Michigan Drunk Driving: MI Driver’s License Restoration

In Michigan, it is a very common situation for a person to lose his or her driver’s license for certain DUI related convictions.  Usually this happens when a person has two or three alcohol-driving related convictions within a certain time period.  However, depending on the circumstances of an individual case, it is also possible for a person to have his or her license revoked even if it is that person’s first offense.

Regardless for the reason or length of the license revocation, usually the individual is left feeling helpless and burdensome.  The reason that the person feels this way is because he or she must rely on others to manage his or her daily life.  For instance, just to get to work, the person must rely on rides from other people, take a bus, or ride a bike.  As a result, it is not only the “unlicensed person” who suffers, it is the spouse, children, and entire family who suffer as well.  Because Michigan is a state with poor public transportation, everyday life becomes extremely difficult for a family facing this situation.

That’s why the end of a revocation period cannot come soon enough for someone with a revoked license.  Once the minimum revocation period has tolled, the person then becomes eligible to apply for either a “clearance” or “restricted driving privileges.”  A common misconception is that the license is automatically re-instated after the “one-year” or “five-year” revocation period runs out.  This is not true.  The license is not automatically re-instated.  Instead, the petitioner (person seeking driving privileges) must request a hearing in front of the DAAD (Driver Assessment and Appeal Division) with the Secretary of State and/or file the appropriate paperwork with the DAAD.

The application process with the DAAD Secretary of State is very specific process and must be done in the correct manner.  If any of the procedures or requirements are not followed or met by the applicant, then the likely result is that the materials are deemed “insufficient” and many times the person is denied on those grounds.  However, if the applicant has followed the procedure in the proper manner and establishes his or her sobriety under the proper standards, then the person may obtain a “clearance” or “restricted driving privileges.”