Teen Driver Updates from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Selecting a driver's ed provider

The Michigan Department of State certifies driver education providers and instructors to teach driver education in Michigan. Programs are provided by private driving schools and some public school districts.

When selecting a school, it is important to consider the school's reputation, program cost and any contract requirements.

The Secretary of State's focus is on the administration of driver education programs by providers. This includes ensuring that providers maintain established office locations where records will be kept, possess continuous surety bonds, maintain injury and property damage liability insurance on training vehicles, and obtain and maintain provider certification. 

In addition, the Secretary of State regulates what information and documentation must be included in the student records and contracts, investigates consumer complaints, and periodically performs inspections.

These regularly updated resources will be helpful in making your choice:

• Certified driver education providers in Michigan
• Certified driver education instructors
• Driver education classrooms

The documents you need to apply for a driver's license

What documents does your teen need to take to the Secretary of State office when applying for a Level 1 or Level 2 license?

You will need to present documentation verifying Social Security number, legal presence, identity, and proof of Michigan residency. Click for the list of acceptable documentation.

Many parents and teens provide the following documents as proof:

1. Social Security number – Social Security card
2. Legal presence – Certified birth certificate
3. Identification verification – Michigan (Segment 1) driver education certificate (required).  May also want to take photo school I.D. card or transcript.
4. Proof of Michigan residency – Utility bill, credit card bill, Michigan title and registration.

For more information, see our teen driver website at www.michigan.gov/teendriver and read through these Frequently Asked Questions.

Make good decisions

"As a parent of a teenage daughter, I can lecture and warn and do everything in my power to keep her safe, but in the end it comes down to her making the right decision when no one else is watching." Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Always drive sober

Drivers between 16 and 20 are typically the least experienced drivers on the road. When alcohol is added to their inexperience, the results can be deadly.

Male teen drivers with bodily alcohol content between 0.05 and 0.10 are 18 times more likely than a sober, male teen driver to be killed in a single-vehicle crash. Female teens are 54 times more likely to be killed than a sober counterpart.

Any involvement with alcohol as a teenager can result in the loss of your license. No matter what age you are, never drink and drive!

Teaching tip for parents

Teach your teen vehicle basics before actual driving begins.

Begin by walking around the exterior of the vehicle and checking for leaks and hazards like broken glass. Once inside the vehicle, teach correct mirror settings. Then have them practice these basic skills until they don't need help:

• Starting and stopping the engine
• Naming and operating all dashboard controls
• Checking oil level
• Checking wiper fluid
• Checking tire pressure

For more tips and an overall plan for helping your teen learn to drive, please see the Parent's Supervised Driving Guide.

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