Michigan: Driving record & points
The point system, license suspensions, and driver reexamination. Split into 2 shorter tests so you're not stuck in one long quiz.
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Driving record & points — Part 1
Questions in this part include: “How long do points remain on a Michigan driver's record after a conviction?”
StartDriving record & points — Part 2
Questions in this part include: “How many points are assessed for failing to yield to, or show due caution for, an emergency vehicle?”
StartAll 47 Driving record & points questions with answers
Choose a part above to take a practice test, or study every question and answer here.
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How long do most convictions generally remain on a Michigan driving record, and which type of conviction stays on the record permanently?
- At least 3 years; license suspensions and revocations remain permanently
- At least 7 years; fatality or impaired-driving convictions remain permanently
- At least 5 years; speeding and reckless driving convictions remain permanently
- At least 10 years; all convictions remain permanently
Show answer
Correct answer: At least 7 years; fatality or impaired-driving convictions remain permanently
Most convictions stay on the record for at least seven years, but a conviction for a fatality or impaired driving stays on the record permanently.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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How long do points remain on a Michigan driver's record after a conviction?
- Until the license is renewed
- One year from the conviction date
- Two years from the conviction date
- Three years from the conviction date
Show answer
Correct answer: Two years from the conviction date
Points placed on a driving record remain there for two years from the date of conviction.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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Which totals of violations or points on a Michigan driving record within a two-year period will trigger a required driver assessment reexamination?
- Four or more one-point violations, or 8 or more points
- Six or more one-point violations, or 12 or more points
- Two or more one-point violations, or 6 or more points
- Ten or more one-point violations, or 20 or more points
Show answer
Correct answer: Six or more one-point violations, or 12 or more points
Six or more one-point violations, or 12 or more points, within a two-year period requires a driver assessment reexamination.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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How many points are posted to a Michigan driving record for a careless driving conviction?
- Two points
- Six points
- Three points
- Four points
Show answer
Correct answer: Three points
A careless driving conviction is worth three points under Michigan's point system.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Under Michigan's point system, how many points result from disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign, or making an improper pass?
- One point
- Four points
- Six points
- Three points
Show answer
Correct answer: Three points
Disobeying a traffic signal or stop sign, or improper passing, is a three-point violation.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Outside a work zone, driving 6 to 10 mph over the posted speed limit adds how many points to a Michigan driving record?
- One point
- Two points
- Four points
- Six points
Show answer
Correct answer: Two points
Outside a work zone, exceeding the speed limit by 6 to 10 mph is a two-point violation.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Outside a work zone, driving 11 to 15 mph over the posted speed limit adds how many points to a Michigan driving record?
- Two points
- Three points
- Six points
- Four points
Show answer
Correct answer: Three points
Outside a work zone, exceeding the speed limit by 11 to 15 mph is a three-point violation (16 mph or more over the limit is what triggers four points). Higher points apply in work zones.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How many points does a conviction for drag racing add to a Michigan driving record?
- Six points
- Four points
- Two points
- Three points
Show answer
Correct answer: Four points
Drag racing is listed as a four-point violation.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Which of these is a six-point violation on a Michigan driving record?
- Drag racing
- Driving 6 to 10 mph over the speed limit
- Fleeing or eluding a police officer
- An open alcohol container in the vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: Fleeing or eluding a police officer
Six-point violations include reckless driving, fleeing or eluding a police officer, OWI, and refusing a chemical alcohol test, among others.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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If a driver has no prior drug convictions, how long is the Michigan license suspension for a drug conviction, and when can a restricted license be issued?
- Three months; a restricted license may be issued immediately
- Six months; a restricted license will not be issued during the first 30 days
- One year; a restricted license will not be issued during the first 60 days
- Six months; a restricted license may be issued immediately
Show answer
Correct answer: Six months; a restricted license will not be issued during the first 30 days
With no prior drug violations, the license is suspended for six months, and a restricted license will not be issued during the first 30 days of that suspension.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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For a driver with one or more prior drug convictions within the past seven years, how long is a subsequent drug-related license suspension, and when can a restricted license be issued?
- Six months, with no restricted license for the first 30 days
- Two years, with no restricted license allowed at all
- One year, with no restricted license for the first 60 days
- 90 days, with no restricted license for the first 15 days
Show answer
Correct answer: One year, with no restricted license for the first 60 days
One or more prior drug convictions within seven years means the license is suspended for one year, with no restricted license during the first 60 days.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Under Michigan law, how much marijuana may a person age 21 or older legally transport?
- 1 ounce or less
- 2.5 ounces or less
- 5 ounces or less
- No amount may legally be transported in a vehicle
Show answer
Correct answer: 2.5 ounces or less
Michigan law permits a person age 21 or older to transport 2.5 ounces or less of marijuana.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Being involved in how many traffic crashes resulting in personal injury or property damage over the past two years can trigger a Michigan driver reexamination?
- Two or more
- Three or more
- Five or more
- One, regardless of fault
Show answer
Correct answer: Three or more
Involvement in three or more crashes resulting in personal injury or property damage over the past two years is one of the criteria allowing a driver reexamination.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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Under Michigan's point system, how many points are generally assessed for 'all other moving violations of traffic laws' not otherwise specifically listed?
- 4 points
- 0 points
- 2 points
- 1 point
Show answer
Correct answer: 2 points
All other moving violations of traffic laws not otherwise listed generally carry 2 points, the same as the baseline speeding category.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How many points are added for having an open alcohol container in the vehicle?
- 4 points
- 2 points
- 6 points
- 3 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 2 points
An open alcohol container in the vehicle carries 2 points.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How many points are assessed against a driver younger than 21 who refuses a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT)?
- 2 points
- 6 points
- 4 points
- 0 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 2 points
Refusal of a Preliminary Breath Test by anyone younger than 21 carries 2 points.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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What is the Michigan driver's license reinstatement fee following a drug-related suspension?
- $200
- $25
- $125
- $50
Show answer
Correct answer: $125
The driver's license reinstatement fee for a drug conviction is $125, separate from the reinstatement fee required for any other driving activity.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Within the legal 2.5-ounce marijuana transport limit, how much of it may be in the form of a marijuana concentrate?
- Up to the full 2.5 ounces
- Concentrates are never allowed
- Not more than 15 grams
- Not more than 1 gram
Show answer
Correct answer: Not more than 15 grams
Not more than 15 grams of the legal 2.5-ounce marijuana allowance may be in the form of a marijuana concentrate.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Which of the following is illegal under Michigan law regarding marijuana and driving?
- Transporting less than 2.5 ounces if you are 21 or older
- Having a passenger who is 21 or older
- Consuming marijuana while operating a motor vehicle
- Possessing a valid driver's license
Show answer
Correct answer: Consuming marijuana while operating a motor vehicle
It is illegal to consume marijuana while operating, navigating or being in physical control of a motor vehicle (or aircraft, snowmobile, off-road recreational vehicle or motorboat), or to drive any of these while under the influence of marijuana; drivers and passengers may not smoke marijuana in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public way.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Under Michigan's implied consent law, what happens if you refuse a chemical test, and when is consent considered given?
- There is no penalty for refusing; consent is given only at the scene
- Consent must be given separately in writing before every drive
- Only commercial drivers are subject to implied consent
- A license suspension; you consent when you apply for and renew your license
Show answer
Correct answer: A license suspension; you consent when you apply for and renew your license
Refusing a chemical test results in a license suspension under Michigan's implied consent law; all drivers are considered to have given consent to the test when they apply for and renew their license.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Penalties for operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana can include which of the following?
- Up to 93 days in jail, up to a $500 fine, suspension and 6 points
- A verbal warning only, with no points on your driving record
- A mandatory 10-year license revocation and a $5,000 fine
- Community service only, with no fine or jail time
Show answer
Correct answer: Up to 93 days in jail, up to a $500 fine, suspension and 6 points
Penalties for operating under the influence of marijuana are the same as for alcohol: up to 93 days in jail, up to a $500 fine, license suspension, 6 points, and more, with heightened penalties if minors are in the vehicle.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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If you are a probationary driver or in the Graduated Driver Licensing program, after how many violations might you be required to attend a driver reexamination?
- After only one or two violations
- Only after 12 or more points
- Only after 6 or more violations, same as other drivers
- Reexamination never applies to GDL drivers
Show answer
Correct answer: After only one or two violations
Probationary or Graduated Driver Licensing drivers may be required to attend a driver reexamination after only one or two violations.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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A driver reexamination may be triggered by a crash resulting in a fatality if the crash report indicates...
- That you were negligent or had been drinking
- That the other driver was at fault
- That the crash occurred at night
- That your vehicle was more than 10 years old
Show answer
Correct answer: That you were negligent or had been drinking
Any crash resulting in a fatality where the crash report indicates you were negligent or had been drinking may trigger a driver reexamination.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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Being convicted of violating the restrictions, terms, or conditions of your license can result in...
- Automatic license renewal
- A reduction in points
- No consequence, since restrictions are only suggestions
- A required driver reexamination
Show answer
Correct answer: A required driver reexamination
A driver reexamination may be required if you have been convicted of violating the restrictions, terms or conditions of your license.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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A driver reexamination held due to medical issues may require you to...
- Retake only the written knowledge test, with no vision check
- Pay a one-time medical waiver fee instead of taking any tests
- Provide only your doctor's name and phone number, with no tests
- Pass vision, written and road exams, and show current medical information
Show answer
Correct answer: Pass vision, written and road exams, and show current medical information
A reexamination held due to medical issues may require passing vision, written and on-road exams, and presenting current medical, vision or psychological information.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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How many points are assessed for failing to yield to, or show due caution for, an emergency vehicle?
- 6 points
- 4 points
- 3 points
- 2 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 2 points
Failure to yield or show due caution for emergency vehicles carries 2 points.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How many points does Michigan assess for failing to yield in a way that causes the death or injury of an emergency responder, construction worker, or person operating implements of animal husbandry?
- 6 points
- 2 points
- 4 points
- 3 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 points
Failure to yield causing death or injury of an emergency responder, construction worker, or person operating implements of animal husbandry carries 6 points.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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According to the manual, which of the following contain approximately the same amount of alcohol?
- 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine and 1.5 oz of whiskey
- 12 oz of beer, 12 oz of wine and 1.5 oz of whiskey
- Only wine and beer, not whiskey
- None of these are comparable
Show answer
Correct answer: 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine and 1.5 oz of whiskey
A 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine and a 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey all contain the same amount of alcohol, and affect the body the same way.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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According to the manual, what is the only thing that can sober up someone who has been drinking?
- Time
- Drinking coffee
- Taking a cold shower
- Exercise
Show answer
Correct answer: Time
Many people mistakenly believe coffee, a cold shower, exercise or fresh air can sober someone up; the manual states the only thing that sobers you up is time.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Under Michigan's Driver Privacy Protection Act, when may personal information from your driving record be released to others?
- Only for a permissible use set by law, such as insurance rating
- To anyone who requests it in writing and pays the record fee
- Never, under any circumstance, even to the police or courts
- Only to your employer, after you sign a release form
Show answer
Correct answer: Only for a permissible use set by law, such as insurance rating
Personal information on your driving record is private and released only for a permissible use prescribed by law, such as insurance rating, automobile recalls, and driver verification for car rental companies.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 13 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 13)
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Are the points posted to your Michigan driving record the same system an insurance company uses to set your rate?
- No, the two point systems are separate
- Yes, they are identical
- Only for commercial drivers
- Only if you have 6+ points
Show answer
Correct answer: No, the two point systems are separate
The system used to post points to your driving record is separate from the points an insurance company assigns to determine your rate.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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If you believe there are extenuating circumstances for a traffic ticket you received, where must you raise them?
- By calling the Secretary of State's office
- By emailing the police department
- Extenuating circumstances are never considered
- When you appear in court for the ticket
Show answer
Correct answer: When you appear in court for the ticket
Extenuating circumstances must be submitted when you appear in court; the Secretary of State cannot set aside a court conviction.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How many points does a conviction for manslaughter, negligent homicide, or another felony involving the use of a motor vehicle add to your Michigan driving record?
- 4 points
- 2 points
- 6 points
- 3 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 points
Manslaughter, negligent homicide, or another felony involving the use of a motor vehicle carries 6 points, the maximum point category.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, or with any presence of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine, adds how many points to your driving record?
- 6 points
- 4 points
- 2 points
- 3 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 points
Operating while intoxicated, or operating with any presence of a Schedule 1 drug or cocaine, is a 6-point violation.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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How many points are added for failing to stop and give identification at the scene of a crash?
- 6 points
- 2 points
- 4 points
- 3 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 points
Failing to stop and give identification at the scene of a crash is a 6-point violation.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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A conviction for reckless driving in Michigan adds how many points to your driving record?
- 4 points
- 2 points
- 6 points
- 3 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 points
Reckless driving is a 6-point violation on your Michigan driving record.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Refusing to take a chemical alcohol test, and fleeing or eluding a police officer, are each worth how many points on your Michigan driving record?
- 4 points each
- 3 points each
- 6 points each
- 2 points each
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 points each
Both refusal to take a chemical alcohol test and fleeing or eluding a police officer are 6-point violations.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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A moving violation that causes injury or death adds how many points to a Michigan driving record?
- 6 points
- 4 points
- 3 points
- 2 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 6 points
A moving violation causing injury or death is a 6-point violation, the highest category on Michigan's point system.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Driving 16 mph or more over the legal speed limit adds how many points to your Michigan driving record?
- 6 points
- 3 points
- 2 points
- 4 points
Show answer
Correct answer: 4 points
Driving 16 mph or more over the legal speed limit is a 4-point violation, the same category as drag racing and impaired driving.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 14 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 14)
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Does a Michigan drug-related driver's license suspension apply only if you were driving at the time of the offense?
- It applies only to CDL holders
- It applies only to repeat offenders
- No; it applies even if you were not driving
- Yes, it only applies while actively driving
Show answer
Correct answer: No; it applies even if you were not driving
Michigan law requires driver's license suspensions for drug convictions even if you were not driving at the time of the offense; even possession, manufacture, or distribution of drugs may result in a suspension.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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Under Michigan law, is it legal to transport marijuana into Canada?
- No, it is illegal
- Yes, if the amount is under 2.5 ounces
- Yes, with a special permit
- Only for medicinal marijuana
Show answer
Correct answer: No, it is illegal
It is illegal to transport marijuana into Canada, regardless of the amount or Michigan's own legal transport allowance.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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According to the manual, what effects can consuming even just one alcoholic drink have on your driving ability?
- It can slow your reactions, dull concentration and cause visual problems
- It has no measurable effect on driving ability if you eat first
- It only affects long-distance highway driving after dark
- It only affects drivers over age 65 or those who are tired
Show answer
Correct answer: It can slow your reactions, dull concentration and cause visual problems
Consuming even one drink can impair your ability to drive, slow your reaction time, dull your concentration, and cause visual problems.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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According to the manual, what should you do if someone you know has been drinking or using drugs and is about to drive?
- Don't let them drive; find a designated driver or call a taxi
- Let them drive if they go slowly and stay on back roads
- Give them coffee and let them drive after 15 minutes
- It is not your responsibility to intervene
Show answer
Correct answer: Don't let them drive; find a designated driver or call a taxi
If someone you know has been drinking or using drugs, do not let them drive; find a designated driver, call a taxi, or insist they use public transportation, and if necessary take away their keys and offer a place to sleep.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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How do law enforcement officers look for driver impairment, according to the manual?
- Only by checking the driver's vehicle registration
- Only by asking the driver directly if they have been drinking
- Only through random roadside breathalyzer checkpoints
- By driving behavior, observations of the driver and field sobriety tests
Show answer
Correct answer: By driving behavior, observations of the driver and field sobriety tests
Law enforcement officers look for impairment based on driving, personal observations of the driver, and how the driver performs on standardized and non-standardized field sobriety tests.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 15 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 15)
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One of the criteria allowing a Michigan driver reexamination is if the Secretary of State has reason to believe you...
- Are unfit to drive a motor vehicle
- Have exceeded the speed limit exactly once
- Are under age 25
- Have changed your address
Show answer
Correct answer: Are unfit to drive a motor vehicle
A driver reexamination can be required if the Secretary of State has reason to believe you are unfit to drive a motor vehicle or have a physical, visual or mental condition that makes it unsafe for you to operate one.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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If you are required to attend a driver reexamination, who reviews your driving record and discusses your driving behavior with you?
- A driver analyst
- A judge
- A police officer only
- Your insurance agent
Show answer
Correct answer: A driver analyst
A driver analyst will review your driving record and discuss your driving behavior with you at a required reexamination.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)
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If your license is restricted, suspended or revoked as a result of a driver reexamination, what will you be informed of?
- Your appeal rights and license reinstatement information
- Nothing further; the decision is final with no recourse
- Only the date of your next birthday
- Only your new insurance premium
Show answer
Correct answer: Your appeal rights and license reinstatement information
If your license is restricted, suspended or revoked as a result of the reexamination, you will be informed of your appeal rights and license reinstatement information.
Source: What Every Driver Must Know (October 2025), page 16 · Open this page in the manual (Manual page 16)