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HB 5977

Vehicles: driver training; homeschool driver training; provide for. Amends 2006 PA 384 (MCL 256.621 - 256.705) by adding sec. 40. TIE BAR WITH: HB 5978'26

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brian BeGole and 13 co-sponsors

HB 5977 exempts home-schooled students from mandatory teen driver training if they complete an SOS-approved curriculum and certify sufficient driving hours.

placed on third reading
#vehicles:drivertraining
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5977

Overview

House Bill 5977 (2025-2026, Michigan) would amend the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act (2006 PA 384) to create an exemption from state-required teen driver training for home-schooled students seeking a Level 1 or Level 2 Graduated Driver License (GDL). The exemption is contingent on completing a parent- or guardian-administered curriculum that meets minimum instructional and driving standards set by the Secretary of State (SOS) and submitting a certification detailing hours of on-the-road or behind-the-wheel experience. The bill pairs with HB 5978, which would adjust the Michigan Vehicle Code to establish Level 1 and Level 2 GDL eligibility for qualified home-schooled students.

Main purpose and intent

  • To exempt home-schooled students from the mandatory driver training required under the Driver Education Act for obtaining Level 1 or Level 2 GDL, provided they complete a Secretary of State–approved home-school curriculum and certification.
  • To align driver licensing requirements for home-schooled students with a structured, caregiver-led education pathway and formal SOS verification.

Key provisions and changes

  • Sec. 40 (new section of the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act):

    • Exemption: A home-schooled student pursuing Level 1 or Level 2 GDL is exempt from teen driver training if:
    • The student completes a curriculum administered by a parent or legal guardian that meets the minimum instructional and driving standards set by the SOS.
    • After completion, the parent/guardian submits a signed certificate (on an SOS-approved form) certifying:
      • The curriculum was completed.
      • For Level 1 GDL: at least 6 hours of on-the-road driving with instructor/parent/guardian.
      • For Level 2 GDL: at least 50 total behind-the-wheel hours, including at least 10 nighttime hours. Note: nighttime hours requirement may have adjustments for daylight-only licenses per related codes.
      • The instruction was provided in good faith and per SOS guidelines.
    • The SOS would send an acknowledgment of receipt within 10 business days and approve or reject the certificate with a defect list if rejected.
    • If SOS does not respond timely or the rejection lacks a curable defects list, the certificate is deemed approved.
    • The SOS must keep a copy of the certificate for at least 3 years.
    • Immunity from civil liability and administrative penalties/delays for the submitting parent/guardian, when certificates are submitted in good faith and substantial compliance.
    • The SOS may not impose additional documentation beyond those required by this section and the vehicle code to obtain a driver license.
    • Definitions: Includes the term “home-schooled student” as defined in Revised School Code.

  • Enabling condition: This act takes effect only if HB 5978 is enacted into law (tie-bar).

Who would be affected

  • Home-schooled students seeking a Level 1 or Level 2 GDL.
  • Parents or legal guardians who supervise and certify the home-school curriculum and driving hours.
  • Secretary of State (SOS), responsible for processing certificates, approvals/rejections, and maintaining records.
  • Potentially affected SOS staff if workload increases due to new certifications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Certification process:
    • Upon completion of the curriculum, parents submit a signed SOS-approved form certifying curriculum completion and driving hours.
    • SOS has up to 10 business days to approve or reject and provide any curable defects.
    • If SOS fails to respond timely or if the rejection lacks a defects list, the certificate is deemed approved.
    • SOS must retain a copy of the certificate for at least 3 years.
  • Immunity and administrative considerations:
    • Submitting parents/guardians are immune from civil liability and from administrative penalties or delays caused solely by SOS processing failures.
  • Tie-bar and related legislation:
    • HB 5977 is contingent on HB 5978 passing, which would implement updated GDL provisions in the Michigan Vehicle Code to accommodate home-schooled students.

Fiscal impact (as analyzed)

  • The proposal may impose additional costs on the Department of State (payments for staff or processing if new notifications exceed current capacity). Estimated average cost per state classified employee is around $125,000 annually.
  • Potential offset from reduced processing time for standard driver-license applicants, but not fully offset.
  • No expected fiscal impact on local governments.

Summary

HB 5977 would create an exemption from mandatory teen driver training for home-schooled students who complete an SOS-approved curriculum and provide certification of sufficient driving practice. The SOS would manage a notification and approval process, with protections for parents against civil and administrative penalties when acting in good faith. The bill relies on HB 5978 to modify the underlying vehicle code to ensure eligibility criteria and timelines align with this exemption.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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