Your child now has a learner's permit, but it's not a license yet

Passing the written test means your child has demonstrated knowledge of traffic laws and road signs. The permit itself is a legal document that allows them to drive only under specific conditions — with a licensed adult in the front seat, during daylight hours in most states, and with restrictions on passengers and phone use. The permit is a training document, not permission to drive alone.

What comes next depends on your state's requirements. Most states require a minimum number of supervised driving hours (typically 50 to 100 hours, with a portion at night), a waiting period before the road test, and completion of a driver education course. Some states require all three; others require only one or two. Your state's DMV website lists the exact requirements for your child's age and permit type.

Key Takeaways

  • A learner's permit allows supervised driving only — your child cannot drive alone, and you must be in the front seat as the supervising adult.
  • Most states require 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving, including a set number of night hours, before your child can take the road test.
  • Your child must hold the permit for a minimum waiting period (usually 6 months to 1 year) before scheduling the road test, depending on your state.
  • You will need to enroll your child in a driver education course if your state requires it; some states waive this requirement if a parent supervises all driving hours.
  • Your child's insurance status changes once they hold a permit — notify your insurance company when ready, as rates will increase.

Tell your insurance company right away

A learner's permit is a reportable change to your auto insurance policy. Your child is now a household member with driving privileges, even if they cannot drive alone. Insurance companies consider permit holders as drivers on your policy, and your rates will increase — usually by 50 to 100 percent, though the exact amount varies by insurer, your child's age, and your current coverage.

Call your insurance agent or log into your policy online and add your child as a permitted driver. Do not wait until your child takes the road test. Driving with a permit while uninsured or while your policy does not list your child as a driver can void coverage in the event of an accident, leaving you personally liable for damages. Some insurers offer discounts for completing a defensive driving course before the road test, so ask about that when you call.

Understand your state's supervised driving requirements

Every state sets a minimum number of hours your child must drive under supervision before taking the road test. These hours are usually tracked on a form you keep in the car or in a log your child maintains. Some states require the hours to be certified by the supervising adult; others do not. A few states use an electronic system that records hours automatically if your child's permit is linked to a mobile app.

Night driving hours are almost always required separately. A typical requirement is 50 total hours with at least 10 of those hours after dark. "After dark" usually means between sunset and sunrise, though some states define it more strictly (for example, between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Check your state's DMV website for the exact definition and the exact number of hours required, because these vary significantly.

Keep a written record of every supervised drive — date, time, location, and duration. If your state does not require this, do it anyway. If your child's hours are ever questioned at the road test, you will have proof. Some states allow parents to count hours only if they are logged in real time; others allow you to reconstruct them from memory weeks later. Know your state's rule before you start.

Enroll in driver education if your state requires it

Some states require a formal driver education course (classroom, online, or both) before a child can take the road test. Other states allow parents to skip the course if they supervise all driving hours themselves. A few states require the course regardless of who supervises. Check your state's DMV website to see whether the course is mandatory or optional for your child's age.

If the course is required, you typically enroll through a private driving school, a high school program, or an online provider. The course usually covers vehicle operation, traffic laws, hazard recognition, and impaired driving awareness. Costs range from $300 to $800 depending on whether the course is in-person or online and whether it includes behind-the-wheel instruction. Some insurance companies offer discounts (usually 10 percent) if your child completes an approved defensive driving course, which can offset part of the cost.

Know your state's waiting period before the road test

Most states require your child to hold the permit for a minimum period — usually 6 months to 1 year — before they can schedule the road test. This waiting period exists regardless of how many supervised hours your child completes. Some states have shorter waiting periods for older teens (for example, 6 months for a 16-year-old but 1 year for a 15-year-old). A few states have no waiting period at all.

Mark your calendar with the earliest date your child becomes may be able to access for the road test. You cannot schedule the test before that date, even if your child has completed all required hours. When the waiting period ends, contact your state's DMV to schedule the test. Road test appointments often fill weeks in advance, so book early. Some states allow online scheduling; others require a phone call or in-person visit.

Set rules for supervised driving practice

Your child's permit comes with legal restrictions — no solo driving, no passengers under a certain age (usually 20 or 21), no phone use, and often no driving between certain hours (usually 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.). These are state law, not suggestions. Violating them can result in a ticket, a fine, and suspension of the permit.

Beyond legal requirements, set your own house rules. Decide whether your child can drive on highways, in heavy traffic, or in bad weather during the permit phase. Decide how many hours per week your child will practice and who will supervise. Decide what happens if your child breaks a rule — will they lose driving privileges for a week, a month, or longer? Clear expectations reduce conflict and keep your child focused on safe driving rather than testing boundaries.

Prepare for the road test

The road test typically lasts 20 to 40 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and responding to hazards. Your child will be tested on starting the car, parking, turning, stopping, merging, and navigating intersections. The examiner will ask your child to perform specific maneuvers — parallel parking, three-point turns, or lane changes — depending on your state's test format.

Your child should practice the exact route the DMV uses for testing if possible. Many DMV offices publish their test routes online or will describe them over the phone. Practice that route multiple times with your child, focusing on the turns, intersections, and parking areas where the test will occur. Practice in similar weather and traffic conditions. Most children who fail the road test do so because they were not familiar with the specific route or because they panicked in an unfamiliar situation.

On test day, arrive early, bring all required documents (permit, proof of insurance, proof of vehicle registration), and make sure the vehicle is in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors work before the test begins. If anything is broken, the test will be cancelled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child drive to school with a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit requires a licensed adult in the front seat at all times. Your child cannot drive alone, even to school or to a friend's house. The supervising adult must be at least 18 or 21 (depending on your state) and hold a valid driver's license. Driving without a supervising adult is illegal and can result in a ticket and permit suspension.

What happens if my child fails the road test?

Your child can retake the test after a waiting period, usually 1 to 2 weeks. You will need to pay the test fee again and schedule a new appointment. Your child's permit remains valid during this time, so they can continue practicing. Most states allow unlimited retakes, though a few cap the number of attempts per year. Ask your DMV how many times your child can test before the permit expires.

Does my child's permit expire?

Yes. Learner's permits are typically valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on your state and your child's age. Check the expiration date printed on the permit. If your child does not pass the road test before the permit expires, they must retake the written test and pay the permit fee again to get a new one.

Can my child drive with other teenagers in the car?

Not usually. Most states prohibit permit holders from driving with passengers under a certain age (typically 20 or 21) unless a licensed adult is also in the car. Some states allow one sibling; others allow none. Check your permit or your state's DMV website for the exact rule. Violating passenger restrictions can result in a ticket and permit suspension.

What if my child gets a ticket while driving with a permit?

A ticket for a permit violation (such as driving without a supervising adult or violating passenger restrictions) can result in a fine and suspension of the permit. A ticket for a traffic violation (such as speeding or running a red light) goes on your child's driving record and can affect insurance rates even after they get a full license. Encourage your child to follow all traffic laws, not just permit restrictions.