What you need to do to get a driver's license

Getting a driver's license involves three main steps: pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The order of these steps, the documents you need, and the fees vary by state. Most states let you take the written test first, then schedule a separate driving test after you pass. Some states combine both tests on the same day.

You cannot get a license without proof of identity and a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You also need to prove you live in the state where you are getting the license. The state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency handles all of this — there is no federal license, and you must go through your state's process.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test on traffic laws and a driving test before you receive a license; most states let you take the written test first and schedule the driving test separately.
  • Bring a government-issued ID (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number, and two documents showing your current address when you go to the DMV.
  • The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you can study using your state's official driver's manual, which is free online.
  • The driving test is usually 15 to 30 minutes long and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws; you must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured.
  • Fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and the type of license, and most licenses are valid for four to eight years.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. A government-issued photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or state ID counts as proof of identity. If you do not have a photo ID, a birth certificate or certified copy of a birth certificate works in most states, though you may need to bring a second document as well.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number on it. For proof of your address, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a PO box as proof of address — the DMV requires a physical street address.

If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must sign your process. Some states require the parent to be present at the DMV; others allow you to bring a signed form. Check your state's DMV website to see what your state requires.

How the written test works and how to study

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Most states give you 30 to 50 questions and require you to answer 70 to 80 percent correctly to pass. The test is usually multiple choice. You take it on a computer at the DMV, and you get your score when ready.

Every state publishes a free driver's manual online on its DMV website. This manual contains all the information covered on the test. Read through it once, then focus on the sections about right-of-way, speed limits, and what different road signs mean — these topics appear on almost every state's test. Many states also offer free practice tests on their DMV website. Take the practice test at least twice before you go to the DMV.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or within a few days, depending on your state. There is usually a small fee each time you retake it, between $5 and $15. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the manual between tries.

How the driving test works and what the examiner is looking for

The driving test is usually 15 to 30 minutes long. The examiner sits in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. You must demonstrate that you can start the car, control the steering, brake smoothly, turn correctly, park, and follow traffic laws. The examiner will ask you to do specific things: pull into a parking space, make a three-point turn, drive on a main road, or stop at a red light.

The examiner is watching for safe habits: checking your mirrors, signaling before you turn, coming to a complete stop at stop signs, and staying within the speed limit. They are also watching for dangerous mistakes: hitting the curb while parking, failing to yield the right of way, or hitting the examiner's emergency brake. One serious mistake usually means you fail. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a turn or parking slightly crooked do not automatically fail you, but too many of them add up.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. The vehicle must have working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers. The examiner will check these before the test starts. If the vehicle does not pass this check, you cannot take the test that day.

State-by-state differences in age requirements and license types

Most states issue a full, unrestricted license to anyone 16 or older who passes both tests. However, some states issue a learner's permit first, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold the learner's permit for a set period — usually 6 months to 1 year — before you can take the driving test for a full license.

If you are 18 or older, most states let you skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the full license test. A few states require everyone, regardless of age, to hold a learner's permit first. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you need a learner's permit or can go directly to the full license test.

Some states issue a restricted license to drivers under 18 even after they pass the driving test. A restricted license may prohibit driving between certain hours (usually 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.), limit the number of passengers you can carry, or require a hands-free phone setup. These restrictions usually stay in place until you turn 18 or 21, depending on your state. The restrictions are printed on your license card.

Fees, processing time, and how long your license is valid

The cost of a driver's license varies by state. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for a first license. Some states charge separately for the written test, the driving test, and the license itself; others bundle these into one fee. A few states charge more for a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee.

Processing time is usually same-day or within a few days. You typically receive your temporary paper license at the DMV and your plastic card arrives by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. If you need the plastic card sooner, some states offer expedited processing for an extra fee.

Most licenses are valid for 4 to 8 years, depending on your state and your age. Licenses issued to drivers under 21 are sometimes valid for a shorter period. Your license card shows the expiration date. You must renew before that date to keep driving legally.

What to do if you fail the driving test

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after a waiting period. Most states let you retake it within a few days to a week; a few states require you to wait 2 weeks. There is a fee each time you retake the test, usually $10 to $30. You do not have to retake the written test unless your state requires all tests to be passed within a certain time frame (usually 1 to 2 years).

The examiner will tell you what you did wrong. Common reasons for failing include hitting the curb while parking, failing to yield the right of way, speeding, or not checking mirrors. Practice the specific skill you struggled with before you retake the test. Many people pass on the second or third attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a borrowed car?

Yes, as long as the car is registered and insured. The registration and insurance documents must match the vehicle. The car must also pass the safety check — working lights, brakes, wipers, and steering. You do not need to own the car.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN letter from the IRS. Some states also accept a passport or consular ID in place of a Social Security number. Call your state's DMV to confirm what documents your state accepts.

Do I have to take the written test if I already have a license from another state?

Most states waive the written test if you transfer a valid license from another state, but you still must take the driving test. A few states require both tests regardless. Check your state's DMV website under "license transfer" or "out-of-state license" to see what applies to you.

What happens if I move to a new state after I get my license?

You must get a license from your new state within a set time frame, usually 30 to 60 days. You will need to take the written test and driving test again, though some states waive one or both if your previous license is still valid. Your old license becomes invalid once you get the new one.

Can I get a license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Most states do not deny a license based on unpaid tickets, but some states will suspend your license if you do not pay. Check your state's DMV website or call to ask whether unpaid fines affect your status. If your license is already suspended, you must resolve the issue before you can get a new license.