Penalties & Licensing

Study questions with answers

12 sample Penalties & Licensing questions with the correct answer, a short explanation, and the official handbook reference. Read through them, then take the quiz above.

1. 1. Points assigned for a traffic conviction stay on your Michigan record for:

   Correct answer: Two years from the conviction date

   Points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the conviction.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Michigan's point system (Ch. 2)

2. 2. Newly licensed Michigan drivers are on probation for at least:

   Correct answer: Three years

   All newly licensed drivers, including GDL teens, are on probation for at least three years so their driving can be monitored.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Probationary license program (Ch. 1)

3. 3. Disobeying a traffic signal or a stop sign adds how many points?

   Correct answer: 3 points

   Running a signal or stop sign, or passing improperly, is a 3-point violation.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Michigan's point system (Ch. 2)

4. 4. A driver with a GDL Level 1 Learner's License may drive only when:

   Correct answer: A licensed adult 21 or older is in the front seat

   At Level 1, a teen may drive only with a licensed parent, guardian, or designated adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Graduated Driver Licensing (Ch. 1)

5. 5. A temporary instruction permit (TIP) in Michigan is valid for:

   Correct answer: 180 days

   A TIP is good for 180 days and lets you practice with a licensed adult before the skills test.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Temporary instruction permit (Ch. 1)

6. 6. Points are added to your driving record only after you are:

   Correct answer: Convicted of a moving violation

   Points are posted only after a conviction for a moving violation, not simply when you receive a ticket.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Michigan's point system (Ch. 2)

7. 7. A standard Michigan driver's license is usually valid for:

   Correct answer: Four years

   In most cases the license lasts four years, ending on the birthday shown on the card.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Renewing your license (Ch. 1)

8. 8. Reaching a total of 12 or more points in a two-year span will:

   Correct answer: Require a driver reexamination

   Building up 12 or more points across two years requires you to attend a driver assessment reexamination.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Michigan's point system (Ch. 2)

9. 9. Under a GDL Level 2 Intermediate License, driving is generally prohibited between:

   Correct answer: 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

   Level 2 drivers may not drive from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. unless an exception, such as supervision or work, applies.

   Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Graduated Driver Licensing (Ch. 1)

10. 10. Reckless driving is scored on the Michigan point system as a:

    Correct answer: 6-point violation

    Reckless driving is one of the most serious offenses, worth 6 points.

    Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Michigan's point system (Ch. 2)

11. 11. Before a teen can take the driving skills test, the driving log must show at least:

    Correct answer: 50 hours of driving, including 10 at night

    Before the skills test, a teen's log must show a minimum of 50 supervised hours behind the wheel, of which at least 10 are after dark.

    Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Graduated Driver Licensing (Ch. 1)

12. 12. Driving 16 mph or more over the posted limit carries how many points?

    Correct answer: 4 points

    Speeding 16 mph or more over the limit is a 4-point violation.

    Source: Michigan: What Every Driver Must Know - Michigan's point system (Ch. 2)