Failed the Michigan permit test: when you can retake it
Failing the written test is common and fixable. Here is what Michigan says about retaking it, and a plan for the next attempt.
- How soon you can retake
- Not stated on the official page — ask your DMV office.
- Attempts
- online: up to two times per calendar day, paying the fee each time
- Retest fee
- fee paid each attempt (online)
- After repeated failures
- Not stated on the official page — ask your DMV office.
- Online test
- Online adult written test: up to two attempts per calendar day, fee each time
From the official source
Applicants can take the test up to two times per calendar day, paying the fee each time.
Before your next attempt
- Write down the topics you got wrong: signs, right-of-way, speed limits, alcohol rules, distances. The retest usually draws from the same pool.
- Reread only those chapters of the official Michigan handbook, not the whole book.
- Take our Michigan practice tests until you score 90% or more three times in a row — the real pass mark is lower, so that is a safe margin.
- Use the mistake review: it shows only the questions you missed, with the handbook section for each.
- The night before, do one exam simulation and stop. Sleep beats cramming.
Practice for the retakeReview my mistakes
Checked on October 25, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV.