What you need to do to get a license under 18

The process for getting a driver's license under 18 differs from the adult route because most states require you to hold a learner's permit first, then a intermediate license, before you can get an unrestricted license. You cannot skip straight to a full license — the state builds in a waiting period and supervised driving time to reduce crash risk for new teen drivers.

The exact steps depend on your state, but the general path is: get your learner's permit, practice driving with a licensed adult, pass a driving test, get your intermediate license, follow restrictions for several months, then get your full license. Some states call the middle step a "provisional license" or "junior license" instead of intermediate, but the idea is the same.

You will need to visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent office in person for at least two visits — once for the permit and again for the driving test and license. You cannot do this online or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You must get a learner's permit before you can take a driving test, and most states require you to hold it for a set number of months (often 6 to 12 months) before you are may be able to access to test.
  • To get a learner's permit, you need proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a signed parental consent form — the exact documents vary by state.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs to get your permit, and a separate driving test with an examiner to get your license.
  • An intermediate or provisional license comes with restrictions — limits on passengers, curfews, and no phone use — that stay in place for several months before you get full driving privileges.
  • You must be at least 15 or 16 to get a learner's permit, depending on your state, and at least 16 or 17 to get a full license.

Age requirements and waiting periods by state

Every state sets its own minimum age for a learner's permit and for a full license. Most states let you get a permit at 15 or 16, and a full license at 16 or 17, but some go higher. A few states do not issue learner's permits at all and let you go straight to an intermediate license at a higher age.

The waiting period between your permit and your license also varies. Some states require 6 months, others 12 months. A few states let you shorten the wait if you complete a driver education course. You cannot get your license before this waiting period ends, even if you pass the driving test early.

Because these rules change by state and sometimes by county, look up your specific state's DMV website or call your local DMV office before you start. The age and waiting period rules are not negotiable — the DMV will not issue a license to someone who does not meet them.

Documents you need for a learner's permit

To get a learner's permit, bring the same types of documents you would need for an adult license, plus a signed parental consent form. Most states require:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or state ID)
  • Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return)
  • A signed parental or guardian consent form (the DMV provides this form)
  • Your signature on the process

Some states also require a school enrollment letter or proof that you are homeschooled. A few states ask for a medical form signed by a doctor if you have a condition that affects driving. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list — bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.

Your parent or guardian must sign the consent form in front of you or have it notarized, depending on your state's rules. You cannot sign it yourself, and the DMV will not accept a form signed by someone other than a parent or legal guardian.

The written test for your learner's permit

To get your learner's permit, you take a written test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you need to score around 80 percent to pass — the exact passing score varies by state.

Most states let you take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your result the same day. Some states still use paper tests. You can usually take the test in English or another language, depending on what your state offers.

You can study for free using your state's DMV handbook, which is available online and in print at the DMV office. Many states also offer free practice tests on their DMV website. Taking a few practice tests before you go in is the best way to prepare — most people who fail did not study the handbook first.

Supervised driving and the road test

After you get your learner's permit, you must practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. Most states require 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving before you can take the road test, and some require a certain number of those hours to be at night. Keep a log of your driving hours — some states ask to see it when you take your test.

The road test itself usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you drive on local streets and highways. They test your ability to start the car, follow traffic signs, turn, park, and handle emergency situations like a sudden stop. You pass or fail the same day.

If you fail the road test, you can usually take it again after a waiting period — often 1 to 2 weeks. You do not lose your learner's permit if you fail, and you can keep practicing and retesting until you pass.

Intermediate and provisional licenses

When you pass your road test, you do not get a full, unrestricted license right away. Instead, most states issue an intermediate license (also called a provisional or junior license) that comes with restrictions for several months.

Common restrictions on an intermediate license include:

  • No passengers under a certain age (often no one under 18 or 20) unless a parent or guardian is in the car
  • A curfew — you cannot drive between certain hours, often 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
  • No cell phone use, even hands-free, except in emergencies
  • No tinted windows or aftermarket modifications
  • Zero tolerance for alcohol or drugs

These restrictions stay in place for 6 to 12 months, depending on your state. After that period ends and you have not had any violations, your license automatically becomes unrestricted. You do not have to do anything — the DMV updates your status on its own.

Cost and fees

The cost of a learner's permit and driver's license varies by state. A permit usually costs between $10 and $50, and a license usually costs between $20 and $100. Some states charge one fee that covers both, others charge separately. A few states charge more if you need a Real ID-compliant license, which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting in 2025.

If you fail your road test and need to retake it, you usually pay a retest fee of $5 to $25 per attempt. Some states waive the fee if you retake it within a certain time frame.

Check your state's DMV website for the exact fees in your area. Fees can differ between counties, and some states offer discounts for students or low-income households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license before the waiting period is over?

No. The waiting period between your learner's permit and your license is set by state law, and the DMV cannot waive it. Even if you pass your road test early, you must wait until the required time has passed before you can get your license. Some states shorten the wait if you complete a driver education course, so check your state's rules.

What happens if I get a ticket while I have my learner's permit?

A ticket on your permit record can delay your road test or make it harder to pass. Some states require a clean driving record for a set period before you can test. If you get a ticket, tell the DMV when you schedule your test — they will tell you whether you are still may be able to access.

Do I have to take driver's education to get my license?

It depends on your state. Some states require a driver education course, others make it optional but offer benefits like a shorter waiting period or lower insurance rates if you take one. Check your state's DMV website to see whether it is required where you live.

Can my parent or guardian take the road test with me instead of a DMV examiner?

No. You must take the road test with a DMV examiner, not a parent or guardian. The examiner is trained to test your skills fairly and consistently. Your parent or guardian can drive with you during practice, but not during the official test.

What if I move to a different state after I get my learner's permit?

Your learner's permit is only valid in the state that issued it. If you move, you will need to get a new permit from your new state and follow its waiting period and testing rules. Some states recognize permits from other states for a short time, but you cannot rely on that — contact your new state's DMV right away.