UNDERSTANDING THE TEEN LICENSING PROCESS
This timeline will take you step-by-step through what happens in the teen licensing process. Each point in the timeline has a link to provide more detailed information if you need it. We are here if you need us, so let us know how we can help!
Sign up at Life Driving Academy
It all starts with your teen signing up for a Segment 1 class and drives. We hope that you chose Life Driving Academy! Let the adventure begin!
Segment 1
Congratulations! Your son or daughter is 14 years, 8 months old and is eligible to begin driver’s education. As a parent or legal guardian, your first step begins by granting permission to your teen to enroll in a Segment 1 driver’s education course. As always, we hope you pick LDA!
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Segment 1 Certificate
The Segment 1 Certificate of Completion is what your teen will get when they have completed the Segment 1 course. Once you receive the certificate, you need to go to the Secretary of State (SOS) with several pieces of identification to turn it into a Level 1 License (also known as the permit). This L1L allows your teen to legally drive with you on the roads.
Level 1 Learner's License
Level 1 Learner’s License (L1L) is what allows your teen to legally drive with someone who is 21+ and holds a valid driver’s license. Many people prefer to obtain the L1L as soon as possible. This is because your teen is required to hold a L1L for at least six months from the date of issuance before applying for a Level 2 License.
Drive 30 Hours
It’s time to start putting in some drive time! Before enrolling in the next set of classes (Segment 2), it is required that your teen drives at least 30 hours and at least 2 of those have to be at night. Make sure to keep a log of your driving time because you will have to show it as proof!
Download App or use paper and Download This File
Sign Up For Segment 2
So far, so good! Your son or daughter has had their Level 1 License for at least 3 months and has their drive time in, so now they are ready to enroll in the next set of classes: Segment 2. Your teen is so close to taking the driving test so they can start driving on their own. Of course, we hope you pick LDA for Segment 2!
Segment 2
Now that you have at least 30 hours of drive time in and have held a valid L1L for at least three continuous months, you’re ready for Segment 2. Time to sign up for this 3 day class. Once completed, the teen will receive the Segment 2 Certificate of Completion which you will take to the SOS.
Segment 2 Certificate
This certificate is what your teen will receive once they have completed the Segment 2 course. Hold onto this certificate because you will need it when you take your driving test!
Drive 50 Hours
Well, you already have at least 30 hours of driving done by now. You need to get at least 50 hours completed before taking your driving test, and at least 10 of those have to be at night. Continue to keep a log of your hours because you will need to take that log to the test site. Also, bring your Segment 2 Certificate of Completion and permit to the test site the day of your test. If you are using your own vehicle, be sure to also bring the proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
Download App or use paper and Download This File
Practice for Driving Skills Test
How exciting, let’s make it happen! Everyone must pass the Driving Skills Test before they are eligible to receive a Michigan driver’s license. Life Driving Academy offers several options to help you pass the Driving Skills Test. We offer services such as: pick-up | drop-off, car rental, mock driving test, mock parking test, and cleaning up bad habits.
Driving Skills Test
If you have been following the teen process thus far, that means you have finished Segment 2, driven at least 50 hours, and have held the L1L for at least 6 months. Now you’re ready to take the Driving Skills Test! If you’re over 18, then you have to get a TIP from the State. You can download the State’s study guide that shows what happens during the TIP test here.
Level 2 License
Level 2 License (L2L) carries some restrictions. Your son or daughter is eligible for a Level 2 License if they are at least 16 years old, have held a Level 1 License (L1L) for at least 6 months, and have been crash-free and violation-free during the prior 12 months. Also, teens must have received a Segment 2 Certificate of Completion and passed the Driving Skills Test.
Level 3 License
Level 3 License (L3L) carries no state-imposed restrictions. Your son or daughter is eligible for a Level 3 License if they are at least 17 years old, have held a Level 2 License for at least 6 months, and have been crash-free and violation-free during the prior 12 months. If these requirements are met, the State will automatically send them their L3L. Congratulations, you’re done!!
