Secretary Benson visits driver’s license restoration clinic in Flint

100 attendees received expert advice on how to restore their driving privileges

FLINT, Mich. - On Wednesday, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson visited a Road to Restoration clinic in Flint, where Michigan Department of State (MDOS) staff and volunteer attorneys helped Michiganders learn the process to safely return to the road. A total of 100 residents came out to the clinic hosted at the Flint Farmers' Market for assistance with restoring their driving privileges.

"It is so important to have a program like this for Michigan residents because government can show up for people when they need it and then get out of the way," said Secretary Benson. "That is what I believe government should be doing for the people who are served at these clinics - to be able to take their kids to school, to go to a doctor's appointment and get necessary healthcare, or to get a job. I am glad our department is able to host these clinics all across Michigan to help people get back on their feet and back on their way."

"We have been hosting successful clinics in Flint since 2020," said Abigayl Venman, director of the Road to Restoration program. "Driving is a crucial part of daily life, and not having a valid driver's license can significantly hinder Michigan residents from essential activities like medical appointments, grocery shopping, and school pickups. We extend our thanks to our partners and host locations for their unwavering support, allowing us to continue this life-changing work throughout the state."

At the Flint clinic, volunteer attorneys and MDOS staff met one-on-one with 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.

Da'ryll Carrington, a Detroit resident, passed his written knowledge test at the Road to Restoration clinic. He now is one step closer to obtaining his driver's license after being without one for four years.

"It has been horrible without my license. It has held me back from a lot of business opportunities as well," said Carrington. "I realized that I actually need my license and that it's held me back from things I want to do in my life and the next steps I want to take so I came here and attacked it today. It was real smooth. People here were really nice and welcoming. I was able to take my written test to get my license back so now all I have to do is clear up some tickets and take the driving test and I am good."

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 11,000 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 when Public Act 42 of 2024, repealed the state's three-year ban for people cited for driving without a license.

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 2025 Road to Restoration season is wrapping up with the final clinic scheduled for Dearborn Heights on Oct. 15. To register for the upcoming clinic or for more information about the Road to Restoration program, visit Michigan.gov/R2R or dial 2-1-1.

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