You must be at least 14 or 15 years old to get a learner's permit in most states, but the exact age depends on where you live
The minimum age for a learner's permit (also called a learner's license or instruction permit) ranges from 14 to 16 across the United States. Most states set the age at 15 or 16, but a handful allow 14-year-olds to begin. Some states have a two-tier system: you can get a permit at one age and a full driver's license at a later age. The state where you live, not where you plan to drive, determines which age applies to you.
A learner's permit is not a full driver's license. It lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, usually someone 21 or older. You cannot drive alone, and you may face restrictions on when you can drive (no night driving, for example) or how many passengers you can carry. These rules vary by state and sometimes by how long you have held the permit.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to get a learner's permit at age 15 or 16, though some permit 14-year-olds to start.
- A learner's permit requires a supervising adult in the vehicle and does not let you drive alone.
- You must hold a learner's permit for a set period (often 6 months to 1 year) before you can take the road test for a full license.
- The age requirement is set by your state of residence, and you will need to meet it before you can visit the DMV or your state's equivalent office.
- Some states have intermediate or provisional licenses that sit between a learner's permit and a full license, with their own age and restriction rules.
Learner's Permit Age Requirements by State
The following table shows the minimum age to get a learner's permit in each state. A few states have additional rules—for example, some require you to be a certain age to sit for the written test, or they may have different ages for different types of permits.
| State | Minimum Age for Learner's Permit |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 15 |
| Alaska | 14 |
| Arizona | 15 (16 for some categories) |
| Arkansas | 14 |
| California | 15 (6 months) |
| Colorado | 15 (3 months) |
| Connecticut | 16 |
| Delaware | 16 |
| Florida | 15 |
| Georgia | 15 |
| Hawaii | 15 (6 months) |
| Idaho | 14 (6 months) |
| Illinois | 15 |
| Indiana | 15 |
| Iowa | 14 |
| Kansas | 14 |
| Kentucky | 16 |
| Louisiana | 15 |
| Maine | 15 (6 months) |
| Maryland | 15 (9 months) |
| Massachusetts | 16 |
| Michigan | 14 (6 months) |
| Minnesota | 15 (6 months) |
| Mississippi | 15 |
| Missouri | 15 (3 months) |
| Montana | 14 (6 months) |
| Nebraska | 14 |
| Nevada | 15 (6 months) |
| New Hampshire | 15 (6 months) |
| New Jersey | 16 |
| New Mexico | 15 |
| New York | 16 |
| North Carolina | 15 |
| North Dakota | 14 |
| Ohio | 15 (6 months) |
| Oklahoma | 15 (6 months) |
| Oregon | 15 (6 months) |
| Pennsylvania | 16 |
| Rhode Island | 16 |
| South Carolina | 15 |
| South Dakota | 14 |
| Tennessee | 15 |
| Texas | 15 (6 months) |
| Utah | 15 (6 months) |
| Vermont | 15 (6 months) |
| Virginia | 15 (9 months) |
| Washington | 15 (6 months) |
| West Virginia | 15 |
| Wisconsin | 15 (6 months) |
| Wyoming | 15 |
The numbers in parentheses show how long you must hold a learner's permit before you can take the road test for a full license. If no number appears, your state does not have a mandatory waiting period, though you still cannot take the road test until you meet the age requirement for a full license (usually 16 or 17).
What You Need to Bring to Get Your Learner's Permit
When you visit your state's DMV or equivalent office, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Most states accept a birth certificate, passport, or state ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address.
You will also need to pass a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. Most states let you study a handbook (available free online or at the DMV) before you take the test. Some states offer the test in multiple languages. A few states require a vision screening at the DMV office itself.
The fee for a learner's permit varies by state, typically ranging from $10 to $50. Some states charge less for minors than for adults. Ask your DMV office whether you can pay by cash, check, or card, as policies differ.
How Long You Must Hold a Learner's Permit Before Getting a Full License
Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set period—often 6 months—before you can take the road test for a full driver's license. A few states, like Virginia and Maryland, require 9 months. Others, like Colorado and Missouri, require only 3 months. Some states have no mandatory waiting period but still require you to reach a certain age (usually 16 or 17) before you can test for a full license.
During the permit period, you must follow all restrictions: driving only with a licensed adult, obeying any night-driving curfew, and respecting passenger limits. If you get a traffic ticket or are involved in an accident while on a learner's permit, the waiting period may be extended, or you may have to retake the written test. Rules vary by state, so check your state's DMV website for specifics.
Intermediate and Provisional Licenses
Some states have a middle step between a learner's permit and a full license, called an intermediate license, provisional license, or junior license. This lets you drive alone but with restrictions—for example, no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., or no passengers under 21 unless a parent is in the car. You must usually be a certain age (often 16 or 17) and hold a learner's permit for the required time before you can get an intermediate license.
States that use intermediate licenses include California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. The rules differ significantly from state to state. If your state offers one, you will take a road test to move from your learner's permit to the intermediate license, and then another road test (or sometimes just a waiting period) to move to a full license.
What Happens If You Turn 18 Before Getting Your License
If you reach 18 while still on a learner's permit, you can usually continue with the permit and take the road test whenever you are ready. You do not have to start over or pay a new fee. However, some states treat 18-year-olds differently—for example, they may no longer require a supervising adult in the car, or they may waive the written test if you have held the permit for a certain time. Check your state's rules to understand what changes when you turn 18.
If you never got a learner's permit and you turn 18, you can usually go straight to the DMV and take the road test for a full license without holding a permit first. Some states still require a written test; others waive it for adults over a certain age. The rules vary, so contact your DMV office to find out what you need to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit before I turn 14 or 15?
No. The minimum age is set by state law and cannot be waived. If you are younger than your state's minimum age, you will not be able to get a permit, even with parental permission or a signed waiver. You will have to wait until you reach the required age.
Do I have to get a learner's permit, or can I go straight to a full license?
Most states require a learner's permit as a step toward a full license. However, if you are 18 or older, some states let you skip the permit and go straight to the road test. A few states also allow adults to take a written test and road test on the same day. Contact your DMV to find out whether this option is available in your state.
What if I move to a different state after I get my learner's permit?
Your permit is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move, you will need to get a new permit from your new state. You may not have to start over completely—some states recognize permits from other states and let you skip the written test or shorten the waiting period—but you must contact your new state's DMV to find out. Bring your old permit and proof of residency in your new state.
Can I drive out of state with my learner's permit?
Generally, no. A learner's permit is valid only in the state that issued it. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive on your permit, even with a supervising adult. You can drive in another state only if you have a full driver's license from your home state.
What if I fail the written test for my learner's permit?
You can retake the test. Most states let you retake it the same day or within a few days, though some require you to wait a week. You may have to pay the permit fee again. Study the handbook more thoroughly before your next attempt, and consider taking a practice test online—many state DMV websites offer free practice tests.