MI Driving Instructor cheat sheet

Michigan adult driver education is for applicants age 18 and older who have not previously held a license; a teen course (Segment 1/Segment 2) does not substitute for it.

An adult course must include at least 24 hours of classroom or online instruction plus a minimum of 6 hours of behind-the-wheel (BTW) instruction and 4 hours of observation, per Michigan segment standards for adults.

Classification decision rule: age 18 or older at the start of instruction = Adult track; age under 18 = Teen track (Segment 1 then Segment 2).

Instructor certification for adult BTW requires a valid Michigan driver license, a clean driving record for the preceding 3 years, and completion of the state-approved instructor preparation course.

Adult students must pass a written knowledge test (at least 80 percent) before receiving a Michigan Level 1 learner license; the instructor signs the certification of completion.

Behind-the-wheel instruction ratio for adult BTW is a maximum of 1 student per certified instructor in the vehicle; observation hours may be logged in a multi-student vehicle only where the state program permits.

Adult course completion certificate is valid as proof of driver education for the Secretary of State; the student still must pass the SOS knowledge and road skills tests.

Instructor recordkeeping: maintain a daily log of BTW hours, route, and skills covered for each adult student, retained for at least 3 years for state audit.

Segment 1 eligibility: student must be at least 14 years 9 months old and enrolled in or completed 8th grade; course requires 24 hours classroom, 6 hours BTW, and 4 hours observation.

Segment 2 eligibility: student must be at least 16 years old, have held a Level 1 learner license for at least 6 months, and completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of which must be at night).

Segment 1 completion earns a certificate that allows the student to obtain a Michigan Level 1 learner license at age 14 years 9 months or older after passing the SOS written test.

Segment 2 course content: 6 hours of classroom instruction focused on risk awareness, hazard recognition, and decision-making; no additional BTW hours are required by state rule.

Level 1 learner license restrictions: no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent/guardian or designated adult; no more than one non-family passenger under 21 unless a parent/guardian is present.

Level 2 (intermediate) license eligibility: at least 16 years old, held Level 1 for at least 6 months, completed Segment 2, no crashes or violations in the preceding 6 months, and passed the road skills test.

Instructor verification rule: before Segment 2 enrollment, the instructor must confirm the 50-hour log (including 10 night hours) is signed by a parent or guardian.

Teen BTW instructor ratio is 1 student per instructor for BTW; observation may be up to 4 students per vehicle during the observation portion.

CDL classification thresholds: Class A covers combination vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more (towed unit over 10,000 lbs); Class B covers single vehicles 26,001 lbs or more; Class C covers vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers or placarded hazmat.

CDL applicant minimum age is 18 for intrastate operation and 21 for interstate commerce under federal 49 CFR 383; Michigan follows both thresholds.

Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) rule: applicants for Class A or Class B CDL, or a first-time hazmat endorsement, must complete a registered training provider program before taking the skills test.

CDL knowledge tests: General Knowledge plus endorsement tests (Passenger, School Bus, Tanker, Hazmat, Doubles/Triples, Air Brakes) must each be passed at 80 percent or higher.

Hazmat endorsement requires a TSA Security Threat Assessment (fingerprint-based background check) before the endorsement is issued.

CDL skills test has three parts: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving; all three must be passed to receive the CDL.

Instructor qualification for truck training: must hold a valid CDL of the class being taught, have at least 2 years of driving experience in that class, and meet the state-approved trainer requirements.

CDL holder disqualification rule: a conviction for a major offense (DUI, leaving the scene, felony involving a motor vehicle) results in a 1-year CDL disqualification for a first offense and lifetime for a second.