Free Michigan SOS Practice Permit Test - Practice Test 4 2026
This Practice Test 4 is modeled on the Secretary of State (SOS) written knowledge exam, whose length the agency does not publish; to pass you need a pass mark the SOS does not publish (our practice tests use 70%). The test has two portions that must both be passed: an "Operator" section on traffic laws (about 45 minutes) and a "Signs" section (about 15 minutes). These 25 questions rotate through traffic laws, road signs, and right-of-way - the core topics the SOS tests most heavily. Every question includes an explanation, so you learn the rule behind each answer - not just whether you got it right.
If your vehicle's engine catches fire, you should:
What's on the Michigan Practice Test 4
The SOS does not publish how many questions are on the real Michigan knowledge test. Practice Test 4 is a 25-question set drawn from 49 questions, scored against a practice target of 70%.
Topics in this test's question pool
- Road signs 15
- Traffic laws 11
- Safe driving 11
- Right of way 5
- Parking 2
- Vehicle equipment 2
- Emergencies 2
- Alcohol & drugs 1
49 questions in the pool, 8 of them written specifically for Michigan. Each attempt shows 25 in a new order.
Sample questions from this test, with answers
Want to test yourself first? Take the test above before reading these. Every answer below is checked against the source shown.
1. A train is coming toward a Michigan railroad crossing. Where must you stop your vehicle?
- A. 5 to 25 feet from the tracks
- B. 10 to 30 feet from the tracks
- C. 50 to 100 feet from the tracks
- D. 15 to 50 feet from the tracks (correct)
Why: When a train is coming, stop no closer than 15 feet and no farther than 50 feet from the tracks. Trains overhang the rails by at least 3 feet, and loads may stick out farther.
Source: official Michigan driver handbook, p.35 (PDF p.49), Railroad crossing advance warning sign
2. A Michigan Level 1 license holder may drive only when accompanied by:
- A. A licensed parent, guardian, or designated adult 21+ (correct)
- B. Any licensed driver who is at least 18 years old
- C. A friend of any age who has a valid license
- D. No one - Level 1 drivers may drive alone
Why: Level 1 drivers in Michigan must be accompanied by a licensed parent, guardian, or a designated adult age 21 or older.
Source: official Michigan driver handbook, PDF p.18-19, GDL Level 1 Learner's License
3. A yellow diamond sign showing arrows that curve around in a circle indicates:
- A. A U-turn area ahead
- B. A roundabout ahead (correct)
- C. A detour loop ahead
- D. A dead-end turnaround
Why: The Circular Intersection sign (a yellow diamond showing arrows curving counterclockwise in a circle) warns of a roundabout ahead. Slow down, yield to traffic already in the circle, and enter when there is a safe gap. Round signs are used only for railroad crossing advance warnings.
Source: Federal MUTCD 11th ed. (Dec 2023) Section 2A.05, Table 2A-1 and Section 2C.02
4. When you reach an intersection with a flashing red light in your direction and a flashing yellow in the cross direction, you must:
- A. Slow down and go - the cross traffic has to stop
- B. Stop, then go when safe - cross traffic won't stop (correct)
- C. Stop and wait until your light turns solid green
- D. Stop, then go first - cross traffic must yield
Why: A flashing red light works like a stop sign: stop completely, then go when safe. The cross traffic with a flashing yellow only needs to slow and proceed with caution - they do not stop, so you must yield to them.
5. When should you use your vehicle's emergency hazard lights?
- A. When parking briefly in a no-parking zone
- B. When your car is disabled on or near the road (correct)
- C. To thank a driver who let you merge
- D. When you plan to change lanes or make a turn
Why: Hazard lights warn others that your vehicle is stopped, disabled or a hazard. Rules for using them while moving (for example in heavy rain) differ between states, so follow your state handbook.
6. What is the 'point of no return' when approaching a yellow light?
- A. The moment the light changes from green to yellow
- B. The stop line - once past it you must proceed
- C. The point where you can no longer stop safely (correct)
- D. Exactly 100 feet before the intersection
Why: The 'point of no return' is the position from which stopping safely (without running the light or causing a rear-end collision) becomes impossible. Before this point, slow and stop. After it, proceed through safely.
More Michigan facts, the full requirements table and the printable PDF are on the Michigan permit practice test page.
Michigan SOS Test Info
- Questions on real test
- Not published by the SOS
- Passing score
- Not published
- Correct needed
- a pass mark the SOS does not publish (our practice tests use 70%)
- Minimum age
- 14 years 9 months old
- Testing agency
- Secretary of State
More Michigan Tests
Study Tip
Don't just aim to pass this Michigan Practice Test 4 once - keep taking it until you score 70% or higher two or three times in a row. Read the explanation after every question, even the ones you get right, to lock in the rule before your SOS exam.