Over 130 Detroit-area residents learn how to navigate the driver’s license restoration process in Pontiac

LANSING, Mich. – Over 130 Detroit-area residents attended a Road to Restoration clinic in Pontiac on May 21 and received guidance from experts from the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) and volunteer attorneys on how they can navigate the path to safely return behind the wheel. Four of the attendees rang a bell to celebrate the restoration of their driving privileges.  

"Driving is essential in Michigan. Without a valid driver’s license, Michiganders are not able to meet their own personal needs or the needs of their family like picking up groceries, medicine or having reliable transportation to and from work,” said Abigayl Venman, director of the Road to Restoration clinic. “Every successful clinic is another step forward in our mission to restoring driving privileges across the state. We continue to be grateful to our volunteers and partners who make it all possible.”

Volunteer attorneys and MDOS staff met one-on-one with clinic attendees to check their current license status, answer questions about their next steps, and provide services like vision testing and the written driver’s exam on site. Participants also learned about the administrative hearings process at information sessions held at the clinic.    

“It was definitely easy. They explained everything that I need to do for the next steps moving forward,” said Heather Coulter, a Pontiac resident who attended the clinic. “I have a special situation, so they are helping me make sure I am able to get my license. I haven't had a license in over 20 years. I had a felony for joyriding and I have applied and been denied. I have applied for a hearing multiple times. I didn’t have someone to explain the whole process, so I am pretty sure I messed up on my paperwork quite a bit in past years, so that is what this clinic is here for. I am going to school for HVAC, which I will definitely need my license for. So, this is helping me move on with my life and start my career.” 

“In 2008, I had tickets I couldn’t afford, and I ended up getting my license suspended. I quit driving. Someone was always able to take me somewhere,” said Lora Sherman, a Pontiac resident who received her temporary instruction permit at the clinic. “Kids are getting older and moving away now and taking their cars with them. Cost of living has gone up so much, we need better jobs. I still need to take a road test, but once I am able to do that and have my license on me, I am going to be putting in applications for any job that is better than the one I have.” 

The Pontiac clinic was held at ReImagine Recreation in the UWM Sports Complex. Thirty-four FAC/FCJ (Failure to appear in court and failure to comply with judgment) suspensions were cleared at the clinic, paving a way for license to be obtained. Ten exams were issued, and a total of 29 driving records were purchased and reviewed by volunteers.  

State Road to Restoration partners include the Michigan Department of Attorney General, Michigan WORKS!, Michigan Association of United Ways, the Detroit Justice Center, DTE Energy, Miller Canfield, and Michigan 2-1-1.

Now in its fourth year, the Road to Restoration program has hosted over 65 clinics across the state and provided one-on-one assistance to over 10,000 Michiganders. This innovative program was created to help more than 150,000 people newly eligible to regain their driving privileges after changes to state law in 2021. About 3,000 more Michiganders were made eligible to apply for a driver’s license on April 2 under Public Act 42 of 2024. The new law repealed the state’s three-year ban on individuals cited for driving without a license to apply for license reinstatement.

Road to Restoration clinics are free of charge, but some participants may be required to pay past fines. The clinics do not provide DUI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.

The program will return to Detroit with a clinic scheduled on June 24. Other upcoming clinics are in Gladwin on June 6, Battle Creek on June 17, and Adrian on July 31. For more information about the Road to Restoration program, to find a clinic near you, or to sign up for an upcoming clinic, visit Michigan.gov/R2R or dial 2-1-1.