A permit lets you practice driving before you take your license test
A driving permit (also called a learner's permit or instruction permit) is a document that allows you to drive on public roads while you are learning, under specific conditions. It is not a full driver's license. A permit proves to police that you have passed a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, but you have not yet passed the driving skills test required for a license.
The main condition of a permit is that a licensed driver must be in the car with you — usually someone at least 21 years old, sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive at night (most states set the cutoff between 10 p.m. and midnight). A permit is temporary. It expires after a set period, usually one to three years depending on your state, and you must pass your driving test before it runs out.
Permits exist because learning to drive on real roads is safer when supervised, and because the written test and the driving test measure different skills. The written test shows you know the rules. The driving test shows you can actually follow them while controlling the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- A permit allows supervised practice driving after you pass a written knowledge test, but before you pass your driving skills test.
- You must have a licensed adult (usually 21 or older) in the front seat whenever you drive on a permit.
- Driving hours and times are restricted — most states ban night driving and limit when you can drive unsupervised passengers.
- A permit is temporary and expires within one to three years; you must pass your driving test before the permit expires or you will need to start over.
- Getting a permit requires passing a written test at your state's DMV or equivalent agency, and you will need to bring proof of identity and residency.
Who can get a permit and what documents you need
Age requirements vary by state. Most states issue permits to people as young as 14 or 15, though some allow 13-year-olds in rural areas. You will need to check your state's DMV website for the exact age in your state.
To explore for a permit, bring a government-issued photo ID (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). Some states also require a parent or guardian signature if you are under 18. A few states require a vision test before you take the written test.
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You study using your state's driver's manual, which is free and available online or at the DMV. Most states let you take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you usually get your result the same day. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period (often a few days to a week).
Restrictions that come with a permit
Every state sets rules for permit holders, and these rules are stricter than rules for licensed drivers. The most common restrictions are:
- Supervised driving: A licensed adult must be in the front passenger seat. Some states specify the age (usually 21 or 25) and whether they must have a valid license in that state or any state.
- No night driving: Most states ban permit holders from driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., or between midnight and 5 a.m. A few states have no night restriction.
- No passengers (or limited passengers): Many states do not allow you to carry passengers your own age, or allow only one. Some states have no passenger restriction.
- No phone use: Most states ban all cell phone use, including hands-free, while you hold a permit.
- Seat belt requirement: You and all passengers must wear seat belts.
Breaking these rules can result in a ticket, a fine, or suspension of your permit. If your permit is suspended, you lose the right to drive and must wait before you can take your driving test. Some states also require you to restart your permit period from the beginning.
How long a permit lasts and what happens when it expires
A permit is valid for a set period determined by your state — usually one to three years from the date you receive it. During that time, you must pass your driving skills test (also called the road test or behind-the-wheel test). The test is administered by your state's DMV or a contracted testing center, and you schedule it through the DMV.
If your permit expires before you pass your driving test, you will need to reapply for a new permit. This means taking the written test again and paying the permit fee again. Some states allow you to renew your permit once without retaking the written test, but this varies. Check your state's rules before your permit expires.
If you pass your driving test before your permit expires, you will receive your full driver's license. If you fail the driving test, your permit remains valid (unless it has expired), and you can schedule another test after a waiting period.
Permit fees and how they affect your insurance
Permit fees vary by state, typically ranging from $10 to $50. Some states charge the same fee for a permit and a license; others charge less for a permit. You pay this fee when you explore at the DMV, and it covers the cost of the permit document and the written test.
A permit does not require you to carry auto insurance in most states. However, if you are driving a car that is registered to someone else (usually a parent), that person's insurance policy covers you while you are driving on the permit. The car's owner should notify their insurance company that a permit holder will be driving the vehicle, because some insurers want to know this information, though it typically does not change the premium.
Once you pass your driving test and receive your license, you will need your own insurance policy or to be added to an existing policy. Insurance costs for new drivers are higher than for experienced drivers, and costs vary widely by insurer, location, and the type of coverage you choose.
The difference between a permit and a license
A permit is a learning document; a license is a legal right to drive unsupervised. The key differences are:
| Permit | License |
|---|---|
| Requires a licensed adult in the car | You can drive alone |
| Night driving restricted | No time restrictions |
| Passenger restrictions in most states | No passenger restrictions |
| Valid for 1–3 years | Valid for 4–8 years (varies by state) |
| Does not require insurance in most states | Requires insurance in all states |
| Obtained by passing a written test | Obtained by passing written and driving tests |
Some states have an intermediate license (also called a provisional license), which sits between a permit and a full license. An intermediate license allows unsupervised driving but keeps some restrictions like night driving limits or passenger limits. You get an intermediate license after passing your driving test but before reaching a certain age (usually 18). After that age, you get a full license with no restrictions.
How to prepare for your permit test
The written test is based entirely on your state's driver's manual. Every state publishes this manual for free on its DMV website, and you can read it online or request a printed copy at the DMV office. The manual covers traffic laws, road signs, parking rules, and safe driving practices specific to your state.
Most people study the manual for a few weeks before taking the test. You can also use free practice tests available on your state's DMV website or through third-party websites. These practice tests use the same format and types of questions as the real test, so they are useful for seeing what to expect.
On test day, bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Arrive early, because testing centers often have wait times. The test usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will answer 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions (the exact number varies by state), and you usually need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass. You will know your score when ready after you finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive alone on a permit to get to school or work?
No. A permit requires a licensed adult in the front passenger seat at all times. The only exception is in a few states that allow solo driving to school under specific conditions, but this is rare. Check your state's DMV website to see if this exception applies where you live.
What happens if I get pulled over while driving on a permit?
Police will ask for your permit, proof of insurance for the car, and the driver's license of the adult supervising you. If the adult is not in the car or does not have a valid license, you can be cited. If you were driving at a restricted time or with restricted passengers, you can also be cited. Violations may result in a fine or suspension of your permit.
Can I renew my permit if it expires before I pass my driving test?
Yes, but you will need to reapply and pay the permit fee again. Most states require you to retake the written test, though some allow one renewal without retesting. Contact your state's DMV to find out the rule in your state before your permit expires.
Do I need insurance to drive on a permit?
You do not need your own insurance policy, but the car you are driving must be insured. The car's owner's insurance covers you while you drive on a permit. Tell the insurance company that a permit holder will be driving the vehicle, though this usually does not change the premium.
How many times can I take the driving test before my permit expires?
You can take it as many times as you need before your permit expires. Most states charge a fee each time you test (usually $10 to $50), and you must wait a few days to a week between failed attempts. If your permit expires, you will need to get a new permit and retake the written test.