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Driving Skills Test Study Guide 1 Table of Contents Purpose of This Study Guide ......................................................................... 3 Driving Skills Test Administration ................................................................ 3 Driver Testing Requirements ......................................................................... 5 Reporting Improper, Illegal, or Fraudulent Testing Activities ....................... 6 Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing ............................................... 6 Foreign Language Interpreters ....................................................................... 7 Facilitators ...................................................................................................... 7 Requirements for Taking the Driving Skills Test ........................................... 8 Scheduling a Driving Skills Test .................................................................... 9 What to Take to the Driver Testing Business ................................................. 9 Tests Terminated Due to Defective Equipment ........................................... 10 Safety Inspection ............................................................................. 10 Other Automatic Failures ................................................................ 11 Dangerously Inexperienced Drivers ............................................... 12 Components of the Driving Skills Test ........................................................ 13 Basic Control Skills Test Requirements ....................................................... 13 Figure 1: Forward Stop Line ........................................................... 14 Figure 2: Curved Path Backing (Sight-Side) .................................. 14 Figure 3: Curved Path Backing (Blind-Side) .................................. 15 The On-the-Road Test .................................................................................. 15 Driving Skills Test Requirements ................................................................ 16 4 The times are estimates based on an average length driving route, good weather conditions, light traffic and a well-prepared driver. Skills tests must include all the segments listed below. A test may take more time than shown in this table, but shouldnât take significantly less time. TEST VEHICLE BASIC ON-STREET TOTAL TYPE INSPECTION CONTROL DRIVING TIME SKILLS TEST Automobile Motorcycle CDL Group A CDL Group B CDL Group C 5 minutes (not scored) 5 minutes (not scored) 1-2 hours (scored) 30 minutes- 1 hour (scored) 20-30 minutes (scored) 10 minutes (scored) 10-20 minutes (scored) 20-30 minutes (scored) 20-30 minutes (scored) 20-30 minutes (scored) 30 minutes- 1 hour (scored) N/A 40 minutes- 1 hour (scored) 40 minutes- 1 hour (scored) 40 minutes- 1 hour (scored) 45 min.- 1 hr., 15 min. 15-25 minutes 2 hours- 3 hrs., 30 min. 1 hr., 30 min.- 2 hrs., 30 min. 1 hr., 20 min.- 2 hours During the test, examiners must always: ⢠Read standard instructions to each applicant for each part of the test (a list of instructions is provided to the examiner for this purpose). ⢠Use only department-approved forms and test procedures. ⢠Use only department-approved off-street exercises and on-street driving test routes. Any driver testing business or examiner who intentionally misrepresents a driving skills test by omitting any test requirement or participates in any illegal activity related to driver licensing is subject to severe penalties including loss of testing authorization, criminal prosecution and restitution for monetary damages to the test applicant and/or the Department. 5 A person (not limited to the examiner or driver applicant) who knowingly encourages, facilitates or participates in improper, illegal or fraudulent driving skills testing is subject to criminal prosecution. Any person found to have been improperly, illegally or fraudulently tested must take the test(s) again. The driver testing business will be liable for the costs associated with retesting. Improper, fraudulent or unlawful driverâs license tests result in illegal license applications. Public Act 300 of 1949, also known as the Michigan Vehicle Code, includes the following concerning illegal driver testing. ⢠A person who makes a false certification regarding any driver license application is guilty of a felony. ⢠A person who bribes or attempts to corrupt a person or agency that conducts a driving skills test under an agreement entered into with the Secretary of State with the intent to influence the opinion or decision of the person or agency conducting the driving skills test is guilty of a felony. ⢠A designated examining officer appointed or designated by the Secretary of State who conducts a driving skills test under an agreement entered into with the Secretary of State and who varies from, shortens, or in any other way changes the method or examination criteria prescribed under that agreement is guilty of a felony. ⢠A person who forges, counterfeits, or alters a Driving Skills Test Receipt issued by a designated examining officer appointed or designated by the Secretary of State is guilty of a felony. A felony committed under these laws shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one year nor more than five years and fines up to $5,000 for the first offense. Subsequent convictions result in additional penalties. Driver Testing Business Requirements Driver testing business must adhere to certain business practices and administer driving skills tests according to established standards and procedures described in a formal, legal agreement with the department. Among many contract requirements, driver testing business must: ⢠Be approved by the department before testing services are offered. ⢠Maintain an established place of business and obtain written permission to use a testing site. 6 ⢠Respond to testing inquiries within one business day. ⢠Publish and make available a printed fee and refund policy. ⢠Provide a receipt for payment. Important note: fees arenât regulated by the department. ⢠Maintain a surety bond that provides for reimbursement if an applicant must be retested due to examiner misconduct. ⢠Ensure examiners conduct driving skills tests in compliance with department requirements. Reporting Improper, Illegal or Fraudulent Testing Activities Improper, illegal or fraudulent testing activity should be reported immediately to the Michigan Department of State. Information needed includes the name(s) of the person(s) and organization(s) involved, the date(s) of the incident(s) and a detailed description of the activity observed or discussed. All legitimate reports will be investigated. A written statement may be required. This information should be submitted by mail, fax or email to: Michigan Department of State Driver Testing Section Driver Programs Division Lansing, MI 48918 Phone (517) 241-6850 Fax (517) 335-3155
[email protected] Interpreters for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing A deaf or hard of hearing individual may use a sign language interpreter during the driving skills test. The driver may bring an interpreter to the test or may request that the tester arrange for an interpreter. In either case, state compensation is available to an interpreter who is registered as a state vendor. Applicants who will use an interpreter should let the tester know when scheduling the test. To be paid for services rendered during a driving skills test, interpreters for the deaf or hard of hearing should submit an invoice to the driver testing business. The organization will forward the invoice to the Department of State for processing. The invoice must include: 9 Scheduling a Driving Skills Test To take a driving skills test in Michigan, you must contact an approved driver testing business. Driver testing businesses may be listed in your local area telephone book. The Department of State provides a listing of organizations, available from the following sources: ⢠Internet: Michigan.gov/SOS ⢠Department of State Information Center: 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) ⢠Secretary of State offices Fees charged by driver testing businesses arenât regulated by the Michigan Department of State. Before scheduling an appointment, applicants should inquire about all third-party testing fees, including initial and retest fees, refund policies, charges for improper documents, defective equipment, and failure to keep a test appointment. Driver testing businesses must be given the customerâs name, driver license number, and phone number to schedule the driving skills test. What to Take to the Driver Testing Business ⢠If you are under 18 years of age, a valid Michigan Level 1 license that you have held for a minimum of 6 months, along with your Segment 2 Driver Education completion certificate. ⢠If you are 18 years of age or older, a valid Michigan temporary instruction permit that you held for at least 30 days. The 30-day practice period may be waived by Secretary of State branch office staff if you were previously licensed in Michigan, another state, or another country. ⢠If you are under age 18, you must present a driving log documenting at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including a minimum of 10 hours at night. Also, your parent or legal guardian must sign a certification statement on the score sheet attesting to the practice driving hours. If your parent or legal guardian canât attend your driving skills test, use or copy the certification statement from this booklet, have it signed and present it to the examiner. ⢠If you are from another country, you must present your home country driver license and Driving Skills Test Authorization Receipt (DSTAR) from the Secretary of State. 10 ⢠You must provide a vehicle that is in safe working order. The test vehicle should be one you are familiar with and have used during your practice driving. ⢠You must show proof of valid insurance, current vehicle registration or valid license plate for the test vehicle. ⢠Only the applicant, examiner, and any required passenger and/or interpreter may be in the vehicle. If the applicant is a minor, the minorâs parent, legal guardian or authorized designated representative must be present throughout the test. Any designated representative must be authorized in writing by the parent or legal guardian. No other passengers are allowed to be present during the test. Skills Tests Terminated Due to Defective Equipment The following safety equipment guidelines will be used when administering the automobile driving skills test. Together, examiners and applicants will inspect and familiarize themselves with specific vehicle components. Certain defective vehicle equipment is reason for refusal of the driving skills test if it jeopardizes the safety of the vehicleâs occupants. Safety inspection includes the following equipment: Brakes Brake lights Center-mounted rear brake light on 1986 or newer models Doors (*) Fuel level Headlights Heater/Defroster Horn Lug nuts (only one can be missing per vehicle) Muffler Rearview mirror and outside left mirror Safety belts for all occupants Seats for all occupants Speedometer Suspension components Taillights Tires (properly inflated; not damaged) Turn signals (front and rear) Windshield (**) Windshield wipers and washers 11 * The driver and passenger doors must work from the inside and outside. Doors that cannot be opened are safety hazards. ** Examiners may refuse to administer a test if the vehicleâs windshield is cracked so that it obstructs the driverâs view. Advanced safety features and driving technologies are becoming increasingly common in todayâs vehicles. Driving skills test applicants need to understand which of these advanced features may be used during the test and which are forbidden. Passively active devices or systems are those that engage as soon as the engine is running and donât require any additional action on the part of the driver. Examples may include the backup camera, blind-spot indicator lights or a lane-departure alarm. Passively active devices and systems are allowed during the driving skills test. Driver-activated features include those that arenât operated by default but require an action by the driver to start the system. 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 arenât allowed during the driving skills test. If there is any question about whether a system or device is permitted, check with the testing examiner before the test begins. When used for testing purposes, driver education vehicles must not display any warning signs used for training. This includes âStudent Driverâ identification signs. Other Automatic Failures ⢠Disregarding instructions or refusal to perform instructed maneuver. ⢠Repeated failure to follow instructions will result in test termination. If you intentionally fail to follow an examinerâs instructions, the examiner will give you a verbal warning and ask you to repeat the exercise. If you fail to follow the same instructions twice, the test will be terminated as an automatic failure. If you donât understand the instructions the first time, the examiner will reread the instructions without penalty. ⢠Offering the examiner a bribe or gratuity. ⢠Refusal to wear a safety belt, unless you have a physicianâs statement or waiver. ⢠Any accident (may result in failure). ⢠Traffic violations or hazardous actions including, but not limited to: 14 12' 20' 2' The three required exercises you must perform in the Basic Control Skills test are outlined below in figures 1-3. Figure 1: Forward Stop Line You will drive forward and stop your vehicle with your front bumper within 2 feet of the âstop lineâ without touching or going past the stop line. You canât lean out the window to see better. You will be scored on the final position of your vehicle relative to the stop line. 12' 2' Figure 2: Curved path backing - sight side (Y-turn) You will back your vehicle from a 90-degree angle into a simulated driveway. Try to back into the space without touching or crossing over either side boundary (excluding mirrors). Try to finish the exercise with the rear bumper (farthest most point) of your vehicle within 2 feet of the rear boundary, not on or over the solid line between the cones. The vehicle donât have to be evenly centered. 15 8' Vehicle length + 6 feet Figure 3: Curved path backing - blind side (parallel parking) You will drive by the entrance of a parking space located on the passenger side of your vehicle. You will then back your vehicle into the space. The size of the space is determined by adding 6 feet to the length of your vehicle. You must try to finish the exercise with your vehicle positioned completely within the parking space. Your vehicle doesnât have to be evenly centered within the front and back boundary lines. When backing, try to perform the maneuver without touching or crossing over any boundary lines or repositioning your vehicle. The On-the-Road Test You must demonstrate your ability to drive safely over a predetermined route. The route will contain a variety of traffic situations including city, residential and expressway driving. At all times during the driving test, you must operate your vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, obeying all traffic laws. The examiner will observe and score you on specific maneuvers as well as on your general driving behavior. You are expected to drive straight ahead unless given instructions to turn or perform other maneuvers. The examiner will give you directions for each maneuver as far in advance as possible and wonât ask you to do anything illegal or unsafe. 16 Driving Skills Test Requirements Although every driving test route may not be identical, each route will contain similar maneuvers that will âequalizeâ the difficulty of any route approved by the Michigan Department of State. Every route will attempt to contain each of the following maneuvers: ⢠Left turns with varying difficulty. ⢠Right turns with varying difficulty. ⢠Intersections that involve stopping and then driving straight through. ⢠Intersections that involve driving straight through without stopping. ⢠Expressway or rural highway driving (lane changes required). ⢠Urban and residential driving (lane changes required). ⢠Collision avoidance (simulated head-on collision). ⢠Curve. ⢠Railroad crossing (actual or simulated). ⢠Turning a fan (or radio) on and off while driving. Driving Skills Test Scoring Standards The proper way to perform each of the required driving test maneuvers are outlined in this section. To better prepare yourself for your test, please read this section carefully and practice these maneuvers until you have mastered them. The information provided in this section contains scoring tips and should not be considered comprehensive instructions on how to complete the maneuvers. To obtain a passing score, you canât accumulate more than 25 points or receive an automatic failure. Turns: You have been asked to make a turn. Be sure to: ⢠Recognize the need to set up for the turn in advance; move to the appropriate lane in preparation for the upcoming turn. ⢠Enter the turn lane at a designated opening (if traffic permits). Donât enter too early or too late and donât straddle or cross over lane markings. ⢠Check traffic in all directions. Traffic checks must be made obvious to the examiner by moving your head. 19 ⢠Donât change lanes in the middle of an intersection. ⢠Both hands should be kept on the steering wheel (unless shifting). ⢠Adjust your vehicle speed to keep pace with traffic. Through intersections (do not require stopping): When approaching an intersection that doesnât require stopping: ⢠Check traffic in all directions, making your search obvious to the examiner by moving your head. ⢠Yield to any vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. Unless you are yielding to vehicles or pedestrians, donât stop for green traffic lights. Unnecessary stopping can create a potentially dangerous situation. ⢠Take your foot off the accelerator as you scan the intersection for possible hazards. Placing your foot over the brake pedal while scanning helps you react quicker to potentially hazardous situations ⢠Donât change lanes in an intersection. ⢠Unless shifting, you should keep both hands on the steering wheel. ⢠Adjust your vehicle speed to keep pace with traffic. Expressway or rural highway: Before entering an expressway: ⢠Check traffic to find an opening to merge into. Check blind spots by looking over your shoulder before merging onto the expressway. ⢠Activate your turn signal. ⢠Adjust your speed to allow you to merge into the flow of traffic. ⢠Merge smoothly into the nearest expressway lane, allowing proper spacing between you and the vehicles in front of and behind you. ⢠Stay within lane markings. ⢠Cancel your turn signal once you have merged completely into the lane. When driving on an expressway or on a rural highway: ⢠Check traffic regularly (usually at least once every 8-10 seconds). Make your traffic check obvious to the examiner by moving your head. Maintain awareness of merging and exiting vehicles. Also, look at least 12 seconds ahead of the vehicle to anticipate hazards. 20 ⢠Maintain a âcushion of spaceâ around your vehicle. Donât crowd other vehicles and avoid driving in a pack of vehicles. ⢠Select a safe and legal speed that allows you to keep up with the traffic flow without exceeding the speed limit or driving slower than the minimum posted speed, unless road and weather conditions determine otherwise. ⢠Drive in the right-most lane(s) unless you are passing another vehicle. ⢠Center your vehicle within the lane markings. Donât weave over lane lines. When changing lanes on an expressway or on a rural highway: ⢠Drive at a speed approaching the flow of traffic to ensure a safe lane change. ⢠Check traffic in all directions. Check blind spots by looking over your shoulder before changing lanes. ⢠Activate your turn signal to alert other drivers that you intend to change lanes. ⢠Yield to any vehicles occupying the lane you are merging into. ⢠Merge smoothly into the next lane; keep your vehicle under control and maintain speed. ⢠Allow proper spacing between you and the vehicles in front of and behind you. ⢠Cancel your turn signal after completely merging into the lane. When exiting an expressway: ⢠Check traffic in all directions, especially to the right, including looking over your shoulder to check your blind spot. ⢠Activate your turn signal to alert other drivers that you intend to exit. ⢠Exit at a speed appropriate for traffic conditions. Under normal conditions, your vehicleâs speed shouldnât drop below the posted minimum speed while on the expressway. ⢠Merge smoothly into the deceleration lane without driving over solid lane lines. Remain centered in your lane. ⢠Allow proper spacing between you and the vehicles around you. ⢠Once you are on the deceleration ramp, reduce your speed. ⢠Cancel your turn signal after you have merged completely into the deceleration lane. 21 Urban and residential areas: When driving in an urban or residential area: ⢠Check regularly (at least once every 5-7 seconds) for pedestrians, bicycles and moving or parked vehicles, especially in areas where children may be present. Make your traffic checks obvious to the examiner by moving your head. ⢠Maintain a âcushion of spaceâ around your vehicle. Donât crowd other vehicles and avoid driving in a pack of vehicles. ⢠Select a safe, reasonable and prudent speed that allows you to keep up with the traffic flow without exceeding the speed limit. ⢠When traveling in a multi-lane urban area, you should remain in the right lane if you are traveling slower than other traffic. ⢠Keep your vehicle centered in your lane. Donât weave outside of lane markings or into the lane of oncoming traffic. When changing lanes in an urban area: ⢠Check traffic in all directions. Check blind spots by looking over your shoulder before changing lanes. ⢠Activate your turn signal to alert other drivers that you intend to change lanes. ⢠Yield to any vehicles occupying the lane you are merging into. ⢠Merge smoothly into the next lane; keep your vehicle under control and maintain speed. ⢠Allow proper spacing between you and the vehicles around you. ⢠Cancel your turn signal after merging completely into the lane. Curves: When approaching a curve: ⢠Check traffic thoroughly in all directions. Keep your head up and remain focused ahead of the curve. ⢠Before entering the curve, reduce speed so further braking or shifting is not required in the curve. ⢠Keep both hands on the steering wheel. ⢠Maintain a safe and legal speed driving through the curve. ⢠Keep the vehicle within lane markings. 24 ⢠Accelerate evenly and smoothly without jerking the vehicle. ⢠When decelerating, brake smoothly and evenly, not too hard or too soft. Under normal circumstances, you shouldnât ride or pump the brakes. ⢠Always come to a complete stop. Donât roll through stops or allow the vehicle to drift forward or backward at stops. ⢠When driving a standard transmission vehicle, donât clash gears, rev or lug the engine. Also, know how to use the clutch properly to prevent choppy accelerating and decelerating. ⢠Make sure you are in a gear that is appropriate for the direction and speed you are traveling. ⢠Change gears smoothly and as needed, but donât coast to a stop with the gearshift lever in neutral. Once stopped, you may place the transmission in neutral. ⢠Check your speedometer occasionally to make sure you are traveling at a safe and legal speed but be careful not to look at your speedometer too frequently. Overly frequent checks of your speedometer may cause you to take your eyes off the road too often. Direction and space control: ⢠Whenever you change lanes or turn, you must use your turn signal. Once you complete a lane change, you must also remember to cancel your signal if it doesnât automatically cancel. ⢠When turning, donât touch or cross over your lane markings or hit curbs. ⢠When driving straight ahead, try to keep your vehicle centered within your lane without weaving outside of the lane markings. ⢠Donât turn from or into the incorrect lane. ⢠When driving on an expressway, in a multi-lane urban area or on a rural highway, move to the right lane if you are traveling slower than other traffic, or if vehicles are passing you on the right. ⢠When necessary, come to a complete stop behind stop lines, crosswalks, sidewalks, or at a safe place before entering an intersection (behind a stop sign, if practical). If an object is obstructing your vision, you may, after stopping behind a stop line, crosswalk, etc., roll forward and stop again as long as you stop before entering the intersection. ⢠When stopped behind other vehicles, you must be able to see, at a minimum, the rear tires of the vehicle ahead of you (safe gap). Always leave enough space to pull out and around the vehicle in front of you should it be necessary (escape route). 25 ⢠Maintain a reasonable space cushion between you and other vehicles. Donât crowd other vehicles or allow other vehicles to crowd you. Keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles will give you more time to react to hazardous situations. ⢠When merging with other traffic, be sure you maintain proper spacing in front and in back of your vehicle. Steering control: ⢠Donât palm the wheel or drive with only one hand on the wheel. Although you may have to remove a hand to adjust driver controls, donât do so while driving through an intersection, turning, or changing lanes. ⢠At all times during the skills tests, you must maintain proper control of your vehicle. Your ability to steer smoothly, recover easily from turns and control your vehicle within lane markings will be monitored carefully. ⢠When pausing to make a left turn, keep the front wheels of your vehicle pointed straight ahead until you begin your turn. If you stop with your wheels turned left, a rear end collision will likely send you into oncoming traffic. Timing: ⢠When stopping, do not brake too early or too late. Late braking can result in vehicle skidding or passengers being thrust forward in their seat. ⢠Activate your turn signal at least 100 feet ahead of where you are turning (approximately 3-4 seconds), but not so early as to mislead others as to where you are turning. ⢠Donât drive too timidly or aggressively. Overly timid driving may indicate a lack of necessary experience and skill, and overly aggressive driving may stretch you beyond your ability to handle your vehicle safely. ⢠Make sure you have enough time to complete any maneuver safely without causing other vehicles to adjust their speed or take evasive action. Your timing and ability to adjust your speed to match traffic conditions is very important. ⢠Always yield to other traffic or pedestrians in your path of travel. When you see a potentially hazardous situation, take action in advance to avoid making the situation more hazardous. 26 Miscellaneous traffic violations: Told to wear seat belt: Unless you have a physicianâs statement or waiver, a seat belt must be worn during the driving test. Refusal will result in an automatic failure. Fails to respond to stationary emergency vehicle: You are required by law to exhibit due care and caution (lane change or reduce speed as traffic/roadway permits) when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle. Other: When the vehicle is in motion, you must obey all traffic laws. Completion of the Driving Skills Test Once you have completed your Driving Skills Test, the examiner will review your results and give you feedback on your driving performance. If you donât successfully complete your test, you may reschedule a subsequent test after 24 hours. Tests terminated due to driver performance cannot be rescheduled for the same day. If you successfully complete your Driving Skills Test, the examiner will issue a Driving Skills Test Receipt. The examiner is required to sign it before presenting it to you. The Driving Skills Test Receipt is not a license. To obtain your Temporary Operatorâs Permit (TOP), you will either visit a Secretary of State branch office or print your TOP by logging onto your online services account on Michigan.gov/SOS. Check your receipt for further instructions. Michigan Supervised Driving Log Parents or guardians are responsible for making certain that their teen has complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with 10 of those hours completed at night. The 50 hours may be completed with a licensed parent or legal guardian, any licensed driver 21 years of age or older designated by the parent or legal guardian, or a teen-certified driver education provider. The goal is for your teen to be as prepared as possible for their Level 2 Intermediate License. A supervised driving log must be presented to your teenâs Segment 2 Driver Education instructor to show that at least 30 hours (including 2 hours of nighttime driving) were completed before beginning the course. The log will need to be shown again to a Driving Skills Test Examiner showing that at least 50 hours (including 10 hours of nighttime driving) were completed before the teen is allowed to take the Driving Skills Test. The log that follows and the free mobile app, RoadReadyÂŽ, are the preferred formats. Other driving log formats will be accepted. If using the mobile app, RoadReadyÂŽ, the information may be printed from the app or shown on the mobile device. Driving at Night
Skill | Amount Weather âSupervisor's
No, | of Time Conditions Initials
If more space is needed, addtional pages may be attached.
Total Night Hours (10 minimum):
Driver's Name
Level 1 Learner's License Number
âAccording to the Michigan Vehicle Code, PA 300 of 1949, as amended, a person may be issued a Level 2 graduated licensing status the
person presents a certification by the parent or guardian thatthe person, accompanied by his or her licensed parent or legal guardian cr,
With the permission of the parent or legal guardian, ay licensed driver 21 years of age or older, as accumulated a total of nt less than
50 hours of behind-the-whee! experience including not less than 10 nighttime hours.
âThe signature ofthe parent or legal guardian below signifies thatthe driver named above has completed the above requirements.
Parent or Legal Guardianâs Signature
Rev. 07/2017
An alternative format of this material may be obtained by contacting the Department of State (888) SOS-MICH (767-6424). SOS-360 online (rev. 03/2021) Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson Michigan.gov/SOS