MI Driving Instructor flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Adult driver education age threshold

In Michigan, adult driver education applies to applicants age 18 or older who have not previously held a driver license. A teen Segment 1 or Segment 2 course does not satisfy the adult requirement.

Adult BTW minimum hours

Michigan adult driver education requires at least 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and 4 hours of observation, in addition to at least 24 hours of classroom or online instruction.

Adult written test passing score

An adult student must pass the Michigan knowledge test with a score of at least 80 percent before being issued a Level 1 learner license by the Secretary of State.

Adult BTW instructor ratio

During adult behind-the-wheel instruction, the maximum ratio is one student per certified instructor in the vehicle, ensuring direct supervision during all driving practice.

Adult completion certificate

The adult course completion certificate proves driver education was completed. The student must still pass the Secretary of State knowledge test and road skills test to be licensed.

Adult instructor recordkeeping

Instructors must keep a daily log for each adult student showing BTW hours, route, and skills covered. Records are retained for at least 3 years for state audit.

Adult classification decision rule

If the student is age 18 or older at the start of instruction, classify as Adult track. If under 18, classify as Teen track requiring Segment 1 and Segment 2.

Adult instructor license requirement

An adult BTW instructor must hold a valid Michigan driver license, have a clean driving record for the preceding 3 years, and complete the state-approved instructor preparation course.

Segment 1 age requirement

Segment 1 eligibility requires the student to be at least 14 years 9 months old and enrolled in or have completed 8th grade before beginning the course.

Segment 1 hour requirements

Segment 1 requires 24 hours of classroom instruction, 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, and 4 hours of observation before the student receives a completion certificate.

Segment 2 age requirement

Segment 2 eligibility requires the student to be at least 16 years old and to have held a Level 1 learner license for at least 6 months before enrolling.

Segment 2 supervised driving hours

Before Segment 2, the student must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night, verified by a parent or guardian signature.

Segment 2 classroom hours

Segment 2 consists of 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 night restriction

A Level 1 learner license prohibits driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or designated adult. This restriction applies until Level 2 is earned.

Level 1 passenger restriction

A Level 1 learner may not carry more than one non-family passenger under age 21 unless a parent or guardian is present in the vehicle during the drive.

Level 2 eligibility requirements

Level 2 requires age 16 or older, at least 6 months holding Level 1, Segment 2 completion, no crashes or violations in the preceding 6 months, and a passed road skills test.

Segment 1 completion certificate

After completing Segment 1, the student receives a certificate allowing them to obtain a Michigan Level 1 learner license after passing the Secretary of State written knowledge test.

Teen BTW instructor ratio

Teen behind-the-wheel instruction requires one student per instructor. During the observation portion, up to 4 students may observe in the vehicle at one time.

Class A CDL definition

A Class A CDL covers combination vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds.

Class B CDL definition

A Class B CDL covers single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 pounds.

Class C CDL definition

A Class C CDL covers vehicles designed to carry 16 or more passengers, or vehicles used to transport placarded hazardous materials, that do not meet Class A or B thresholds.

CDL minimum age

CDL applicants must be at least 18 for intrastate operation and at least 21 for interstate commerce under federal 49 CFR 383. Michigan applies both thresholds.

ELDT rule

Entry-Level Driver Training requires applicants for a Class A or Class B CDL, or a first-time hazmat endorsement, to complete a registered training provider program before the skills test.

CDL knowledge test passing score

Each CDL knowledge test, including General Knowledge and endorsement tests such as Passenger, Tanker, Hazmat, and Air Brakes, must be passed at 80 percent or higher.

Hazmat TSA background check

A hazmat endorsement requires a TSA Security Threat Assessment, a fingerprint-based background check, before the endorsement is issued on the CDL.

CDL skills test three parts

The CDL skills test consists of a pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving. All three parts must be passed to receive the CDL.

Truck instructor CDL requirement

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

CDL major offense disqualification

A conviction for a major offense such as DUI, leaving the scene, or a felony involving a motor vehicle results in a 1-year CDL disqualification for a first offense and lifetime for a second.

CDL endorsement tests list

CDL endorsements include Passenger, School Bus, Tanker, Hazmat, Doubles/Triples, and Air Brakes. Each requires passing its own knowledge test at 80 percent or higher.

CDL general knowledge test

The CDL General Knowledge test covers vehicle inspection, basic control, shifting, backing, and safe driving. It must be passed at 80 percent before any endorsement test.

Truck BTW observation hours

Truck driver training programs must document behind-the-wheel and observation hours for each student, with records retained for state audit and ELDT compliance verification.

CDL vehicle inspection skill

The pre-trip inspection portion of the CDL skills test requires the applicant to identify and explain safety-critical components and defects before operating the vehicle.