What You Need to Bring to the RMV
The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires specific documents before you can explore for a learner's permit. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
For proof of identity, the RMV accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are under 18, you will also need a completed Parent/Guardian Consent form, signed by a parent or legal guardian in front of an RMV employee.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your ITIN. If you do not have either, you can still explore, but the process takes longer because the RMV will verify your number through the Social Security Administration. Bring any documents the RMV sent you in the mail if you received a notice about your process.
Key Takeaways
- Bring original documents for identity and residency; photocopies are not accepted at the RMV.
- If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a consent form in front of an RMV employee.
- You will take a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices at the RMV office.
- The learner's permit is valid for six years from the date of issue, but you must pass the road test before that expires to get your license.
- Fees vary by state and age; check your state RMV website for the exact cost before you go.
The Written Test at the RMV Office
After you submit your documents, you will take a written test on a computer or paper form. The test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Most states require you to answer between 20 and 40 questions correctly to pass. The passing score is usually 70 to 80 percent, depending on your state.
You can study using your state's official driver's manual, which the RMV provides free online or in print at the office. Many states also offer practice tests on their RMV website so you can see what the real test looks like. Take the practice test more than once — most people who fail do so because they did not study the manual thoroughly.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day, depending on your state's policy. There is usually a small fee to retake the test. Bring the same documents you brought the first time if you return on a different day.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass the written test, the RMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. Your permit will show your photo, name, date of birth, address, and the expiration date. The permit is valid for six years in most states, though some states make it valid for four or five years.
Your learner's permit comes with restrictions. You must have a licensed adult driver in the car with you at all times — usually someone 21 or older, though some states require 25 or older. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between certain hours (often 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for drivers under 18). You also cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free in some states.
Keep your permit with you whenever you drive. If you are stopped by police and cannot show it, you can face a fine. If you lose your permit, go back to the RMV with your ID and pay a replacement fee — usually $10 to $25.
How Long You Hold a Learner's Permit
You must hold your learner's permit for a minimum amount of time before you can take the road test for your license. This holding period is usually between three and six months, depending on your state and your age. Some states have a shorter holding period for drivers 18 and older than for drivers under 18.
During this time, you are building driving experience. You should practice in different weather, on different road types (highways, city streets, rural roads), and at different times of day. Most states recommend at least 50 hours of supervised driving before you take the road test, with at least 10 hours at night.
Check your state's specific holding period and practice requirements on the RMV website. If you take the road test before the holding period is over, the RMV will not let you test, and you will lose the fee you paid.
Fees and Payment Methods
The cost of a learner's permit varies by state and sometimes by age. Most states charge between $20 and $50 for a learner's permit. Some states charge less for drivers under 18 and more for drivers 18 and older. A few states include the learner's permit fee in the cost of your first driver's license, so you do not pay twice.
The RMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Some RMV locations also accept online payment if you explore by mail or online. Check your state's RMV website to see if you can pay in advance or if you must pay in person at the office.
If you need to replace a lost or damaged permit, there is usually a separate replacement fee of $10 to $25. If you need to renew your permit because it expired before you passed the road test, you will pay the full permit fee again.
explore Online or by Mail
Some states let you start your learner's permit process online or by mail before you go to the RMV office. This can save time because the RMV will have your information ready when you arrive. You still must go to the office in person to take the written test and have your photo taken.
If your state offers online or mail-in applications, you will fill out the form on the RMV website or print it from there. You will mail in your documents or upload photos of them, depending on what your state accepts. The RMV will review your process and send you a confirmation number or letter telling you when to come in for your test.
Even if you explore online or by mail, bring all your original documents to the RMV office. The office will verify them in person before you take the test. Do not assume that submitting documents online means you do not need to bring them to the office.
What to Do If You Are Denied
The RMV can deny your learner's permit process if you do not meet the age requirement, if you do not have the required documents, or if you have a medical condition that makes it unsafe for you to drive. If your process is denied, the RMV will send you a letter explaining why.
If you were denied because of missing documents, gather the correct documents and reapply. If you were denied for a medical reason, you can request a hearing or provide additional medical information to the RMV. If you were denied because you do not meet the age requirement, you will have to wait until you are old enough.
If you do not understand why you were denied, call the RMV office that handled your process. Ask to speak with a supervisor who can explain the reason in detail and tell you what you can do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to get a learner's permit?
You need either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can still explore, but the RMV will verify your number through the Social Security Administration, which takes longer. Bring whatever identification document you have.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Most states offer the written test in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and others. Call your local RMV office or check the website to see which languages are available. You may need to request a translator when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can usually retake the test the same day or within a few days, depending on your state. There is a small fee each time you retake it. Study the official driver's manual more carefully before you test again, and use practice tests on your state's RMV website.
Can I get a learner's permit if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a learner's permit until the suspension or revocation ends. Contact the RMV to find out when you become may be able to access again and what steps you need to take to restore your driving rights.
How do I renew my learner's permit if it expires before I pass the road test?
Go back to the RMV office with your expired permit and your ID. You will pay the full permit fee again and take a new photo. You do not have to retake the written test if your permit straightforward expired — you only retake it if you failed it the first time.