Requirements for the Michigan Road Skills Test

The requirements for being elegable to take the Road Skills Test are different, depending on the age or experience of the appilicant. The requirements for persons Under Eighteen Years of Age are different from those Over Eighteen . The requirements for Forien Nationals living temporarely in Michigan are different if that person already has a Drivers License in their home country. But the Vehical Requirements are the same for all applicants: Motor Cycle Endorcement Requirements for Rider and Bike are simple. and Automobiles must have the following equipment working.

    Applicants under age 18 must complete the following requirements BEFORE taking the Road Skills Test

  • Complete a Segment One driver training course.
  • Obtain a Michigan Level 1 Learner's License from the Secretary of State AND hold that License for a minimum of 180 days.
  • Complete and Log at least 50 hours of driving, with at least 10 hours at night with a parent or guardian or with parental permission with a licensed driver over 21 years of age.
  • Complete a Segment two driver training course.
  • Be at least 15 years of age.
  • Have NO Convictions, Civil Infractions, License Suspensions or At-Fault Crashes 90 day period Durring the immediately preceeding your skills test.
  • Be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian throught the skills test.

    Applicants over age 18 and not previously licensed, must meet these requiremsnts before taking the Road Skills Test

  • Pass the Required vision and knowledge tests at a Michigan Secretary of State office.
  • Pay the required fees and obtain a Michigan Operator or Chauffeur Temporary Instruction Permit (TIP).
  • Practice driving on a Temporary Instruction Permit for a minimum of 30 days to become elegible to take the road skills test.
  • NOTE! If you have a driver license from any state and it has been expired for more than 4 years you will still have to take a Road Skills Test. But Do Make the Secretary of State employee aware of this and the 30 day practice period may be waved. This should be noted on the Temporary Instruction Permit by the Sectetary of State Employee.

    Applicants for Motor Cycle Endorcemts.

  • The Applicant must wear an approved safty helmet.

    Motor Cycle Requirements/Equipment

  • Current and Valid proof of insurance and registration.
  • Mirrors
  • Head Lamp
  • Rear and Stop Lights
  • Horn
  • Turn Signals if installed must work
  • Brakes

    Automobile Equipment Requirements: The test will be terminated if any of the following items are defective.

  • Current and Valid proof of insurance and registration.
  • Brakes
  • Brake Lights, All brake lights including the High Mounted brake lights on the trunk or in the rear window of cars and on the top of the cab on pickup trucks. On SUV's They are usualy in the rear window or above the rear window.
  • You must have enough fuel to complete the test.
  • Head Lights Low Beams
  • Heater/Defroster
  • Horn
  • Lug Nuts (Only one may be missing per vehicle).
  • Muffler
  • Rear View Mirror, and Left Outside Rear View Mirror are required.
  • Safty (seat) Belts for all occupants
  • Speedometer
  • Taillights and Turn Signals (front and rear)
  • Tires, properly inflated; not damaged.
  • Windshield not damaged so as to obstruct view.
  • Windshield wipers must work if it is raining.
  • The driver and passenger doors must work from the inside and outside.