What Every Driver Must Know - Michigan Driver's Manual Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards reviews key terms, licensing stages, traffic laws, and safety regulations outlined in the Michigan driver's manual.

Michigan Resident

A person who resides in Michigan and has established that they are legally present in the state.

Chauffeur’s license

A license required for those employed to operate a motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating ($GVWR$) of $10,000\,pounds$ or more, or to operate a bus or school bus.

Commercial Driver's License ($CDL$)

Required for operating a single vehicle with a $GVWR$ of $26,001\,pounds$ or more, or vehicles designed to transport $16$ or more people.

REAL ID-compliant card

A driver's license or state ID with a star in a gold circle or a star in an image of Michigan, required for domestic air travel beginning May $7$, $2025$.

Graduated Driver Licensing ($GDL$)

A program for teens under age $18$ consisting of two segments of driver education and three licensing levels to gradually increase driving privileges.

Level 2 Intermediate License

A license for teens at least age $16$ that prohibits driving between $10\,p.m.$ and $5\,a.m.$ unless accompanied by a licensed adult or for employment.

Temporary Instruction Permit ($TIP$)

A permit valid for $180\,days$ that allows an individual to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking a driving skills test.

Probationary License Program

A minimum $3-year$ period during which the Secretary of State monitors the driving performance of all new drivers.

Michigan's Point System

A system where specific point values are added to a driving record for moving violations; points remain for $2\,years$ from the date of conviction.

Implied Consent Law

A law stating that by applying for or renewing a license, drivers agree to chemical tests for alcohol or drugs; refusal results in automatic license suspension.

6-Point Violation

Serious offenses such as manslaughter, operating while intoxicated, reckless driving, or failing to stop at the scene of a crash.

Kelsey’s Law

A law prohibiting teens with a Level $1$ or Level $2$ license from using a cell phone while driving, except for emergencies.

Michigan’s Basic Speed Law

The requirement to drive at a careful and prudent speed for conditions, enabling the driver to stop within the clear distance ahead.

Move Over Law

Requires drivers to slow down to $10\,mph$ below the posted limit and move over a lane for stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.

Roundabout

A circular intersection where entering traffic yields to vehicles approaching from the left traveling counterclockwise around a central island.

Emergency Notification System ($ENS$) sign

A blue sign at railroad crossings providing a telephone number and USDOT number to report emergencies or signal malfunctions.

Hydroplaning

A condition where tires ride on top of water on a wet road, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control; caused by speed or low tire pressure.

3- to 4-second following distance

The standard rule used to estimate the time and space needed to safely stop behind another vehicle on dry or wet pavement.

White Cane Law

State law requiring drivers to stop or yield the right of way to a pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog.

No Zones

Large blind spots around commercial trucks where the driver is unable to see other vehicles, typically located in front, behind, or on the sides.