Michigan DMV Practice Test

Michigan study guide

Key facts from the official Michigan Secretary of State handbook, organized the way the test asks about them. Each one links to its source section.

Road signs, signals & markings

• Michigan's driver manual shows that an octagon means STOP.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signs
• A triangle-shaped sign means YIELD.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signs
• Diamond-shaped signs indicate a WARNING.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signs
• A pentagon-shaped sign means SCHOOL.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signs
• A traffic sign's shape gives you a clue as to its meaning and purpose.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signs
• Red means stop, prohibited or forbidden.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic sign colors
• Orange means caution for construction or maintenance.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic sign colors
• Fluorescent yellow-green means school, pedestrian or bicycle caution.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic sign colors
• Green signs provide directions and guidance.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic sign colors
• Broken white lines separate traffic lanes moving in the same direction.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Broken white lines
• Solid white lines mark the right edge of the road, and it is illegal to cross solid white lines when passing.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Solid white lines
• A single broken yellow line usually marks the center line of a two-way roadway where a vehicle may pass if it is safe to do so.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Broken yellow lines
• A double solid yellow line means passing is not allowed for vehicles traveling in either direction.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Solid yellow lines
• The red light is at the top of a traffic signal in Michigan.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signals
• A flashing red light means come to a full stop and proceed when the road is clear.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signals
• When the green arrow is lit, turning drivers have a protected turn, meaning all oncoming or conflicting traffic is stopped.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — The 5-section-head signal
• A green light means proceed with caution after checking for pedestrians and vehicles.Signs, Signals & Markings · Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Traffic signals

Traffic laws & licensing

• You must be at least 14 years, 9 months old for a Level 1 Learner's License.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Graduated Driver Licensing: Level 1 Learner's License
• Level 1 drivers must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian or designated licensed adult age 21 or older seated in the front seat.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Graduated Driver Licensing: Level 1 Learner's License
• Level 1 drivers must complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Graduated Driver Licensing: Level 1 Learner's License
• You must have held your Level 1 Learner's License for at least six months.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Graduated Driver Licensing: Level 1 Learner's License
• Level 2 drivers may not drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless accompanied by an authorized adult, driving for employment or going to/from an authorized activity.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Graduated Driver Licensing: Level 2 Intermediate License
• You may not have more than one passenger under 21 unless an authorized adult is present, passengers are immediate family, or you are driving for employment or an authorized activity.Permits & Licensing · Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Graduated Driver Licensing: Level 2 Intermediate License

Common mistakes

• Crossing a solid white line to pass. In Michigan, that's illegal — solid white lines mark the road edge.Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals — Solid white lines
• Carrying a car full of friends on a Level 2 license. You may have no more than one passenger under 21 unless an exception applies.Chapter 1: Your Driver's License — Graduated Driver Licensing: Level 2 Intermediate License

Test types

Michigan permit test FAQ