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More Than a License.

Skills for Life.

Michigan teen driver education and state-certified road testing with a clear path from first class to road test.

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Family Owned and OperatedEstablished 1998
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State Certified TestingLicensed by the State of Michigan
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Experienced, Friendly InstructorsSupportive. Patient. Committed to your success.
Preferred Driving & Testing student driver

Michigan Teen Licensing Roadmap

Click any step to learn more.
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Segment 1 Driver Education

Classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, observation, and state exam.

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Level 1 Learner's License

Apply at the Secretary of State with a parent or guardian.

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Supervised Practice

Practice driving and document the required supervised hours.

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Segment 2 Driver Education

Complete the second phase when eligibility requirements are met.

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Road Test & Level 2

Complete the driving skills test and meet Michigan requirements for the Level 2 Intermediate License.

Level 3 Full License comes later after the required Level 2 period and safe-driving record.

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View Class Schedule

Find a class that fits your schedule.

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Course Contracts

View and download course paperwork.

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Parent Resources

Official Michigan resources and quick-reference guidance.

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Have Questions?

We're here to help. Contact us today.

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★ Build Knowledge.Gain Skills.🚗 Drive With Confidence.We'll Help You Get There.
Teen Driver Education

Segment 1

Build Your Foundation

Learn the rules, develop safe habits, and begin building the skills and confidence needed for a lifetime of safe driving.

Segment 1 student practicing driving between cones with an instructor
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Important Note

All of our upcoming courses have very limited availability. All classes are in-person and mandatory.

Segment 1 requires advance registration. Walk-ins are not accepted, and classes often fill several months in advance.

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Eligibility Checklist

Make sure you meet all requirements before enrolling.

Be at least 14 years and 8 months old. Have parent or legal guardian approval for enrollment. Be ready to complete all classroom, driving, observation, and testing requirements. Strict Michigan guidelines apply; therefore, all classes must be attended.
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What to Expect in Segment 1

A complete beginner-driver program designed to build knowledge, judgment, and safe driving habits.

1

24 Hours of Classroom Instruction

Interactive instruction covering Michigan traffic laws, signs, safe driving strategies, and decision-making.

Traffic laws and regulationsRoad signs and signals Defensive driving strategiesRisk awareness Impaired and distracted drivingSharing the road
2

6 Hours of Behind-the-Wheel Training

One-on-one, in-car instruction with a certified instructor to begin developing real-world driving skills.

Vehicle controls and maneuversTurns, lane changes, and parking City, residential, and rural drivingBuilding confidence behind the wheel
3

4 Hours of Observation

Ride along and observe other students driving to learn from real-world situations and instructor feedback.

Observe different driving environmentsLearn from other students' driving experiences See different road and traffic conditionsAsk questions and build confidence
Your next step

Ready for Segment 1?

Check upcoming class dates first, then complete the Segment 1 contract before enrolling.

View Segment 1 ClassesOpen Segment 1 Contract ↗

Level 1 Learner's License

After completing Segment 1 and passing the state exam, the teen and a parent or guardian visit a Michigan Secretary of State office to apply for the Level 1 License.

Pre-apply and schedule your visit

Applicants pre-apply for the Level 1 License while scheduling their Secretary of State office visit. Pre-applying helps streamline the visit and provides information about required identity and residency documents.

At the Secretary of State office

Teen must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Pass a vision test.
Present required identity, legal presence, Social Security, and Michigan residency documents.
Have the teen's photograph taken.
$25 licensing fee.

Secretary of State offices accept:

Cash, checks, money orders. Checks and money orders should be made payable to the State of Michigan.
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa debit/credit cards along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. A service fee is charged if using a debit/credit card.
Kelsey's Law: teens with a Level 1 License are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving except in an emergency.

Supervised Practice Driving

Build skill and confidence while documenting the supervised hours required for later licensing steps.

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Supervised Practice Requirements

Use supervised practice time to build real-world experience while working toward Michigan's next licensing steps.

1

50 Total Hours of Supervised Driving

Before becoming eligible for the road test, a teen driver must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving with a licensed parent, guardian, or approved adult.

Practice across different roads and traffic conditions. Gradually increase difficulty as skill and confidence improve. Keep the driving log current after each practice session. Focus on safe habits, awareness, and good decision-making.
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10 Nighttime Hours

At least 10 of the 50 supervised hours must be completed at night. Night driving gives students experience with reduced visibility, headlights, glare, and changing road conditions.

Begin in familiar, lower-traffic areas. Practice proper headlight use and scanning. Work on judging distance and speed after dark. Practice in different nighttime traffic conditions as confidence grows.
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30 Hours Before Segment 2

Before beginning Segment 2, students need at least 30 supervised driving hours, including at least 2 nighttime hours, and must have held the Level 1 Learner's License for the required period.

Review the driving log before registering for Segment 2. Continue practicing even after the minimum Segment 2 hours are met. Use instructor feedback to identify skills needing more practice. Build consistency before moving toward the road test.

Practice with Purpose

Quality matters as much as total time. Try to make each drive intentional by choosing one or two skills to focus on, then discuss what went well and what should be practiced again.

Build Core Vehicle Skills

  • Smooth starts and stops
  • Steering and lane position
  • Backing and parking
  • Turns and speed control

Practice Real Traffic Decisions

  • Intersections and right-of-way
  • Lane changes and merging
  • Following distance
  • Scanning for hazards

Vary the Driving Environment

  • Residential streets
  • Busier city roads
  • Rural roads
  • Night and changing weather conditions

Coach for Independence

  • Ask the student what they see
  • Encourage early decision-making
  • Review mistakes calmly after the drive
  • Repeat difficult skills until consistent
Helpful habit: After each drive, record the time immediately and make a short note about the skills practiced. This makes the log easier to maintain and helps families plan the next practice session.
Teen Driver Education

Segment 2

Take the Next Step

Build on your Segment 1 foundation with advanced classroom instruction focused on judgment, responsibility, and preparing for independent driving.

Segment 2 student in a classroom wearing a plain dark shirt and completing driver education work at a desk
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Important Note

All classes are in-person and mandatory. Please preregister by mailing your registration form to us. Payment can wait until the first night of class.

Walk-ins are registered only on the first day and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please be 10 minutes early on the first day.

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Eligibility Checklist

Make sure you meet all requirements before enrolling.

Successfully complete Segment 1 Driver Education. Hold your Level 1 Learner's License for at least 3 continuous months. Complete at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including at least 2 nighttime hours. Meet current Michigan Segment 2 eligibility requirements.
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What to Expect in Segment 2

Six hours of advanced classroom instruction designed to strengthen judgment and prepare students for the next licensing steps.

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6 Hours of Classroom Instruction

Advanced lessons that build on Segment 1 and supervised driving experience.

Advanced traffic lawsNight driving Hazard recognitionWeather conditions Risk managementDecision-making and responsibility
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Preparing for the Next Step

Use what you've learned to continue supervised practice and prepare for the Michigan Road Skills Test when eligible.

Safe driving habitsIndependent decision-making Road-test readinessUnderstanding Level 2 requirements
Your next step

Ready for Segment 2?

Confirm eligibility, check the class schedule, and complete the Segment 2 contract before enrolling.

View Segment 2 ClassesOpen Segment 2 Contract ↗
Michigan Road Skills Test

Road Test

The final step toward earning your Level 2 Intermediate License and driving more independently.

Know what you need before test day, what the examiner will evaluate, and how to arrive fully prepared.

Student in the vehicle's left-side driver seat with road test examiner in the passenger seat completing an evaluation
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Eligibility Checklist

Make sure every requirement is satisfied before scheduling your road test.

Be at least 15 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Successfully complete Segment 2 Driver Education.
Hold your Level 1 Learner's License for at least six consecutive months.
Complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 nighttime hours.
Meet Michigan's required safe-driving record before the road test and Level 2 licensing step.
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What to Expect on Your Road Test

Your test has three parts. Review each section before test day so nothing prevents the test from being conducted.

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Vehicle & Documentation Requirements

Everything below must be ready before the driving portion can begin.

Vehicle Inspection

Inspect every item on the checklist before arriving. Every required component must work properly. Even one required item not working can prevent the road test from being conducted.

Documentation to Bring

You must bring ALL required items with you. If required documentation is missing, the road test will not be conducted.

Vehicle Inspection Checklist

BrakesHorn Turn signalsTires / tread HeadlightsMirrors TaillightsSeat belts Windshield & wipersLicense plate

What to Bring to the Test

Your valid Level 1 Learner's License Segment 2 Certificate of Completion Signed supervised driving log Current vehicle registration Required proof of vehicle insurance A safe, properly working vehicle
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Basic Control Skills

Before entering normal traffic, you will demonstrate that you can safely control the vehicle and follow the examiner's directions.

Starting and stopping smoothly Turning and steering control Backing and vehicle positioning Parking / basic maneuvering Observation and awareness Following examiner instructions
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On-Road Driving Test

You will drive in normal traffic while the examiner evaluates safe, legal, and responsible driving habits.

Traffic signs and signals Lane use and lane changes Right-of-way decisions Mirror and blind-spot checks Following distance and speed control Overall judgment and decision-making
Your next step

Ready to schedule a Road Test?

Review the eligibility and test-day checklist above, then contact our office for scheduling help.

Contact Us to Schedule Open Official Study Guide ↗

Parent Resources

Helpful Michigan resources to support your teen through driver education, supervised practice, licensing, and the road test.

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Helping You Guide the Learning Process

Use these official resources to understand each step, prepare required documents, and reinforce safe driving skills at home.

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Level 1 Learner's License

Review Michigan's requirements, required documents, and next steps after Segment 1.

Open Required Documents (PDF) ↗
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Graduated Driver Licensing Roadmap

See the progression through Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing process in one visual guide.

Open Roadmap ↗
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What Every Driver Must Know

Michigan's official driver manual covering traffic laws, signs, safe-driving practices, and driver responsibilities.

Open Manual ↗
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Road Test Study Guide

Review vehicle inspection requirements, basic control skills, and the on-road portion of the driving skills test.

Open Study Guide ↗
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Supervised Driving Guide & Log

Use Michigan's parent coaching guide, suggested practice lessons, and supervised driving log.

Open Guide & Log ↗

Course Contracts

Choose the correct course contract, complete and review it, then follow the course registration instructions.

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Course Registration Documents

Select the contract for the course you are enrolling in. Please review the information carefully and complete all required sections before class.

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Segment 1 Contract

Registration and course agreement for Segment 1 Driver Education.

Complete and review the contract before enrolling.
Open Segment 1 Contract ↗
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Segment 2 Contract

Registration and course agreement for Segment 2 Driver Education.

Complete and review the contract before enrolling.
Open Segment 2 Contract ↗

Class Schedule

Find your session, review the details, then call or text us to confirm availability.

Segment 1 Start Segment 1 End Segment 2 Start Segment 2 End

Found the right class?

Call or Text us @ 517-541-3421 to confirm availability. Then complete, review, and mail in the corresponding contract with deposit to reserve your spot!

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions families most often need before choosing a class or preparing for a road test.

How old does a student need to be for Segment 1?

Students must be at least 14 years and 8 months old and meet the current Michigan Segment 1 eligibility requirements.

When is a student eligible for Segment 2?

Students must have completed Segment 1, held a Level 1 Learner’s License for at least 3 continuous months, and completed at least 30 supervised driving hours including at least 2 nighttime hours.

Are classes in person?

Yes. Preferred Driving’s Segment 1 and Segment 2 classes are in person. Attendance requirements apply, so review the course information before enrolling.

How can I see classes several months ahead?

Open the Class Schedule and select Year view. It shows all currently posted sessions across the year, while List and Month views provide more detail.

Which contract should I complete?

Complete and review the contract that matches the course you are taking: Segment 1 Contract for Segment 1, or Segment 2 Contract for Segment 2.

What are the main Road Test eligibility requirements?

The teen must be at least 15, complete Segment 2, hold the Level 1 Learner’s License for at least six consecutive months, complete at least 50 supervised hours including 10 nighttime hours, and meet Michigan’s safe-driving requirements.

What should I bring to the Road Test?

Bring the required driver documentation, Segment 2 completion certificate, signed supervised driving log, current vehicle registration, required proof of insurance, and a safe vehicle with required equipment working properly.

What if I need help with a missed class, registration, or rescheduling?

Contact the office as soon as possible. Attendance and eligibility requirements can affect the available options, so the office can give guidance for your specific situation.

Still have a question?

Choose the topic on our contact form so your question is easier to route and answer.

Contact Us

About Us

Family-owned driver education and testing focused on safe driving, confidence, and clear communication.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1998

Preferred Driving & Testing, Inc. combines practical instruction with patient coaching so new drivers can build knowledge, judgment, and confidence behind the wheel.

We intentionally keep classes small — generally fewer than 25 students — so instructors can provide more one-on-one attention and students have more opportunities to ask questions.

Parents and guardians are welcome to observe a class and ride along during a driving instruction. We want families involved in the learning process, not left guessing about what a student is learning behind the wheel.

Helping Families Track Progress

Progress reports following drives help families monitor student development, understand strengths, and identify the skills that need continued practice at home. That feedback is part of our goal of building safe, capable, and confident new drivers.

Contact Us

Tell us what you need help with so we can respond with the most useful next step.

Preferred Driving & Testing, Inc.

517 W. Lovett St., Suite 10
Charlotte, MI 48813

Call or text: (517) 541-3421

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