Who Can Get a Driver's Permit

A driver's permit (also called a learner's permit or instruction permit) is a document that lets you practice driving under specific conditions before you take the road test for a full license. The person holding the permit must be supervised by a licensed driver, usually a parent or instructor, and cannot drive alone.

Age requirements vary by state. Most states allow you to get a permit between ages 14 and 16, though some go as low as 13 for agricultural permits and others do not issue them until 15 or 16. A few states skip the permit stage entirely and let you go straight to the road test if you complete a driver education course.

You do not need a current driver's license to get a permit. You do need to be a state resident or have a valid reason to be in the state (such as attending school or working there). Some states require you to have a Social Security number; others accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have one.

Key Takeaways

  • Minimum age for a permit ranges from 13 to 16 depending on your state, and you must check your state's DMV website for the exact requirement.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN before you visit the DMV.
  • Most states require you to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs, but not a driving test, to get a permit.
  • A permit is valid for a set period (usually one to three years) and expires whether or not you have taken your road test.
  • Permit restrictions differ by state but commonly include no driving alone, no driving at night, and no use of a cell phone while driving.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

The DMV will ask for three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are usually not accepted.

Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, passport, passport card, or state ID. Some states accept a school ID if it has your photo and date of birth. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate and a document showing you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (such as a passport or green card).

Proof of residency must show your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A school enrollment letter or letter from your employer also works in most states. Your name must appear on the document.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number (such as a tax return or W-2). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. Some states also accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.

The Written Knowledge Test

To get a permit, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is not the same as the road test—you do not drive during this exam. Most states give you the test at the DMV on the day you explore, though some let you take it online beforehand.

The test usually has 30 to 50 questions, and you must score between 70 and 80 percent to pass, depending on your state. Questions cover right-of-way rules, speed limits, what different road signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs. You are allowed to study a handbook before the test; your state DMV publishes this handbook online and in print.

If you fail the test, you can retake it. Most states let you try again the same day or within a few days, though some require you to wait a week. Each retake may have a small fee (usually $5 to $10). There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you cannot get your permit until you pass.

Fees and Processing Time

Permit fees range from $10 to $50 depending on your state. Some states charge less for minors than for adults. A few states include the permit fee in the cost of your first driver's license, so you do not pay twice.

Processing time at the DMV is usually when ready—you take the test, pass it, and walk out with your permit the same day. Some states mail the permit to you within one to two weeks. If you explore online or by mail in states that offer it, add one to two weeks to the timeline.

Payment methods vary by state. Most DMVs take cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some accept checks or money orders. Call your local DMV or check the state website before you go to confirm what they accept.

How Long a Permit Lasts

A driver's permit is valid for a set period that your state decides, usually one to three years. The expiration date is printed on your permit. Your permit expires on that date whether or not you have taken your road test or passed it.

If your permit expires before you are ready to take the road test, you must renew it. Renewal usually costs less than the original permit (sometimes $5 to $15) and may not require you to retake the written test, though some states do require it. Check your state's rules before your permit expires.

If you turn 18 while holding a permit, your permit may still be valid until its printed expiration date. However, some states automatically convert your permit to a full license at 18 if you have held the permit for a certain length of time. Others require you to take the road test before your 18th birthday or lose the permit.

Restrictions That Come With a Permit

A permit comes with rules about when and how you can drive. These rules exist to give you supervised practice time before you drive alone. The restrictions vary by state, but most include the following:

  • You must have a licensed driver in the front seat with you at all times.
  • You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip.
  • You cannot drive between certain hours (often 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., though this varies).
  • You cannot use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, even hands-free in some states.
  • You cannot carry passengers other than the supervising driver and when ready family members.
  • You must follow all traffic laws and speed limits.

Breaking these rules can result in a ticket, a fine, or loss of your permit. In some states, violations add points to your driving record even though you do not yet have a full license. If you accumulate too many points, your permit may be suspended or revoked.

Moving to a Different State With a Permit

If you move to a new state while holding a permit, your permit is no longer valid in that state. You must get a new permit from your new state's DMV. The new state will not recognize your old permit, even if it has not expired.

When you explore for a permit in your new state, bring the same documents you would bring if you were a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Some states may waive the written test if you show your old permit and pass a vision test, but this is rare. Most states require you to take the full written test again.

If you are moving temporarily (such as for school or a job) and plan to return to your home state, check whether your home state allows you to keep your permit while living elsewhere. Some states do; others require you to get a new permit in your current state of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I have not completed driver education?

This depends on your state and your age. Some states require driver education before you can get a permit; others let you get a permit first and complete the course while you are practicing. A few states do not require formal driver education at all. Check your state DMV website to see what applies to you.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test, usually within a few days or the same day. Most states charge a small fee for each retake ($5 to $10). You can take the test as many times as you need to pass. Study the official handbook your state provides before your next attempt.

Can I use my permit in other states?

No. A permit is only valid in the state that issued it. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive on your permit, even if you are supervised. You must have a full driver's license to drive in other states.

What if I lose my permit?

Contact your state DMV to report it lost. You can usually get a replacement by visiting the DMV in person or explore online, depending on your state. There is usually a small replacement fee ($5 to $15). Bring the same documents you brought when you first applied.

Do I need to renew my permit before I take the road test?

Only if your permit expires before you are ready to test. If your permit is still valid on the day of your road test, you do not need to renew it first. However, if it expires before your test date, you must renew it or you cannot take the test.