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  • Updated for January 2025
  • Based on official Michigan Driver's manual

Free Michigan DOS Permit Practice Test 2025

Overview of test structure and common pitfalls

The Michigan DOS knowledge test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, covering road signs, safe driving laws, and driving restrictions. You must get at least 40 questions correctly to pass with a score of 70% or higher. The test is divided into several sections:

Test sectionQuestionsCommon mistakes
Road signs15-18Confusing the meaning of various traffic signs, especially those that are similar in appearance yet different in meaning. Pay more attention to memorizing the shapes and colors of signs and their specific meanings.
Safe driving laws15-18Misjudging the rules of the road, such as right-of-way, speed limits for specific zones, and safe following distances. Be sure to know the differences between city, residential, and highway speed limits.
Driving restrictions14-17Not obtaining information on restrictions that apply to young drivers, such as curfew laws and passenger limits. Read up on the Michigan Graduated Driver Licensing Program so you don’t miss such information

Common mistakes of test-takers in Michigan include misunderstandings over road signs, mix-ups between the various types of roads related to speed limits, and not understanding the state’s graduated driver licensing program.

Practice test description

This Michigan DOS practice test has just been updated for January 2025 and covers 40 of the most important road signs and rules questions directly from the official 2025 MI Driver Handbook. The official test also consists of 50 questions, and you will need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. This test is also known as the Michigan permit test, DOS written test, or simply the driver’s test.

This practice test is designed to closely mimic the format and content of the knowledge test questions of Michigan DOS so that you have the best chance to pass on the first run.

Study tips and test day preparation guide

Effective study strategies

Create a study schedule that covers all test sections. Use flashcards to learn road signs and practice interpreting them quickly. Use the official Michigan Driver’s Manual for in-depth study.

Take several practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test conditions. Focus on areas where you score low and review the handbook sections related to those topics.

Tips for test day

Bring identification and proof of residency, and also pay all necessary fees. Arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress. Carefully read each question and all possible answers before making a selection.

If you’re feeling anxious, take deep breaths and remember to pace yourself. Confidence and preparation go hand-in-hand; trust your study process and take the test at a comfortable pace.

Success stories of Michigan test-takers

Hundreds of Michigan drivers have used our practice tests to help them prepare for their DOS knowledge exam. Here is what they had to say:

“Very helpful system… This is the way I study for a test best! Over and over and over again… And most importantly, you have done your homework. As I prepare myself reading the State Commercial Driving Manual, your test questions touch on everything that’s in the Manual and then some! I have found myself being much more eager and confident using your methods. And I am sure I will be a very knowledgeable and competent driver as a result.. Thank you very much!”” -Thomas McClure, Arcadia, Michigan

“A great way to manage your safe driving in Michigan!” -- Alan Sierota, Grand Rapids, MI

We encourage you to make the most out of our prep resources in order for you to have a greater chance at acing the Michigan DOS knowledge exam on your first try.

[faq]

FAQs

What are some tips for passing the permit test?

To pass the permit test in Michigan, study the Michigan Driver’s Manual thoroughly, take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions, and focus on understanding traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

Can a 16-year-old drive alone?

In Michigan, a 16-year-old can drive alone only if they have a Level 2 Graduated Driver License, which requires having successfully completed Segment 1 and 2 of driver education and holding a Level 1 License for at least six months.

What happens if I fail the permit test?

If you fail the permit test in Michigan, you can retake it, but you might need to wait a day or more, depending on the Secretary of State office’s policy. It’s advisable to review the material before retaking the test.

What is the curfew for a 15-year-old driver?

In Michigan, a 15-year-old with a Level 1 Learner’s License must always be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or designated adult aged 21 or older. There are no specific curfew times, but driving is generally expected to be for practice purposes.

How many hours of driving are required to get a license?

In Michigan, you need to complete a minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, to advance from a Level 1 Learner’s License to a Level 2 Intermediate License.

[/faq]

  • Perfect for learner’s permit, driver’s license, and Senior Refresher Test

What you need to know

6 min to complete
Available in EN, ES, RU
Verified by Steven Litvintchouk, M.S., Chief Educational Researcher, Member of ACES. See our detailed commitment to accuracy and quality in our practice tests.

What to expect on the actual MI DOS exam

80

questions

56

correct answers to pass

70%

passing score

14 ¾ y/o

minimum age to apply

List of questions (classic view)

  1. Which headlights should you use when driving behind another vehicle?
  2. You may lose control of your vehicle on a wet road because a layer of water comes between the tires and the surface of the road, causing the vehicle to skid. This effect is known as
  3. If you miss your exit ramp on a freeway, do not back up. Instead,
  4. What does this sign indicate?
  5. What should you do if another driver tailgates your vehicle?
  6. If your vehicle begins to skid, remain calm and do the following
  7. If a passing vehicle has to return into the lane in front of you too quickly to avoid oncoming traffic, you should
  8. What does this sign mean?
  9. While driving, you must maintain _________ in bad weather (such as fog).
  10. You must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles in all of the following situations EXCEPT
  11. A single broken yellow line usually marks the centerline of a two-way roadway where
  12. What does this sign mean?
  13. Crossing a solid white line is
  14. When making a left turn at an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way to
  15. You must maintain a _________ following distance to reduce the chance of a rear-end collision.
  16. This sign indicates that
  17. The stopping distance for a commercial vehicle traveling at 55 mph is about
  18. What is the proper hand signal for a right turn?
  19. A triangular orange sign on the rear of a vehicle indicates that
  20. What does this sign mean?
  21. When traveling in a roundabout, you must always drive
  22. On a freeway with two lanes in each direction, drive in the right lane EXCEPT
  23. Yield lines are typically found at roundabout intersections and mid-block crosswalks to
  24. What does this sign mean?
  25. When you see white triangles painted across a traffic lane, you must be prepared to
  26. When turning, you must signal at least _________ ahead of where you plan to turn.
  27. When you are approaching a railroad crossing and a train is coming, you must stop _________ from the tracks.
  28. What does this sign mean?
  29. Which of the following is NOT a parking violation?
  30. What is the safe or suggested speed limit when you are passing through a designated work area?
  31. What is the legal limit of blood alcohol content (BAC) for a driver who is at least 21 years old?
  32. What does this sign mean?
  33. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction, you must
  34. When exiting a freeway, you should first enter
  35. On long trips, you can avoid highway hypnosis by
  36. This traffic signal directs you to
  37. At an intersection, a steady yellow arrow pointing left indicates that
  38. On a four-lane divided roadway or a one-way road, a solid yellow line usually marks
  39. If you are being passed by another vehicle,
  40. What does this device mean?
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