The Cleveland Driver's License Office Location and Hours

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issues driver's licenses at a single location in Cleveland: the Cleveland Driver's License Examining Station, located at 310 East Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS 38732. This is where you'll go for your written test, road test, and to pick up your license once it's issued.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break (usually noon to 1:00 p.m.). It is closed on weekends and state holidays. Because hours can shift seasonally or due to staffing, calling ahead at the office is wise before making the trip.

If you cannot reach the Cleveland office by phone, you can contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's main line for general information about driver's license services. However, the Cleveland office handles all testing and issuance for Bolivar County residents and surrounding areas.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cleveland Driver's License Examining Station is located at 310 East Sunflower Road and is the only place in Cleveland where you can take your written and road tests.
  • The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break around noon.
  • You must bring required documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of residence) when you visit for any test or license pickup.
  • Road tests are scheduled on specific days; call ahead to find out when slots are available and to reserve a time.
  • If the Cleveland office is closed or you cannot travel there, some services may be available through other Mississippi driver's license offices, though you may need to travel to a larger city.

What to Bring to the Cleveland Office

Before you go to the Cleveland Driver's License Examining Station, gather the documents the state requires. You'll need a valid form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

If you're under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Bring their ID as well. If you're renewing a license, bring your current license. If you're explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL), additional documents and endorsements may be required — ask the office about those before your visit.

Having these documents ready before you arrive speeds up the process and prevents you from making a second trip. The office staff can tell you if anything is missing when you call to schedule your road test.

Written Test and Road Test Scheduling

The written test (also called the knowledge test) covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it the same day you visit the office, though you should arrive early. The road test, however, is scheduled on specific days and times. Call the Cleveland office to find out which days they conduct road tests and to reserve a slot — tests fill up, especially during busy seasons.

You must pass the written test before you can take the road test. If you fail the written test, you can retake it, but there may be a waiting period. Once you pass the written test, the examiner will tell you when your road test is scheduled or help you book one.

Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition for your road test. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot test that day.

Getting Your License After You Pass

Once you pass both the written and road tests, the Cleveland office will process your license. You don't receive it when ready — the state prints licenses at a central facility and mails them to you. This typically takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can vary.

You'll receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. Keep this temporary license with you; it's valid for driving until your permanent license reaches your mailbox.

If your permanent license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Cleveland office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to check the status. Occasionally licenses are delayed in the mail, and the office can help you track it down or issue a replacement.

If You Cannot Visit the Cleveland Office

If you live in Cleveland but cannot travel to the Sunflower Road location, or if you need services the Cleveland office doesn't provide, other Mississippi driver's license offices exist in larger cities. The nearest alternatives are in Greenville (Washington County) and Jackson (the state capital). However, these offices may have longer wait times, and you should call ahead to confirm they offer the service you need.

Some services, like renewing a license by mail or online, may be available without visiting an office at all. Check the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website to see whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal. This option is not available for first-time licenses or road tests, but it can save you a trip if you're renewing.

Contact Information and Planning Your Visit

Before you drive to the Cleveland office, have the phone number ready so you can confirm hours, ask about road test availability, and clarify which documents you need. The staff can answer questions about your specific situation — whether you're a new driver, renewing, upgrading to a CDL, or explore for a special endorsement.

Plan to arrive early in the day if possible. The office gets busier as the day goes on, and you may wait longer if you arrive near closing time. Bring all required documents, a completed process form (available at the office or online), and any fees the state requires. Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it's valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my written test and road test on the same day?

You can take the written test the day you visit, but the road test is scheduled separately on specific days. If you pass the written test early in the day, you might be able to test the same day if a slot is open, but this is not may provide. Call ahead to ask about same-day testing availability.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after a waiting period. The examiner will tell you how long you must wait and when you can schedule your next attempt. You do not need to retake the written test unless your knowledge test result has expired.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Road tests require an appointment. For the written test, you may be able to walk in, but calling ahead is recommended because the office can get busy. An appointment ensures you won't wait as long and guarantees a testing slot.

What if I move out of Cleveland after I get my license?

Your Mississippi driver's license is valid statewide and does not need to be reissued if you move within the state. You only need to update your address with the Department of Public Safety, which you can often do by mail or online without visiting an office.

Is the Cleveland office the only place I can test in Bolivar County?

Yes, the Cleveland Driver's License Examining Station is the only testing location in Bolivar County. If you live elsewhere in the county, you'll need to travel to Cleveland for your tests.