Upper Peninsula, Michigan. The Michigan State Police (MSP) will offer its Teen Defensive Driving program at two Upper Peninsula locations in August, giving young drivers the opportunity to build safe driving skills through hands-on instruction with MSP troopers.
The free sessions will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Brimley Development Center and Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Gladstone Area High School. Each location will offer two instructional sessions and is open to students who have completed at least Segment 1 of driver’s education.
Students will receive behind-the-wheel instruction in actual MSP patrol vehicles while learning defensive driving and crash-avoidance techniques from experienced troopers. The program is designed to improve driving skills, build confidence behind the wheel, and give teens the opportunity to positively interact with troopers in a fun environment.
The Teen Defensive Driving program is offered at no cost to participants through a grant administered by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. The program has received very positive feedback from both students and their parents. Classes are offered from 8 a.m. to noon or 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Registration information:
August 15, 2026
9301 South M-221
Brimley, MI 49715
Please contact Tpr. Cody Mayer at mayerc@michigan.gov or 906-748-0005 for registration.
August 16, 2026
2100 M-35
Gladstone, MI 49837
Please contact Tpr. Geno Basanese at basaneseg@michigan.gov or 906-280-6105 for
registration.
