A driver's permit is a learner's license that lets you practice driving before you take your road test

A driver's permit (also called a learner's permit or learner's license) is a document that allows you to drive a car while you are learning, under specific conditions. It is not a full driver's license. You get a permit before you pass your road test, and you use it to practice the skills you will need to pass that test.

The main condition is that a licensed driver must be in the car with you at all times. That person is usually at least 21 years old, though some states allow a younger licensed driver to supervise. You cannot drive alone on a permit, and you cannot drive at night in most states. The permit proves to police that you have passed a written test about traffic laws and road signs, and that the state has cleared you to practice.

Once you pass your road test, you turn in your permit and receive your full driver's license. The permit is the bridge between having no driving authority and having a license.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone or at night in most states.
  • You must pass a written knowledge test to get a permit; the test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules.
  • Permit rules vary by state — some allow night driving after a certain time, some require the supervising driver to be a certain age, and some restrict highway driving.
  • A permit is temporary and expires after a set time, usually one to three years depending on your state and your age.
  • You keep your permit until you pass your road test and receive your full driver's license.

Who can get a driver's permit

Most states let you get a permit at age 15 or 16, though a few allow it as early as 14. You must be a resident of the state where you are getting the permit, and you must have proof of identity and proof of your Social Security number. Many states also require proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease.

If you are under 18, you usually need a parent or guardian to sign your process. Some states require that parent or guardian to be present in person at the DMV or driver's license office. A few states let you explore online or by mail if you meet certain age requirements, but most require you to appear in person to take the written test.

There is no upper age limit. Adults who never learned to drive can get a permit at any age and follow the same rules as teenagers.

What you need to bring to get a permit

Bring your original birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. A driver's license from another state, a utility bill, a lease, or a bank statement usually works for address proof. Some states accept a school ID or a letter from your school.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian. They will need to show their own ID and sign your process. Check your state's DMV website before you go, because some states have added a Real ID requirement, which means you may need to bring additional documents such as a certified copy of your birth certificate instead of just the original.

Bring money for the permit fee. Fees range widely by state, from around $10 to $50, and some states charge extra if you need a replacement permit. Call ahead or check online to find out the exact fee and whether your location accepts cash, card, or both.

The written test for a permit

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Most states give you a handbook or make one available online weeks before your test date. The handbook is the main source of test questions, so reading it thoroughly is the best way to prepare.

The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you must answer 70 to 80 percent correctly to pass, depending on your state. You take the test at the DMV or driver's license office on the day you explore. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, though some states charge a small fee for each retake.

Many states offer the test in multiple languages. Some offer it on a computer, and some on paper. A few states let you take a practice test online before you go in, which can help you see what to expect.

Permit restrictions and rules

The most important rule is that a licensed driver must be in the front seat with you. In most states, that person must be at least 21 years old, though some states allow a 19- or 20-year-old to supervise. You cannot have more than one or two passengers in the car, depending on your state, and in some states you cannot have passengers under a certain age.

Most states do not let you drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., though some allow driving as late as midnight or 1 a.m. A few states have no nighttime restriction. You usually cannot drive on interstate highways or expressways, or you can only drive them with the supervising adult in the front seat. Some states restrict you from using a cell phone, even hands-free, while driving on a permit.

These rules exist because new drivers have the highest crash rate of any age group. The restrictions give you time to build skills in lower-risk situations before you drive alone or at night.

How long a permit lasts

A permit is usually valid for one to three years, depending on your state and your age. If you are a teenager, your permit may expire when you turn 18 or 19. If you are an adult, it may last two or three years from the date you receive it. Check your permit card for the expiration date.

If your permit expires before you pass your road test, you must renew it. Renewal usually costs less than getting a new permit and may not require you to retake the written test, though some states do require it. Check your state's DMV website to find out the renewal process and fee.

If you move to a different state, you cannot use your old permit. You must get a new permit from your new state. Some states give you credit for the written test you already passed, but most require you to take it again.

Permit vs. license: what changes when you pass your road test

Once you pass your road test, you receive a full driver's license and can drive alone, at any time of day, with no supervising adult required. You can drive on highways, expressways, and any road open to the public. You can have as many passengers as your car's seatbelts allow. The nighttime and passenger restrictions disappear.

Your license is valid for a longer period than your permit — usually four to eight years depending on your state and your age. You will need to renew it when it expires, but renewal is simpler than getting a new permit and does not require another road test.

Some states have an intermediate license stage between the permit and the full license, especially for teenagers. An intermediate license has fewer restrictions than a permit but more than a full license — for example, you might be able to drive alone but not at night, or you might have a passenger limit. Check your state's rules to see if this stage applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone on a permit?

No. A licensed driver must be in the car with you at all times. That person is usually at least 21 years old, though some states allow a younger licensed driver to supervise. Driving alone on a permit is illegal and can result in a ticket, a fine, and loss of your permit.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can usually retake it the same day or within a few days. Most states charge a small fee for each retake. Study the handbook more carefully before your next attempt, and consider taking a practice test online if your state offers one.

Can I get a permit if I already have a license from another state?

No. If you have a valid license from another state, you can usually exchange it for a license in your new state without taking a road test. You do not need a permit. If your old license has expired, you may need to take a road test, but you still do not need a permit.

Do I need a permit if I am an adult learning to drive for the first time?

Yes. All first-time drivers must get a permit and pass a road test, regardless of age. The same rules explore to adults as to teenagers, though some states have different age cutoffs for nighttime driving restrictions or supervising driver age requirements.

What if my permit expires before I pass my road test?

You must renew it. Renewal usually costs less than a new permit and may not require you to retake the written test, though some states do. Contact your state's DMV to find out the renewal process and whether you need to come in person or can renew by mail or online.