Michigan permit test FAQ 2026: how many questions, pass mark, cost
Michigan permit test questions, answered with facts from MDOS.
The Michigan Segment 1 state exam (teens, for the GDL Level 1 Learner's License) has 80 questions; you need 70% to pass, per MDOS; questions come from the official What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025).
Adults 18 and older take a separate Secretary of State knowledge test (with a road sign test), whose question count and pass mark are not published.
Practice format (official): Our practice tests use the official format — 80 questions, 56 of 80 (70%) to pass, untimed.
The Michigan Segment 1 state exam in brief
How many questions are on the Michigan permit test?
The Michigan Segment 1 state exam has 80 questions, per MDOS.
What is the pass mark for the Michigan permit test?
You need 70% to pass, per MDOS.
Is the Michigan permit test hard?
You need 56 of 80 (70%) to pass, so in the official 80-question format you can get at most 24 wrong. The best preparation is to study the official What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025) and take practice tests until you pass them comfortably.
How much does the Michigan permit test cost?
$25 — GDL Level 1 Learner's License, per MDOS.
Is there a free Michigan permit practice test for 2026?
Yes. This site has 2 free Michigan Segment 1 state exam practice tests for 2026, each with 80 questions and the official pass mark of 56 of 80 (70%), plus a free road-sign quiz.
Time limit, retakes, age and ID
How long is the Michigan permit test?
MDOS does not publish a time limit for the Michigan Segment 1 state exam.
Can I retake the Michigan permit test if I fail?
Segment 1 state exam: no waiting period stated. Adult SOS knowledge test: 'Failure to get a passing score terminates the testing process and the applicant must reschedule to take the test again on a different day.' Segment 1 (MDOS Driver Education Curriculum Guide): a student below 70 percent 'may retake the test up to two times' (three attempts in all), using a different test version. Adult SOS knowledge test: no attempt cap stated; a passed test is valid for one year.
How old do you have to be to take the Michigan permit test?
The minimum age is 14¾, per MDOS.
What do I need to bring to the Michigan permit test?
At a Secretary of State office with a parent or guardian: Segment 1 Certificate of Completion, proof of a valid Social Security number (or letter of ineligibility), proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of identity, and proof of Michigan residency (form SOS-428); vision test and photo. Pre-apply when scheduling the office visit.
Which handbook is the Michigan permit test based on?
The official What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133) (October 2025). You can read it on the official site.
Official source: Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State). Handbook: What Every Driver Must Know (SOS-133).
Start the free Michigan Segment 1 state exam practice test 1 · Road-sign quiz
Last updated October 13, 2026.