As surprising as it might sound not everyone runs out to get their drivers licence as soon as they turn sixteen. Some people might not be so keen on driving, have restrictions or might have moved to Michigan from another country. The reasons are vast and the procedure of getting your drivers license after you turn eighteen is different than if you were getting it younger.

While you don’t have to take any driving lessons you do need to obtain what is called a “Temporary Instruction Permit”. In order to do this you have to make a trip down to your local Secretary of State office. You will need to bring your picture ID, the actual Social Security Number Card, birth certificate and at least two proofs of residence. Depending on your situation your document list will be tweaked a bit here and there. For example, if you were born out of the states your birth certificate wont do you any good, you will need proof of legal residence. This can com in the form of a Permanent Resident Card, a Workers Permit or the United States Passport if you are a citizen. If you are married or have had a name change for other reasons make sure you bring your marriage license or other proof of that name change along with you.

With all of the docs in tow go to the Secretary of State office and tell them that you need to take the written exam for a drivers license. The test is pretty much common knowledge, although it is always good to read up on the subject to gather more information. If you want to grab the “What every driver must know” booklet you can get it from the nearest Secretary of State office, or if you have no time for a trip there just download it from the government website, it comes in chapters formatted as a PDF. By the way, don’t fret you can read pages 68-95 and you will have sufficient info to pass the exam. You should of course read the whole book at one point or another though.

The test is all multiple questions and it goes pretty fast as well. You know if you passed on the spot and your permit is issued right there. If you pass the fee is $25.00, if not then you do not have to pay anything.

Your permit is valid for six months and after a thirty day period of having your permit you are eligible to take the driving portion of the exam. The clerk at the Secretary of State office will give you a list of places where you can get your on the road testing done. Once you pass your driving portion of the exam you go back to the Secretary of state with your results in order to get your license.