Yes, if you are a Michigan resident 18 or older: the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) offers its knowledge test online through Know2Drive (know2drive.michigan.gov), for $6.50 per attempt, on a laptop or desktop with a webcam. Teens under 18 usually do not take this test at all. In Michigan, teens start with driver education, and the Segment 1 course exam is part of getting the Level 1 Learner's License. So the Michigan permit test online is mainly an adult option.
Can you take the Michigan permit test online?
- Adults 18 and older: yes. KnowTo Drive's Michigan FAQ says any Michigan resident at least 18 can test online. The system is brought to you by the Michigan Secretary of State.
- Teens under 18: you take Segment 1 of driver education, starting at 14 years 8 months, and its exam, then apply for a Level 1 Learner's License at 14 years 9 months. The online SOS test is not the teen route.
- Identity: you need a Social Security number, Alien Registration Number or I-94 to register. Without a Social Security number, you verify your identity at an SOS office.
- Languages: more than 30, including Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Albanian and Ukrainian, with optional audio.
How the online test works
- Go to know2drive.michigan.gov (linked from knowtodrive.com/michigan) and register. A registration is valid for 72 hours.
- Pay $6.50 per attempt by credit card or PIN-less debit card.
- Set up a desktop or laptop with internet, a keyboard, a mouse and a clean, well-lit webcam on the monitor you are testing on. Phones and tablets will not work.
- Take the test by yourself. No one else should be in the room.
- Finish within the 60-minute time limit. Results appear right away.
- Look for the email from MI_K2DO@iti4dmv.com titled "You have passed your Operator Knowledge Test!" for your next steps.
Neither the SOS nor KnowTo Drive lists the number of questions or the passing score for the online test on the pages we checked. Practice sites claim 50 questions and 80%, which is unofficial. Study the whole Michigan driver manual, What Every Driver Must Know.
Rules that get people failed
The test monitors you and your surroundings. KnowTo Drive lists these as disqualifications:
- Moving your mouse cursor outside the red border of the test window.
- Photos during the test that do not match your starting photo, for example if someone else sits down.
- A photo that catches another person in the room.
Also keep your phone, notes and the manual out of reach, and do not leave the test window. A family member walking behind you can cost you the attempt.
Retakes
- Fail once: you can retake the same day.
- Fail twice in one day: wait until the next day.
- Disqualified once: you get one more online try.
- Disqualified twice: you must test in person at an SOS office.
Online vs in person
| Online (Know2Drive) | At an SOS office | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Michigan residents 18 and older | Anyone who needs the knowledge test |
| Cost | $6.50 per attempt | Ask your SOS office |
| Device | Desktop or laptop with webcam | Office equipment |
| Time limit | 60 minutes | Ask your SOS office |
| Retakes | Same day after one fail, next day after two | Ask your SOS office |
What to do after you pass
- Follow the steps in your passing email from Know2Drive.
- Visit a Secretary of State office to finish your application. Bring your identity documents and plan for a vision test.
- Check the current document list and fees on michigan.gov/sos before you go.
FAQ
Can you take the permit test online at home in Michigan?
Yes, if you are a Michigan resident 18 or older. The SOS online test runs on know2drive.michigan.gov and costs $6.50 per attempt.
Can a 15-year-old take the Michigan permit test online?
Not the SOS online test. Teens take Segment 1 of driver education and its exam, then apply for a Level 1 Learner's License.
How long is the Michigan online knowledge test?
You have 60 minutes to finish.
What if I fail the Michigan online test?
You can retake it the same day. After two fails in one day, wait until the next day. After two disqualifications, test in person at an SOS office.
