What the Mississippi Highway Patrol Does for Your License
The Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) is the state agency that issues driver's licenses and handles all the testing you need to get one. When you hear "getting your license in Mississippi," you are dealing with the Highway Patrol — they run the written test, the road test, and they issue the card itself. There is no separate DMV office; the Highway Patrol is your one stop.
You will visit a Highway Patrol Driver License Examining Station to take your tests and pick up your license. These stations are located across the state, and you can find the one nearest you on the Mississippi Highway Patrol website. The process moves in stages: first your learner's permit (if you are under 17), then your road test, then your full license.
The Highway Patrol also handles renewals, replacements, and changes to your license — address changes, name changes, or upgrading to a different class of license. If you need to update anything on your license after you have it, you go back to the same examining station.
Key Takeaways
- The Mississippi Highway Patrol is the only agency that issues driver's licenses in the state and runs both the written and road tests.
- You must visit a Highway Patrol Driver License Examining Station in person to test and receive your license; there is no online testing or mail-in option.
- Drivers under 17 must get a learner's permit first and hold it for a waiting period before taking the road test.
- You will need to bring specific documents (proof of identity, Social Security number, proof of residency) to your first visit.
- Road tests are scheduled in advance, and the Highway Patrol will tell you the available times when you pass your written test.
Finding and Visiting a Highway Patrol Examining Station
Mississippi has Driver License Examining Stations in most counties. You can search for the station closest to you on the official Mississippi Highway Patrol website by entering your county or city. Each station has its own hours and may have different availability for road tests, so check before you go.
You do not need an appointment for the written test — you can walk in during business hours. However, road tests must be scheduled ahead of time. When you pass your written test, the Highway Patrol staff will give you available dates and times for your road test and help you book a slot.
Bring all required documents with you on your first visit. You will need a valid form of identification (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), your Social Security number, and proof that you live in Mississippi (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process.
The Written Test and Learner's Permit
The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the Highway Patrol website. The test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass.
If you are under 17, passing the written test gives you a learner's permit. This permit lets you drive with a licensed adult (at least 21 years old) in the car. You must hold your learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test. During this time, you cannot drive alone, and there are restrictions on when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m. for drivers under 17).
If you are 17 or older, you can take the road test when ready after passing the written test — there is no waiting period. You still need to schedule the road test in advance with the Highway Patrol station.
The Road Test and What to Expect
The road test is a practical driving test where a Highway Patrol examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive. The test takes about 15 to 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner is looking for safe, confident driving and your ability to follow instructions.
Bring your learner's permit (or written test pass slip if you are 17 or older), proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving. The car must be in safe working condition — working brakes, lights, wipers, and steering. If the car fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.
If you do not pass the road test, you can schedule another one. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will need to pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third try if they practice between tests.
License Classes and What You Can Drive
Mississippi offers different classes of driver's licenses depending on what you will be driving. A Class D license is the standard license for cars, pickup trucks, and small vehicles. This is what most new drivers get. A Class M license is for motorcycles and requires a separate motorcycle test.
If you will be driving a commercial vehicle (a truck over a certain weight, a bus, or a vehicle carrying hazardous materials), you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This requires additional testing and medical certification. Most new drivers start with a Class D license for personal vehicles.
When you pass your road test, the Highway Patrol will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the station. Your license is valid for four years from the date it is issued.
Costs and What You Will Pay
The Highway Patrol charges separate fees for the written test, the road test, and the license itself. Fees vary slightly depending on your age and license class, but expect to pay around $20 to $30 for the written test, $20 to $30 for the road test, and $20 to $40 for the license card. The total cost is usually between $60 and $100.
Payment methods vary by station — some take cash only, others take cards. Call your local examining station ahead of time to confirm what they accept and the exact fees. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is usually lower than the original license fee.
Renewing or Updating Your License
Your Mississippi driver's license is valid for four years. You can renew it by visiting a Highway Patrol examining station in person — there is no online renewal option. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee (usually $20 to $40).
If your address changes, your name changes, or you need to correct information on your license, you must visit an examining station to update it. Bring your current license and documentation of the change (a marriage certificate for a name change, a utility bill for an address change). Some updates can be made without retaking the written test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. The written test must be taken in person at a Highway Patrol Driver License Examining Station. You cannot take it online or by mail. You will need to visit a station during business hours to sit for the test.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another visit. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their second try after studying the manual more carefully.
Do I have to take the road test in my own car?
You can use any vehicle that is safe and in working condition. It does not have to be your own car — you can use a family member's or a friend's vehicle. The car must pass a safety inspection before the test begins.
How long does it take to get my license after I pass the road test?
Some stations issue your license on the spot. Others mail it to you within a few days. Ask the examiner what to expect at your station. You will receive a temporary paper permit to drive while you wait for the card to arrive.
What happens if I move out of Mississippi?
You will need to get a driver's license from your new state. Most states will not honor an out-of-state license for more than a short period. Contact the driver's license agency in your new state to learn their requirements and timeline for getting a new license.