Permito

Michigan permit practice test

Here are 10 practice questions written for Michigan, based on the Michigan driver handbook and vehicle code. Think of your answer first, then open “Show answer” to see the explanation and the source.

This is practice, not the state test, and the questions are not taken from it. The set changes every quarter (this one is 2026-Q4).

Question 1

How long is a temporary instruction permit valid for an adult learner in Michigan?

  1. 60 days
  2. One year
  3. 90 days
  4. 180 days
Show answer

Answer: D. 180 days

An adult learner’s temporary instruction permit lasts 180 days. The driver must have a licensed adult in the seat beside them.

Sources: MCL 257.306; Driver handbook, Chapter 1: Your Driver’s License

Question 2

How close to the curb must a parked car be on a Michigan street?

  1. About 3 feet away
  2. Within 12 inches
  3. About 24 inches away
  4. About 18 inches away
Show answer

Answer: B. Within 12 inches

A parked vehicle must have its wheels parallel to the road and within 12 inches of the curb at its right side.

Sources: MCL 257.675; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Traffic Laws

Question 3

A bicyclist rides ahead in a no-passing zone and the road is clear. May you pass?

  1. Yes, if you can do it safely now
  2. Yes, but only if you honk first
  3. No, you must wait until the bicyclist turns off
  4. No, never pass in a no-passing zone
Show answer

Answer: A. Yes, if you can do it safely now

A driver may pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone, but only if it is safe. The driver must still leave at least 3 feet if practical.

Sources: MCL 257.636; Driver handbook, Chapter 6: Sharing the Road

Question 4

Which riders must wear a safety belt under Michigan’s belt law?

  1. Only riders in the back seat
  2. Only the driver of the car
  3. Only riders who are under 8
  4. Driver, front riders, all under 16
Show answer

Answer: D. Driver, front riders, all under 16

Michigan requires the driver and front-seat passengers to be belted, and all passengers under 16 in any seat.

Sources: MCL 257.710e; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Traffic Laws

Question 5

What does a flashing red light at an intersection mean?

  1. Slow down and go with caution
  2. Stop, and go when the way is clear
  3. The signal is broken, so go through
  4. Stop and wait for a green light
Show answer

Answer: B. Stop, and go when the way is clear

A flashing red light is treated like a stop sign. Stop, check for traffic, and go when the way is clear.

Sources: MCL 257.614; Driver handbook, Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals

Question 6

When may a Michigan driver make a left turn at a red light?

  1. Only if a police officer waves you through
  2. Never, since left turns on red are banned
  3. After a stop, onto a one-way street moving left
  4. Onto any street, if no cars are coming at the time
Show answer

Answer: C. After a stop, onto a one-way street moving left

After a full stop at a red light, a driver may turn left onto a one-way street that carries traffic to the left. A sign may ban the turn. Yield first.

Sources: MCL 257.612; Driver handbook, Chapter 5: Signs, Pavement Markings and Signals

Question 8

You come up behind a school bus that has stopped with its red lights flashing. What must you do?

  1. Slow to 15 mph and pass on the left
  2. Honk once and drive past it carefully
  3. Stop 20 feet back until the lights go off
  4. Stop only if you see children outside the bus
Show answer

Answer: C. Stop 20 feet back until the lights go off

When a school bus shows flashing red lights, traffic from both directions on an undivided road must stop at least 20 feet away. Wait until the bus moves or the lights go off.

Sources: MCL 257.682; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Traffic Laws

Question 9

You drive on a road inside a county park and see no sign. What is the limit?

  1. 35 mph
  2. 15 mph
  3. 25 mph
  4. 45 mph
Show answer

Answer: C. 25 mph

Roads inside a public park have a default limit of 25 mph. A local authority may lower it to as little as 15 mph.

Sources: MCL 257.627; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Traffic Laws

Question 10

You drive through a platted subdivision of lake cottages. No speed sign is posted. What is the limit?

  1. 15 mph, as in an alley
  2. 30 mph on the main street
  3. 25 mph in a subdivision
  4. 35 mph on a county road
Show answer

Answer: C. 25 mph in a subdivision

The limit in a platted residential subdivision is 25 mph unless a sign shows a different speed.

Sources: MCL 257.627; Driver handbook, Chapter 4: Traffic Laws

More Michigan practice

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