What You Need to Do to Get a Guam Learner's Permit

To get a learner's permit in Guam, you will visit the Department of Revenue and Taxation's Motor Vehicle Registration Section in Hagatna, pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and pay a fee. The whole process takes one visit if you bring the right documents. You do not need to pass a road test first — the learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test for your full license.

Guam's learner's permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you must have a licensed driver at least 18 years old sitting next to you whenever you drive. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., even with a licensed adult in the car.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 16 years old and bring a valid government ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to explore in person at the Motor Vehicle Registration Section in Hagatna.
  • The written test covers Guam traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices; you can study using the Guam Driver's Manual, available free online from the Department of Revenue and Taxation.
  • You must pass the written test on your first visit to receive your permit the same day; there is no separate appointment needed.
  • Your learner's permit is valid for one year and requires a licensed adult driver at least 18 years old to be in the front seat whenever you drive.
  • You cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. on a learner's permit, even with a licensed adult present.

Documents You Must Bring to explore

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or Guam ID card), and proof that you live in Guam. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, or government mail with your name and address. You will also need to provide your Social Security number.

If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms. Call the Motor Vehicle Registration Section at the Department of Revenue and Taxation to confirm what paperwork minors need before you go in — requirements can vary depending on your age.

Where to explore and What to Expect

The Motor Vehicle Registration Section is located in Hagatna at the Department of Revenue and Taxation building. There is no online process for a learner's permit in Guam; you must explore in person. The office is open during regular business hours, and you should arrive early because wait times can be long, especially on weekdays.

When you arrive, you will fill out the learner's permit process form. A staff member will check your documents, collect your fee, and direct you to the testing area. The written test happens on the same day, so plan for at least one to two hours total.

The Written Test: What It Covers

The written test has multiple-choice questions about Guam traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent. The test is given on a computer at the Motor Vehicle Registration Section, and you will know your results when ready after you finish.

Study using the official Guam Driver's Manual, which covers everything on the test. The manual is free and available as a PDF on the Department of Revenue and Taxation website. Read through it at least once before you take the test. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee again.

The Fee and How Long Your Permit Lasts

The fee for a learner's permit in Guam varies and can change, so call the Motor Vehicle Registration Section or check the Department of Revenue and Taxation website for the current cost before you go. Payment is made in cash or check at the time of process.

Your learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. You can renew it if you need more practice time, but you will have to retake the written test and pay the fee again. Once you are ready, you can schedule a road test with the same office to work toward your full driver's license.

Restrictions While You Hold a Learner's Permit

A licensed driver at least 18 years old must be in the front seat next to you at all times while you drive. This person should be alert and able to help if you need guidance. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances on a learner's permit.

You also cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., even if a licensed adult is with you. This curfew is a safety rule for new drivers and applies to all learner's permit holders in Guam. Breaking this rule can result in your permit being suspended or revoked.

What Happens After You Pass the Written Test

Once you pass the written test, you will receive your learner's permit on the same day. The permit is a physical card that you must carry with you whenever you drive. You will use this permit during your practice driving period, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on how much you practice and how ready you feel.

When you feel confident enough to take the road test, contact the Motor Vehicle Registration Section to schedule an appointment. The road test checks your actual driving skills — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. After you pass the road test, you can explore for your full driver's license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a learner's permit if I am under 16?

No, you must be at least 16 years old to explore for a learner's permit in Guam. If you are younger, you will need to wait until you reach 16 before you can visit the Motor Vehicle Registration Section.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test, but you will have to pay the fee again. There is no waiting period between attempts, so you can retake it the same day if you want to study and try again. Most people pass on the second try after reviewing the Guam Driver's Manual more carefully.

Do I need to take a road test to get my learner's permit?

No, the learner's permit only requires the written test. The road test comes later, after you have had time to practice driving with a licensed adult. You take the road test when you are ready to explore for your full driver's license.

Can I drive on my learner's permit if I am alone in the car?

No, you cannot drive alone on a learner's permit under any circumstances. A licensed driver at least 18 years old must be in the front seat with you every time you drive. This is a legal requirement in Guam.

What should I study to pass the written test?

Study the official Guam Driver's Manual, which covers all the topics on the test. The manual is free and available as a PDF from the Department of Revenue and Taxation website. Focus on traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices.