Driver's Training: Who Offers it in Macomb? What Do Teens Need for a License?

Four months before their 15th birthday, Macomb Township teens can begin learning to drive as part of Michigan's Graduated Drivers License system. The program, aimed at giving students under 18 as much preparation for driving as possible, includes two segments of driver's education classes with classroom time, behind-the-wheel time and two written exams.

But where do you find these classes and how do you begin the process of driver's training for your teen?

There are several local driver's education companies located within or around Macomb. Each one offers training segments 1 and 2 and will walk parents through the process before the teen drives away. It might seem overwhelming at first, going through so much preparation, but statistics have shown more time practicing and less distractions in the vehicle can lead to less accidents by teens.

The folks at Ace Driving School feel the same way.

"The sooner (they drive), the better then they can get more practice and parental supervision," said Office Manager Joanne Rose. Ace Driving uses mid size vehicles for their behind-the-wheel instruction. They have five teachers at the Macomb location for Segment 1 and 2 classes but do not offer the additional Driving Road Test.

"We feel it is not a good idea for the same company to do the road testing for our own students," Rose said. "We will recommend where to go."

So what do parents of teens need to do in preparation of their teen learning to drive? To begin, parents must first look at what is required of teens as part of the graduated license program so they can plan their time accordingly.

Teens will go through both Segment 1 and Segment 2 before attempting to pass a driver's test for their license at age 16. Most programs have a fee that includes both segments, the vehicle training, and the written exams. The road test is a separate additional test taken once both segments are completed and passed.

Segment 1

Segment 1 is designed to instruct the teen driver before they get behind the wheel. There's a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction, six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction and four hours of observation time in a training vehicle.

Students must be at least 14 years, 8 months old and have parent/guardian permission to take this segment.

Once completed, the student receives a Level 1 Learner's License (better known as the driver's permit) allowing them to drive only with a parent or designated licensed adult age 21 or older.

Drivers then need to complete at least 30 hours of the required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice driving with a parent, including two of the 10 hours of night driving, and no less than three consecutive months with this Level 1 License before moving on.

Segment 2

Segment 2 is less intense classroom time with much more behind-the-wheel focus. There are six hours of classroom time required with a written exam. Students then need to complete their 50 hours behind the wheel and 10 hours of night driving before attempting the Off road and on road driver's test allowed to 16 year olds.

Both Segment 1 and Segment 2 could be completed in a minimum of six months time, but since students can begin so young, they really have one year and four months to spend in driver's education before turning 16 and taking a test. And as parents, you can choose to have your teen wait until you feel he or she is ready to take any of the testing.

Training Programs and Test Sites in Macomb

Ace Driving School, 16741 21 Mile Rd., Macomb Township

• Upcoming classes are offered Monday through Wednesday, with additional times offered in the summer months. Next session starts April 30.
• Cost is $300 with an additional cost of $50 for Segment 2.
• Call 586-412-0440.

Courtesy Driving School, classes held at

• Spring classes begin May 7, with summer classes offered as well.
• Call for class pricing, 800-256-9559.

Solomon Driving School, 52126 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township

• Next session starts April 23. Cost for Segment 1 is $210, Segment 2 is $30.
• Call 586-731-7776.

Premier Driving School, Mount Clemens Ice Arena

• Next session starts May 1.
• They also offer Road Testing at St. Louis Church in Clinton Township.
• Segment 1 is $255 plus $10 for gas. Segment 2 is $40.
• Call 586-741-3748.

Johnny's Road Test23401 23 Mile Rd., Macomb Township

• Johnny's offers Road Testing for the driver who has completed both segments and is 16 and ready to begin driving.
• The fee is $45 and includes driver testing skills in a parking lot followed by a road test. Each test is approximately an hour.
• Call 586-212-8050.

What is a graduated license?

Drivers age 16 and 17 have the highest crash rates of any age group, according to the Michigan State Police. In 2009 there were 996,196 licensed drivers in the 16-24 age group–22 percent were involved in crashes including 238 fatal, according to MSP. 

This first six months of unsupervised driving is the most crucial time for parents to be involved. The graduated license is aimed at improving these statistics.

Level 2

Once a student has achieved a Level 2 license, he or she can drive without a parent. However, teen drivers are not allowed to operate a vehicle between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. except when driving to or from employment, an authorized activity or while accompanied by a parent or adult.

Michigan law also prohibits teen with a Lvel 2 license from driving with more than one passenger who is under 21 years, with the exception of immediate family members, driving to employment or when accompanied by a parent or licensed driver who is 21 years of age and designated by the parent.

Level 3

At age 17, students are eligible to receive their Level 3 license, which they may get only after a minimum of six months at Level 2 and 12 consecutive months of crash and violation free driving at both levels 1 and 2. Level 3 has full driving privileges with no restrictions.

Any teens ticketed and convicted of violating the restriction of their GDL licenses will be referred for a driver assessment reexamination by the Michigan Department of State, who may suspend the teen's license for 30 days up to a year delaying the teen's advancement through GDL.