of authorization from you.

Now is a good time to develop a Parent-Teen Safe Driving Contract with your teen, setting the limits for acceptable and safe driving behavior (see sample contract on the Secretary of State’s Web site at: Michigan.gov/TeenDriver). By showing an interest in your teen’s progress, asking positive questions and emphasizing the importance of courtesy and good driving skills, you will help your teen become a safe and responsible driver.

See Timeline Process

  • Overveiw

    Requirements

    • Complete 30 hours or more of drive time before moving on to Segment 2
    • Must have at least 2 hours of night time driving
    • Must have Level 1 Learner’s License for at least 3 consecutive months before going to Segment 2

    Availability

    • Obtain a log book, app, or anything to keep track of date and time of drives.

    Restrictions

    • May only drive with licensed parent/guardian or designated licensed adult age 21 or older
    • Parent/guardian or designated adult should sit in the front seat
    • If driving with a designated adult, driver should carry a signed letter of authorization from parent/guardian
    • May not use a cell phone while driving (Kelsey’s Law)

  • Points to Remember

    • Contact your insurance agent to verify coverage with a Level 1 License.
    • Help your teen develop the habit of always carrying his or her license when driving.
    • Prepare the driving log and record all supervised driving time. The The Parent’s Supervised Driving Guide (SOS-191) provides a driving log for your use. For information on how best to structure the behind-the wheel experience for your teen’s benefit, as well as your own, talk to your teen’s driver education instructor and check the resource list at the back of this booklet.
    • Begin providing supervised driving time with your teen. Your teen must complete a minimum of 30 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of two hours of nighttime driving before beginning Segment 2 of the driver education course. Your teen must possess a valid Level 1 License for not less than three continuous months prior to enrolling in Segment 2. A good rule of thumb is to complete at least 10 hours of supervised driving each month between Segment 1 and Segment 2.
    • If you do not want your teen to advance to the next level of licensing, he or she may continue to drive with a Level 1 License until age 18.