What you need to do to get a driver's permit

Getting a driver's permit means going to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency), bringing the right documents, passing a written test, and paying a fee. The exact documents, test content, and cost vary by state — some states call it a learner's permit, others call it a driver's permit, and a few use different names entirely. You will walk out with a physical permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car.

The process itself is straightforward and takes one visit. Most people complete it in under an hour. The hardest part is usually gathering the documents beforehand, because states require proof of identity, proof of residency, and sometimes proof of Social Security number, and not all documents count.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring proof of identity (usually a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and sometimes a Social Security card or tax document to the DMV.
  • You will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs; the test is usually 30 to 50 questions and you must pass with a score between 70 and 80 percent depending on your state.
  • Permit fees range from roughly $20 to $60 and the permit itself is valid for one to eight years depending on your state and age.
  • Some states let you take the written test online or at a third-party testing location, while others require you to test at the DMV in person.
  • You cannot legally drive alone with a permit — you must have a licensed adult (usually 21 or older) in the front passenger seat at all times.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Every state requires proof of identity and proof of residency, but which documents count differs. A birth certificate works in all states for identity. A passport works in all states. A state ID card from another state works in most states. A school ID does not count as proof of identity in any state.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address on it. The document usually must be dated within the last 60 days, though some states allow up to 90 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax return, voter registration card, court document) also counts in most states.

Many states also require proof of your Social Security number. You can bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. A few states will accept a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. Check your state's DMV website before you go — the list of acceptable documents is usually there, and bringing the wrong thing means a wasted trip.

If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. Some states require it; others do not. A few states require a parent to be present at the DMV.

The written test: what it covers and how to prepare

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most tests are 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions. You must usually score at least 70 to 80 percent to pass — the exact threshold varies by state. You get one or two attempts on the day you visit; if you fail, you can usually return and retake it after a waiting period of a few days to a week.

The test is based on your state's driver's manual, which is free and available online from your state's DMV website. The manual covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies. Most people study the manual for a few hours to a few days before testing.

Many states offer practice tests online through their DMV website. Taking a practice test is the fastest way to see which topics you need to study more. Some third-party websites also offer practice tests, though the official state version is always the most accurate.

You do not need a permit to study for the test. You can read the manual and take practice tests right now, before you go to the DMV. Some people study for weeks; others study for a few hours the night before. The test is designed to be passable for someone who reads the manual once.

Where to take the test and how long it takes

In most states, you take the written test at the DMV office itself on the same day you explore for your permit. A few states let you test at a third-party location — a driving school, a library, or a testing center — which may have shorter wait times. Some states now offer online testing, though usually only if you meet certain conditions (age, prior license status, or residency).

The entire visit — paperwork, test, and getting your permit photo taken — usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Busy DMV offices can take longer. Going early in the morning or on a weekday (not Friday) usually means shorter waits. Some states let you make an appointment online; if yours does, book one before you go.

You will get your permit the same day you pass the test. It is a physical card with your photo, your name, your address, and an expiration date. You must carry it whenever you drive.

Permit fees and how long your permit lasts

Permit fees range from about $20 to $60 depending on your state. A few states charge less; a few charge more. The fee is usually paid when you submit your process at the DMV. Some states accept cash, some accept card, and some accept both — check your state's DMV website to know what to bring.

How long your permit lasts depends on your state and your age. In most states, a permit is valid for one to three years. A few states issue permits valid for up to eight years. If your permit expires before you pass your driving test and get your license, you will need to renew it, which usually costs another fee.

Some states let you renew your permit online or by mail. Others require you to return to the DMV in person. Check your state's rules so you know what to do if your permit is about to expire.

Restrictions on what you can do with a permit

A permit is not a license. You cannot drive alone. You must have a licensed driver in the front passenger seat at all times — in most states, that person must be at least 21 years old, though some states allow 18 or 19. The licensed driver must be awake and able to exercise control of the vehicle.

Some states have additional restrictions on permit holders. You may not be allowed to drive between certain hours (often 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.). You may not be allowed to use a cell phone, even hands-free. You may not be allowed to drive on highways or interstate roads. You may not be allowed to carry passengers other than the supervising adult. Check your state's permit restrictions before you start driving — they are usually printed on the back of your permit or listed on the DMV website.

Violating permit restrictions can result in a ticket, a fine, or suspension of your permit. If your permit is suspended, you cannot drive at all until it is reinstated, and you may have to wait longer before you can take your driving test.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you have your permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult. Most states require a minimum number of supervised driving hours before you can take your driving test — this ranges from 20 to 100 hours depending on your state and age. Some states also require a minimum number of night-driving hours.

You will eventually take a driving test (also called a road test or behind-the-wheel test) to get your full license. That test is separate from the permit process and happens at a different time. You must pass both the written test (which you already did) and the driving test to get your license.

Keep your permit in good condition and do not lose it. If it is damaged or lost, you will need to go back to the DMV and pay a replacement fee, which is usually $10 to $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked in any state, you cannot get a permit in another state. The DMV checks the National Driver Register, which tracks suspensions and revocations across all states. You must resolve the suspension or revocation in the original state first.

What if I fail the written test?

You can usually retake it the same day or within a few days. Most states let you attempt the test twice on your first visit. If you fail both times, you must wait a few days to a week before you can try again. There is usually no extra fee for retakes, though a few states charge a small fee.

Do I need to take a driver's education course before I get my permit?

Not in most states. You can study the manual on your own and take the test without a course. However, some states offer discounts on insurance or permit fees if you complete a course, and some insurance companies offer discounts to young drivers who have completed one. A course is optional unless your state specifically requires it.

Can I use my permit in other states?

Yes, your permit is valid in all other states. However, you must follow the restrictions of the state you are driving in, not just your home state. If you are driving in a state with stricter rules, you must follow those rules.

What if I move to a different state while I have a permit?

Your permit becomes invalid in your new state. You must get a new permit from your new state's DMV. You can usually transfer your driving hours or test results if you have already passed the written test, but rules vary by state. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what documents to bring.