Michigan DMV written test
Michigan DMV Cheat Sheet
The Michigan knowledge test facts in one place, checked against Michigan Department of State (SOS) sources and last verified November 2026.
The numbers
Michigan DMV test numbers to memorize
The Michigan knowledge test has 50 questions and you need 40 correct, which is 80 percent. You can miss 10. The test is given by the Michigan Department of State (SOS).
50
Questions on the test
40
80% to pass
Correct answers needed
10
Questions you can miss
14.75
Minimum age
- Time limit
- The agency does not publish a time limit for the knowledge test, so we do not state one.
- Test fee on record
- $25. The agency's fee page decides exactly what this covers, so confirm it before you go.
- Format
- Computer-based at Secretary of State branch office or online through KnowToDrive.
- Online test
- Available. Michigan offers online testing through KnowToDrive for adults 18+ at $6.50 per attempt. In-person testing available at branch offices.
- Appointment
- Required. Appointments required at branch offices. Book online at dsvsreservation.michigan.gov. Online testing via KnowToDrive does not require an appointment.
Before you go
Documents to bring in Michigan
The Michigan Department of State (SOS) asks for these documents for the permit test. Check the agency's current list before you go, because requirements change.
0 of 5 done
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport)
- Social Security card
- 2 proofs of Michigan residency
- Parental consent (if under 18)
- Certificate of completion of Segment 1 driver education (if under 18)
If you fail
If you fail: Michigan retake rules
You cannot retake the test the same day at a Secretary of State office: you must reschedule for a different day. The in-office test is free; the online KnowTo Drive test charges $6.50 per attempt and can be taken twice per calendar day, so a second attempt is allowed the same day and a third the next day. Michigan publishes no total attempt limit, and CDL applicants have a flat 1-day wait after each failed knowledge test.
- online_knowto_drive after failure number 1: you may retest the same day.
- knowledge_test (CDL) after failure number 1: wait 1 day.
- knowledge_test (CDL) after failure number 2: wait 1 day.
- Attempt limit: 2.
- Retest fee: $6.5 per attempt.
Who can test
Age and permit rules in Michigan
- Under 18
- Must be at least 14 years and 9 months. Must complete Segment 1 of state-approved driver education for Level 1 license. Level 1 (learner's) requires 50 hours supervised driving (10 at night). Must hold Level 1 for at least 6 months. Level 2 (intermediate) restricts nighttime driving and passengers.
- Permit versus license
- Michigan uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. Level 1 (learner's license) allows supervised driving. Level 2 (intermediate) allows unsupervised driving with restrictions. Level 3 (full license) at age 18 or after 12 months at Level 2.
- Where the test is given
- In-person at any Michigan Secretary of State branch office (by appointment), or online at KnowToDrive for adults 18+.
- How you get results
- Immediate. Pass/fail shown on screen after completing the test.
Study material
Languages and handbook
Our record of exam languages for Michigan: English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean, Vietnamese, Albanian, Dari, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Pashto, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian. This list is flagged for verification because the agency does not clearly say which languages the exam itself is given in (a handbook can be published in more languages than the exam), so confirm with SOS before you rely on it.
The study source is the What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025 edition).
From learner data
Most missed Michigan practice questions
These free Michigan questions have the lowest correct rates among learners on DMV IQ. Percentages are rounded to the nearest 5 and only questions with enough answers are listed. Each one shows the right answer, so read the reasoning in the handbook, not just the answer.
- 1
What is the fine for violating Michigan's Move Over law for emergency vehicles?
$400
About 30% get it right
- 2
How many points are assessed for speeding 16 mph or more over the limit in Michigan?
4 points
About 30% get it right
- 3
If you double your speed, your braking distance increases by about:
Four times
About 30% get it right
- 4
What are the default minimum residual bodily injury liability limits in Michigan?
$250,000 per person / $500,000 per accident
About 35% get it right
- 5
How far must you park from a crosswalk at an intersection in Michigan?
20 feet
About 35% get it right
- 6
How long do points remain on your Michigan driving record?
2 years
About 35% get it right
Your plan
Free Michigan study checklist
Work through the free practice runs and topic cards, and tick each one off. Your ticks stay on this device.
Test yourself on the Michigan questions
Free practice tests and topic cards, each question with a hint and an explanation from the driver manual.
Start free practice test 1