What you need to do to get a driving permit
A driving permit—also called a learner's permit or learner's license—lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car before you take your road test. To get one, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes a few hours on the day you explore, though some states let you take the written test online first.
The exact steps and documents you need vary by state, but the core path is the same everywhere: gather your documents, pass the written knowledge test, and walk out with a permit in hand. Most states issue the permit when ready after you pass.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to the DMV to explore for a permit.
- The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to your state—you study the DMV handbook to prepare.
- You must be at least 15 or 16 years old depending on your state, and some states require parental consent if you are under 18.
- The permit fee ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and how long the permit lasts.
- After you pass the written test, most DMVs issue your permit the same day; you can then start practicing with a licensed adult.
Documents to bring to the DMV
You will need three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually do not count.
For proof of identity, bring a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. A school ID alone is not enough. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address on it—it must be dated within the last 60 days in most states. If you live with a parent or guardian, their utility bill or lease counts as long as you are listed on it or they sign an affidavit saying you live there.
Bring your Social Security card or a tax return showing your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your ITIN documentation. Some states also ask for proof of a completed driver education course if you are under 18—check your state's DMV website before you go to see if this applies to you.
How to study for the written test
Every state publishes a free DMV handbook that covers everything on the written test: traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, speed limits, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You can read it from your state's DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Read it cover to cover at least once.
After you read the handbook, use your state's practice tests. Most DMVs offer free online practice tests on their websites that mimic the real test exactly—same number of questions, same format, same passing score. Take the practice test multiple times until you score above the passing threshold consistently. The passing score is usually 70 to 80 percent depending on your state.
The written test itself is short—usually 30 to 50 questions—and you have 30 to 60 minutes to finish. You can take it on a computer at the DMV or on paper depending on your location. Most people pass on their first try if they studied the handbook and took the practice tests seriously.
Age requirements and parental consent
You must be at least 15 or 16 years old to get a permit, depending on your state. A few states allow 14-year-olds to get a permit, but 15 and 16 are the most common minimum ages. Check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact age requirement.
If you are under 18, most states require a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person at the DMV. Some states let a parent sign a consent form that you bring with you, but most require them to be there. If you are 18 or older, you can explore on your own without parental permission.
The permit fee and how long it lasts
Permit fees vary widely by state. Most states charge between $20 and $100 for a learner's permit. Some states charge less if the permit is valid for only one year, and more if it lasts four or five years. A few states charge no fee at all. Check your state's DMV website for the exact cost.
A permit is usually valid for one to five years depending on your state. During that time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult. Once your permit expires, you must renew it or move on to taking your road test and getting your full driver's license. If you pass your road test before the permit expires, you do not need to renew it—your license replaces it.
What happens on the day you explore
Arrive at your local DMV office with all your documents and be ready to wait. Bring the originals of everything listed above. You will fill out an process form—the DMV provides it or you can read it from their website ahead of time. Some states let you fill it out online before you go, which can save time.
A DMV staff member will check your documents, take your photo for the permit, and collect your fee. Then you will go to a testing station and take the written test on a computer or on paper. If you pass, you are done—most DMVs print your permit on the spot and hand it to you before you leave. If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or come back another day depending on your state's policy.
The whole visit usually takes one to three hours depending on how busy the DMV is. Go early in the morning or on a weekday if you can—afternoons and Saturdays are much busier.
What you can and cannot do with a permit
A permit lets you practice driving, but with restrictions. You must have a licensed adult (usually at least 21 years old) in the front passenger seat at all times. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive at night in most states—the curfew is usually between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., though it varies.
Some states restrict how many passengers you can have, ban cell phone use even with a hands-free device, and set a lower speed limit for permit holders. Read the back of your permit or your state's DMV handbook to learn the exact rules. Breaking these rules can result in a fine, loss of your permit, or both.
You keep your permit while you practice and prepare for your road test. Once you pass the road test, you trade your permit for a full driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online instead of going to the DMV?
A few states let you take the written test online, but most require you to take it in person at a DMV office. Even if you can take the test online, you still have to go to the DMV in person at some point to provide your documents, pay the fee, and get your photo taken for the permit. Check your state's DMV website to see if online testing is an option.
What if I fail the written test?
Most states let you retake the test the same day or within a few days at no extra charge. Some charge a small fee for each retake. Study the handbook again, take more practice tests, and try again. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
How long can I practice with my permit before I have to take the road test?
Most states require you to hold your permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test, though some require 6 months or longer. Use this time to practice driving in different conditions—rain, night, highways—so you are ready for the test. Check your state's rules to see the minimum holding period.
Do I need to take a driver education course to get a permit?
Some states require a driver education course before you get your permit, especially if you are under 18. Others make it optional but recommend it. A few states do not require it at all. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a course is required where you live.
What if I lose my permit before I take the road test?
Go back to the DMV and ask for a replacement. You will pay a small fee (usually $10 to $20) and get a new one the same day. Bring your ID and proof of residency again. You do not have to retake the written test.