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ALERT DRIVING SCHOOLS (248) 855-1-2-3-4 ...preferred by Indian Community of Michigan

Registration Form - Segment 1 (Two Pages) (Adobe PDF) (MS Word ) Registration Form - Segment 2 (Two Pages) (Adobe PDF) (MS Word )

Common Parent / Teenager / Student / Adult Questions Click to Print This Page

1. Michigan law requires both a Segment 1 and Segment 2 driver education program for students under the age of eighteen.
What are the instructional time requirements for the Segment 1 and Segment 2 programs?
2. At what age may students enroll in a Segment 1 driver education program?
3. When is a student eligible to secure a Level 1 Learner's License?
4. When can a student enroll in a Segment 2 driver education program?
5. Are parents required to provide additional on-the-street driving experience?
6. Who is required to take a road test?
7. What are the required skills test elements and the time needed to complete each of them?
8. What are the required excercises one must perform in the Basic Controls Skill Test?
9. Do I have to pass the Basic Controls Skill Test to continue with the On-Road Driving Test? If yes, what is the minimum points requirement?
10. What are the required excercises one must perform in the On-Road Driving Skill Test?
11. What is the minimum points requirement to obtain a passing score in the On-Road Driving Skill Test?
12. What are the possible causes of Automatic Failure during the Off-Road and On-Road Driving Skill Tests?
13. Can I see and practice an online simulation of the Driving Skill Tests for free? If yes, where on the internet?
14. Do I have to answer any verbal questions during the On-Road Driving Skill Test? If yes, what are they?
15. What are the various traffic signs and signals i may encounter during the On-Road Driving Skill Test?
16. How long will my new driver's license be valid?
17. Where can i find more information about obtaining a Driver's License and other Traffic Laws?
18. What are the must-have items you should carry before you get behind the wheels of your vehicle?
19. How to use Jumper Cables?
20. How to use a Portable Charger?
21. How to change a Flat Tire?
22. How to change your vehicle's oil?
23. Once you have your license and a vehicle to drive, what are the fundamental things you need to do?
24. What are the most important things you must do before you buy a new or used vehicle?
25. What is leasing a vehicle? What are the upsides and downsides to leasing?
26. What documents are needed to apply for a Michigan driving license?

1. Michigan law requires both a Segment 1 and Segment 2 driver education program for students under the age of eighteen.
What are the instructional time requirements for the Segment 1 and Segment 2 programs?

The Segment 1 driver education program consists of 24 hours in the classroom (twelve two-hour sessions) and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction. The Segment 2 program consists of 6 hours in the classroom (three two-hour classroom sessions) focusing on defensive driving/traffic safety.

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2. At what age may students enroll in a Segment 1 driver education program?

Students are permitted to enroll in a Segment 1 program at the age of 14 years and 8 months.

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3. When is a student eligible to secure a Level 1 Learner's License?

The student will be eligible to secure a Level 1 Learner's License upon successful completion of a Segment 1 driver education program and having reached the age of 14 years and 9 months.

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4. When can a student enroll in a Segment 2 driver education program?

A minimum of 90 days must elapse between the student's completion of Segment 1 and enrollment in Segment 2. The student must accumulate a minimum of 30 hours behind the wheel with a licensed parent/guardian before beginning Segment 2.

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5. Are parents required to provide additional on-the-street driving experience?

Yes. After the Level 1 Learner's License has been issued, a parent/legal guardian must drive with their son/daughter for a minimum of 6 months (180 days). Within that six-month period, a parent/legal guardian is expected to provide a minimum of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience. Ten of the fifty hours shall be night time driving. NOTE: When issued the Level 1 Learner's License at any Secretary of State branch office, the student will receive a copy of the booklet, Road Skills Test Study Guide. The guide gives a detailed description of the road test--including a Student Driving Experience Log (on the last pages) where the student should keep a record of their driving experience. On the day of the road test, the signature of a parent/legal guardian will be required--documenting that the student has driven a minimum of 50 hours (ten of which have been night time driving).

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6. Who is required to take a road test?

All new driver license applicants are required to take a road skills test. After a Level 1 License has been held for a minimum of six months (180 days), the student becomes eligible to take a road test. (The student must have a Certificate of Completion from Segment 2 in order to be road tested. There is no minimum holding period for the Certificate of Completion from Segment 2.) To schedule a road skills test in Michigan, a third party tester must be contacted. Independent testing agencies are listed in the SBC Ameritech Yellow Pages under the heading, "Driver License Road Testing--Certified." All Secretary of State branch offices provide a "courtesy" list of Detroit Metro Third Party Testers. To assist you in your search for a road tester, refer to "Scheduling a Road Skills Test" in the "Road Skills Test Study Guide (SOS-360, automobile tests)". On the internet, use www.michigan.gov/sos to access the list of approved Detroit Metro Third Party Road Testers (listed by county).
Alert Driving School is a third-party road tester; we do give road tests. Alert Driving School offers road test through one of our 5 test sites. Start your driving experience with us and finish with us!

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7. What are the required skills test elements and the time needed to complete each of them?

TEST TYPE	VEHICLE INSPECTION	BASIC CONTROL SKILLS	ON-STREET DRIVING TEST	TOTAL TIME
Automobile	5 minutes (not scored)	10 minutes (scored)	30 minutes (scored)	45 minutes

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8. What are the required excercises one must perform in the Basic Controls (off-road) Skill Test?

There are three required excercises one must perform in the Basic Controls Skill Test. They are -
1) Forward Stop Line
2) Curved path backing - sight side (Y-turn) and right turn
3) Curved path backing - blind side (Parallel Park)

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9. Do I have to pass the Basic Controls Skill Test to continue with the On-Road Driving Test? If yes, what is the minimum points requirement?

Yes, you have to pass the off-road Basic Controls Skill Test before you can appear for the On-Road Driving Test. To pass this segment you must complete the basic control skills tests with six (6) errors or less.

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10. What are the required excercises one must perform in the On-Road Driving Skill Test?

In the On-Road Driving Skill Test, one has to skillfully perform the following maneuvers -
*Left turns with varying difficulty.
*Right turns with varying difficulty.
*Intersections that involve stopping then driving straight through.
*Intersections that involve stopping then 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.

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11. What is the minimum points requirement to obtain a passing score in the On-Road Driving Skill Test?

To obtain a passing score in the On-Road Driving Skill Test, you must not accumulate more than 25 points or receive an automatic failure.

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12. What are the possible causes of Automatic Failure during the Off-Road and On-Road Driving Skill Tests?

Following are some of the reasons that could lead to Automatic Failure during the Off-Road and On-Road Driving Skill Tests -
*Disregarding instructions or refusal to perform instructed maneuver.
*Repeated failure to follow instructions will result in a test termination.
*Offering the examiner a bribe or gratuity.
*Refusal to wear a safety belt.
*Any accident (may result in failure).
*Traffic violations or hazardous actions.
*Exhibit behaviour that demonstrates you may be a dangerously inexperienced driver.

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13. Can I see and practice an online simulation of the Driving Skill Tests for free? If yes, where on the internet?

Yes, you can see and practice an online simulation of the Driving Skill Tests for free at the following website on the internet -
Drivers Ed Driving Test simulation Game

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14. Do I have to answer any verbal questions during the On-Road Driving Skill Test? If yes, what are they?

Yes, you have to answer two questions verbally during the On-Road Driving Skill Test -
1)What you would do if an oncoming vehicle were headed directly at you in your lane?
2)What you would do if you approach a railroad crossing?

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15. What are the various traffic signs and signals i may encounter during the On-Road Driving Skill Test?

You may encounter the following traffic signs and signals during the On-Road Driving Skill Test -
*Regulatory Signs
*Warning Signs
*Slow-Moving Vehicles
*Guide Signs
*Route Markers
*Pavement Markings
*Traffic Control Signals
*Railroad Crossings
*School Areas
*Construction and Maintenance
*Pedestrian Signals

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16. How long will my new driver's license be valid?

Your new driver's license will expire in 3 years (minimum) after which it has to be renewed .

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17. Where can i find more information about obtaining a Driver's License and other Traffic Laws?

Refer to "What Every Driver Must Know" which is available at any Secretary of State branch office . It contains details about operating a motor vehicle safely on Michigan roads .
Or, download online and read Michigan Government's "Driving Skills Test Study Guide (Adobe PDF)", "Michigan Driver's License Information (Adobe PDF)" and "Michigan?s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program - Guide for Parents and their Teens (Adobe PDF)" .

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18. What are the must-have items you should carry before you get behind the wheels of your vehicle?

License and Registration documents, Insurance Card, an Inflated Spare Tire, a Jack, Jumper Cables, a Portable Battery Charger, a Flashlight, a Tool to Break your Windshield, Cell Phone .

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19. How to use Jumper Cables?

• Move the two cars close enough so that the cables can stretch from the battery in your car to the battery in the booster car, but be sure the two vehicles are not touching.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights, radios, etc., in both vehicles.
• Attach the clamps of the jumpefr cables in this order:
  
  • First, attach one clamp of a cable to the positive (+) post of your battery. (The positive post is the one that is colored red.)
  • Then, attach the other end of the same cable to the positive (+) post of the booster battery.
  • Next, take the other cable and attach one clamp to the negative (-) post of the booster battery. (The negative post is the black one.)
  • Finally, attach the end of that cable to a solid metal part of your engine, away from the battery. (Do not connect the cable to any moving part.)
  • Start the engine of the booster car and let it run for a few minutes at a fast idle, about 2,000 rpm, if it has a tachometer, to make sure that the battery is fully charged.
  • Turn the key to start your engine. Once it starts, leave the jumper cables connected and let your engine run at a fast idle, about 2,000 rpm, for several minutes.
  • Carefully remove the cables in the reverse order that you attached them (starting with the negative cables first).

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20. How to use a Portable Charger?

• Turn off your ignition.
• Attach the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) post of your battery first, then attach the negative (-) cable to a solid metal part of your engine.
• Turn on your ignition and your car should start.
• Remove the negative cable first, then the positive cable.

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21. How to change a Flat Tire?

• Pull well off the road and onto a level area if possible.
• Put the car in park and apply the parking brake. If your car has a manual transmission, put the car in reverse or first gear. Put on your hazard lights.
• Take out the spare tire, the jack, and the lug wrench.
• Remove the hubcap if there is one on the wheel. (You can pop it off with a screwdriver or the jack handle.)
• Before trying to lift the car up with the jack, loosen each lug nut one turn counterclockwise while the car is still on the ground. (The lug nuts are the bolts that attach the wheel to the car.)
• Place the jack under a reinforced section of the body of the car. Your owner's manual will tell you where these sections are.
• Jack the car up until the flat tire is a few inches off the ground.
• Remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off.
• Place the spare tire on the axle, and line the holes up with the posts.
• Put the lug nuts back on and tighten them lightly.
• Lower the car and remove the jack.
• Tighten the lug nuts firmly.
• The first chance you get, have your flat repaired or replaced and put it back on the car. Stow your repair away in the trunk. If you have one of the small doughnut spares, remember- these are not like regular tires. They are intended for emergency use only and are not meant to be driven over long distances.

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22. How to change your vehicle's oil?

Here are 12 easy-to-follow steps with images on how to change your vehicle's engine oil on a regular basis to extend its life significantly...
WikiHow's How-To Online Manual on How to Change Your Car's Motor Oil
NOTE: Refer to your owner's manual for exact manufacturer's recommendations to determine your maintenance schedule. Remember if you follow these basics of oil changes, your used vehicle will continue to perform like a new one and make automotive industry's famous saying "Oil's Well That Ends Well" a reality!

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23. Once you have your license and a vehicle to drive, what are the fundamental things you need to do?

First thing is to make sure you can find and work the various switches and devices you will need to drive the vehicle which include Front lights (regular and high beam), Turn signals, Windshield wipers (front and rear), Hazard lights, Defroster (front and rear), Air conditioner, Heater, Gas cover release lever, Hood release lever, Music system, Windows, Door locks, Brake, Clutch. Also, check the gear selector to see how it's set up. It will be in one of the two places - on the steering column (manual transmission) or on the floor between the driver's and passenger's seats (automatic transmission) .

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24. What are the most important things you must do before you buy a new or used vehicle?

When you have found a new vehicle you would like to buy, below is a checklist of things to do before you negotiate your purchase:

• If someone is co-signing a loan for you, get your application preapproved by the bank.
• Know how much it will cost to insure your vehicle.
• Make printouts of your vehicle price from popular automotive web sites (like Edmunds.com or Cars.com) or magazines (like Autotrader or Car and Driver).
• Know the True Market Value (TMV) for your vehicle.

If your plan is to buy a used vehicle, below are some additional steps to follow:

• Know the "blue book" price for your used vehicle. This price is listed in the Kelley Blue Book.
• Get a copy of all maintenance records from the vehicle owner.
• Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle.
• Write down the vehicle's Make, Model, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and Gas Milelage.
• Run a detailed car history report on the Web.

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25. What is 'leasing' a vehicle? What are the upsides and downsides to leasing?

Leasing is another option to vehicle ownership besides buying. It means that you agree in a written contract to pay for using a vehicle for a specific period of time. When leasing, you agree to make payments on the first day of each month, until your lease expires. You also pay insurance and keep the vehicle in good working condition, as you would with any vehicle you buy. At the end of your lease, you give the vehicle back to the dealer. If the vehicle has no more than normal wear and tear, your commitment is over. If you haven't taken good care of the vehicle, you will be charged to have it fixed.

Upsides to Leasing:

• Lower monthly payments
• Getting a new vehicle every two to four years
• Low (or no) maintenance costs
• No down payment required

Downsides to Leasing:

• You must keep the vehicle for the entire lease period
• Giving up the vehicle when the lease ends
• Paying a penalty if the vehicle is returned with high wear and tear
• Customizing the vehicle (repainting, adding a CD player, etc.) is not allowed

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26. What documents are needed to apply for a Michigan driving license?

When applying for an original Michigan driver's license, this documentation must be provided:

1. A valid Social Security number or proof of ineligibility.
2. Legal presence in the U.S.
3. Identity.
4. Michigan residency (at least two documents are required).

For additional related questions on what exactly is needed, call Department of State Information Center at (888) SOS-MICH(767-6424) toll free for immediate assistance, or, go here...

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