Navigating Driver Education in Grand Rapids, Michigan: A Comprehensive Guide

Obtaining a driver's license is a significant milestone, offering newfound freedom and responsibility. For teenagers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, navigating the graduated driver licensing (GDL) system requires careful planning and education. This comprehensive guide provides valuable information for teens and adults seeking driver education in the Grand Rapids area.

Understanding Michigan's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program

Michigan employs a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which gradually increases driving privileges as a teen progresses through three licensing levels. This system ensures young drivers gain experience and develop safe driving habits before obtaining full driving privileges.

The 3 Licensing Levels

Supervised Learner’s License (Level 1): Formerly known as a “driver’s permit,” this license allows teens to drive under the supervision of a licensed parent/guardian or an adult 21 or older.
Intermediate License (Level 2): This license places restrictions on passengers and unsupervised nighttime driving.
Full-Privilege Driver’s License (Level 3): This license grants full driving privileges without restrictions.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Requirements

In Michigan, teens under 18 must complete driver education as part of the Graduated Driver Licensing system (GDL). Under GDL, teens must complete two segments of driver education instruction and meet the requirements for each of the three licensing levels. Driving privileges are increased at each new licensing level. A parent or legal guardian can hold a teen at their current licensing level (GDL 1 or GDL 2) or cancel their GDL license at any time before their 18th birthday.

Level 1 Learner's License

Teens must be at least 14 years and 9 months old to obtain a Level 1 License. Applicants will pre-apply for the Level 1 License when scheduling their Secretary of State office visit. Pre-applying streamlines the license application and shortens the amount of time spent at a Secretary of State office. A licensing fee of $25 will be due. Teens will be issued a hard card as their Level 1 License and must have it with them whenever they drive. Teens can only drive with a licensed parent, guardian, or a designated, adult age 21 or older in the vehicle. Parents and guardians will be provided with a copy of the Supervised Driving Guide when their teen applies for the Level 1 License.

Supervised Driving and the Driving Log

Teens are required to keep a driving log and complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at nighttime) before they can take the driving skills test, which is required for the Level 2 License.

Segment 1: The First Step in Driver Education

Segment 1 is the first driver education course when starting Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). Although there is a state-mandated minimum requirement for the number of hours of classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, driver education providers can offer more than the minimum hours of instruction as a part of their syllabus.

Segment 1 includes:

A total of at least 24 hours of classroom instruction (classes are restricted to no more than two hours of instruction per day). Classroom instruction occurs over the course of three or more weeks.
A minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, with at least three of the six hours completed before the classroom instruction ends. Only one hour of behind-the-wheel practice is allowed per day.

After Segment 1, you will receive a Segment 1 Certificate of Completion (this is not a drivers license). This certificate is required to apply for a Michigan Level 1 License. You may apply for your Level 1 License at the Secretary of State once you are at least 14 years and 9 months old and at least 6 weeks have passed since you started Segment 1. With a Level 1 License, you must drive with a licensed parent/guardian or an adult 21 or older. You can find additional guidelines by referring to the Michigan Parent Checklist.

A Parent Driving Permit is available for teens enrolled in Segment 1. This special permit allows the teen to practice driving under the supervision of their licensed parent or guardian only while the teen is enrolled in and attending a Segment 1 course. Parent Driving permits are issued by the driver education provider after receiving authorization from the parent or guardian.

Segment 2: Building Upon the Basics

Segment 2 is the final segment of required driver education classroom instruction in GDL.

Read also: Comprehensive Driver Education

Segment 2 includes:

A minimum of six hours of classroom instruction be provided to students. Classes are limited to two hours per day, and most Segment 2 courses last about three days.

Segment 2 is for students under 18 who have completed Segment 1. To enroll, you must have held a Level 1 License for at least 3 months and completed at least 30 hours of supervised driving, including 2 hours at night. Adults 18 and older are not eligible to take Segment 2 with All Star. Students must upload their Michigan Supervised Driving Log (showing 30 hours, including 2 at night), Level 1 License, and signed contract to the student portal. Uploaded documents may take up to 3 business days for approval, so they must be submitted before class begins. Students must attend all 6 hours of classroom instruction. A final written exam is given, and students must score at least 14 out of 20 correct to pass. Up to three attempts are allowed. Segment 2 does not include behind-the-wheel training.

Driving Skills Test

To schedule a road test, students under 18 must hold their Level 1 License for 6 months, log 50 driving hours (including 10 at night), and have their Segment 2 Certificate of Completion. The driving skills test is administered by independent testing organizations contracted with the Michigan Department of State. To prepare for the test, teens should review the Driving Skills Test Study Guide. Fees charged by driver testing businesses are not regulated by the Michigan Department of State. To find a driver testing business near you, select the "Locate a driver testing business" button. Find your county from the county drop-down list and select it. Both the parent or guardian and the teen must be present at the driving skills test.

Before any testing takes place, the driving skills test examiner will inspect the vehicle that the teen will drive, and if the vehicle does not meet legal or safety standards (for example, a missing side view mirror or a broken taillight), the test will be cancelled. During the test, the applicant is not allowed to use any study aids, notes, a cell phone, or other electronic devices. If required, a sign language interpreter or a foreign language interpreter may be present in the vehicle during the exam to translate the examiner's instructions. Driver-activated features include systems that are not operated by default but require an action by the driver to start them. Examples may include a parking-assist system that automatically parks the vehicle, a four-way camera, or an automated self-driving feature in which the vehicle steers itself. Driver-activated features and systems are not allowed during the driving skills test.

Teens who pass the driving skills test will be issued a signed Driving Skills Test receipt from the examiner. The Driving Skills Test receipt is not a license. The teen will automatically progress to the Level 2 License once the teen is 16 years of age, has gone 90 days without a conviction, and their passing of Segment 2 is reported. A failure in any one of the three testing components (vehicle inspection, basic controls test, or the on-the-road driving test) will automatically terminate the driving skills test. Applicants who fail the driving skills test will have to schedule a new appointment and start over.

Read also: Do I Need Driver's Ed?

If you do not bring the required documents, it will result in a failed road test. If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must ride with you. If you are 18 or older, no additional people are permitted to ride in the vehicle during the road test. The only exception is a translator if one is needed. Your vehicle must be in good working condition and pass a safety inspection (see the Road Skills Test Study Guide). Rental vehicles are available at the Ann Arbor facility for an additional fee and must be arranged in advance. If your vehicle has an interlock device, you must take the test in that vehicle.

The road test lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The examiner will tell you where your road test will take place on the day of your test. It is not legal to practice at the road test site. You may not attempt the road test with an instructor who has previously provided you with behind-the-wheel training. You must wait at least 24 hours before attempting a second road test. There is no limit to how many times you may test; a fee is charged for each attempt. Road tests are conducted in rain or snow. If conditions become unsafe, the examiner will cancel the test and notify you. If you successfully complete the Driving Skills Test, the examiner will issue and sign a Driving Skills Test Receipt. The receipt is not a license. Use it to obtain your Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) online at Michigan.gov/SOS or at a Secretary of State branch; your receipt will include instructions. If you lose your Driving Skills Test Receipt, contact All Star Customer Service for a replacement.

Level 2 Intermediate License

Passengers and nighttime driving are allowed with a Level 2 License under the following circumstances. Note: A parent or legal guardian can hold a teen at their current licensing level (GDL 1 or GDL 2) or cancel their GDL license at any time before their 18th birthday.

Level 3 Full License

The Level 3 License is automatically issued at no fee if all requirements are met and parental authorization was granted. Note: A parent or legal guardian can hold a teen at their current licensing level (GDL 1 or GDL 2) or cancel their GDL license at any time before their 18th birthday.

Graduated Driver Licensing ends for all teens when they turn 18. Level 1 licenses expire when teens turn age 18. Teens with a valid Level 2 or Level 3 license will automatically be issued an operator's license before their 18th birthday. When a teen nears their 21st birthday, they must apply for a new license. If they apply more than 54 days before their 21st birthday, the license will be issued in a vertical format with the "Under 21" designation printed on it. If they apply within 54 days of their 21st birthday, they will receive a driver's license in the horizontal format without the "Under 21" designation.

Choosing a Driving School in West Michigan

Driving schools in West Michigan all aim to teach your kid to drive safely for a lifetime. They emphasize defensive techniques, which teaches drivers how to drive smartly and avoid accidents, even if they are not in the wrong. Driving schools in West Michigan are similar in cost but often provide different class options, customer service, and communication styles. For example, some driving schools teach class sessions online, while others only conduct lessons in person. Finding a school that’s nearer to home is a big plus for many families.

When searching for a driver education provider, the first place many people go is the internet. But be careful because not all driver education courses that are returned in your search results are approved by the State of Michigan. For example, "driver education courses" that are only available online may be a useful study aid, but they do not meet the requirements for instruction, testing, behind-the-wheel training, and supervised practice needed to obtain a Michigan driver's license. Approved driver education instruction is provided by state-certified, independently owned driver education businesses (providers). Other considerations when finding a driver education provider include the program costs and any contract requirements. Program fees are set by the provider and not the Michigan Department of State. For a list of certified driver education providers, select the "Locate a driver education provider" button. Search by "List all driver education classrooms." Searching by classroom will give the most results, as providers may have several classroom locations across the state.

Teens with disabilities enrolling in driver education may be entitled to accommodations (including appropriate auxiliary aids and services) at no cost, as long as their disabilities do not prevent them from driving safely and unless providing such auxiliary aids or services would fundamentally alter the nature of the program or result in an undue burden. The Michigan Department of State encourages parents and driver education providers to work together to provide an appropriate accommodation to help meet the needs of the student.

Grandtastic Awards Winners

Area parents voted on the best Driver’s Training Schools in our annual Grandtastic Awards.

Winner: Jungle Survival Drivers Training
Jungle Survival Drivers Training
All Star Driver Education
Century Driving School - Hudsonville
Buckle In Driving Academy
Main Street Driving
Official Driving School
Navigator Driving Academy
Courtesy Driving School

Featured Driving Schools in the Area

All Star Driver Education: Known for being the most comprehensive driver’s training program in the state for Segment One. Unlike most other driving schools, All Star also offers Road Tests. All Star Driver Education offers a state-mandated 6-hour course designed to prepare teens for their road test and a Level 2 learner’s license. Through this program, teens will learn how to identify risks and dangerous driving behaviors, equipping them with the knowledge and skills for safe driving. Schedule your Michigan Driving Test required to obtain a Level 2 provisional license with our state-approved road test examiners. We currently offer road testing for adults and teens in Ann Arbor. All Star has been committed to keeping our roads safe by offering safe state-certified Driver Education classes for teens and adults across the midwest. Segment 1 is for students under 18 years old. Students 18 and older are recommended to take All Star’s online “All State” class instead. Programs at high schools are open to anyone as long as you are able to travel to the school to attend. To register, you must upload a birth certificate (or passport/state ID) and a signed contract to the student portal before class begins. Uploaded documents may take up to 3 business days for approval, so be sure to submit them early. Students must attend 24 hours of classroom instruction, 6 two-hour sessions which will include driving and observation, and pass a written exam with at least 56 out of 80 questions correct. Students are allowed three attempts. After Day 1 of class, students will be granted access to schedule their behind the wheel training through the student portal. Students are expected to arrive on time for every scheduled session. If the school district calls a snow day, All Star’s classes and behind the wheel lessons are also canceled. Instructors may contact you if conditions improve. Virtual students will take their final written exam at the location they selected at the time of enrollment.
Why Choose All Star Driver Education? Trusted by Thousands of Drivers Since 1997! The cost of Segment 1 depends on your location. Tuition includes classroom instruction, workbook, activities, 6 hours of driving, and 4 hours of observation in an All Star training vehicle. Segment 2 and the Road Test must be purchased separately.
Testimonials:
- Mr. Marty was very nice. He talked me through everything I needed to know while behind the wheel.
- My driving instructor Marty was super nice and calm during my drive. Very good instructor!!!
- Marty was a fantastic instructor.
Buckle In Driving Academy: Founded by parents, Buckle In understands the importance of a drivers training program that works with both the parent and teen.
Courtesy Driving: Over 750,000 trained, safe drivers since 1970. Safer Roads Start with Courtesy.
Jungle Survival Driving School: Jungle Survival Driving School is focused and dedicated to teen driver safety, with the stats to back it up. On average, 80% of teen drivers will get in an accident within their first three years driving, but less than 20% of Jungle graduates will have had an accident in the same time frame.
Keys Driving School: Providing safe and professional drivers training along the West Michigan Lakeshore.
Macatawa Driving School: Working together with you to train up safe and conscientious drivers.
Main Street Driving School: Main Street Driving students are taught by teachers who hold a college degree as well as a State of Michigan teaching certificate.
Navigator Driving Academy: Flexible scheduling for drive times.
Cox-McKenzie School Of Driving: A Grand Rapids and Kent County Driving School. Like Kent County, we are a dynamic, diverse company with experience working with students of all races, religions, orientations, and even some disabilities. We are committed to supporting you from the first phone call until you pass the road test.
Free Pickup! We understand that navigating town without a driver's license can be challenging. That's why every Adult Package purchased from us includes complimentary pickup and drop-off services to any location within Kent County. Your safety and success are our top priorities at Cox-McKenzie School of Driving.

Driving Lessons and Road Test Preparation

Driving schools offer various programs to help teens and adults prepare for their driving tests and develop safe driving habits:

Driving Lessons Practice: Helping permitted teens and adults build safe driving habits and develop on-road confidence.
Road Test Prep Lesson Simulation: Guiding candidates through a road test simulation and provide a preview of what to expect on test day.
Teens: Road Test Certification: Offering road testing for teens at various locations across Michigan.
Adults: Road Test Certification: Offering road testing for adults at various locations across Michigan.
Basic Driver Improvement Refresher: Offering the required instructional courses designed to prevent traffic violations from impacting your driving record.
Instructor Training Certification:

The Supervised Driving Guide

Once a teen has been issued their Level 1 License, they are eligible to begin driving with a parent, guardian, or a designated driver age 21 or older. Parents and guardians may be hesitant about how best to work with their child as the teen progresses through GDL. The Supervised Driving Guide was developed to assist parents and guardians as they start coaching their teen driver. The guide provides helpful information, advice, step-by-step instructions, tips, and lesson plans to make the process as beneficial, stress-free, and educational as possible. The guide also provides a sample driving log that can be used to record a teen's hours and progress. Expect your teen to make mistakes; it is a normal part of learning. You are a driving role model for your teen.

Payment Options

Cash, checks, money orders. American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa debit/credit cards along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Addressing Teen Driving Risks

Young drivers are at an increased risk of being involved in a vehicle crash, in part, because their brains are still in the process of growing and maturing, resulting in a lack of certain impulse and emotion controls that are important in processing complex tasks such as driving. Limited driving experience and immaturity combine to place young drivers at a higher risk for crashes.

Key Risk Factors for Teen Drivers

At night: Driving is more difficult and dangerous at night for everyone, but particularly for teenagers. Young drivers have less experience driving at night than during the day, and drowsiness and alcohol may be more of a factor at night.
After drinking alcohol: Young drivers' inexperience with both driving and drinking means that they have a higher crash risk no matter how much alcohol they have consumed (when compared to older drivers).
With passengers: Teenage passengers can distract young drivers and encourage them to take risks. The risk of a fatal crash increases in direct relation to the number of teens in the car. Adding just one passenger increases a teen driver’s crash risk by 50%. With three or more passengers - the risk is nearly four times greater than when driving alone.
When not wearing a seatbelt: Seat belts reduce the risk of injury or fatality in a crash, but teen drivers and passengers have lower belt-use rates than older drivers and passengers.
When using a cell phone: Any activity that pulls a driver's attention from the road should be avoided, and this is especially true with cell phones. In Michigan, it is illegal to use a cell phone when driving. Exceptions are made for emergency situations and in limited situations when using "hands free" technology is allowed.
When speeding: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, speeding is a contributing factor in fatal crashes for teen drivers. In 2019, speeding was noted in 27% of fatal crashes among teen drivers.

Open Communication is Key

Have open, clear conversations with them about the dangers of texting while driving before you let them have any kind of driver’s license. And set them up for success wherever you can.

Insurance Considerations

Of course, you will need to consult with your insurance provider to discuss how adding your new driver will affect your rates. Factors include the child’s age, gender, and type of vehicle the child will be primarily driving. Rates continue to increase for each child added. Rates go down once the child is in their 20s if they have a clean driving record.

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