What you need to know about Guam's learner's permit
A learner's permit in Guam is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone with a learner's permit — an adult who holds a valid driver's license must be with you at all times, sitting in the front passenger seat. The permit is your first step toward a full driver's license and is issued by the Department of Revenue and Taxation, Motor Vehicle Division.
You can hold a learner's permit for as long as you need to practice before taking your road test. There is no time limit, though most people move through the process within a few months. Once you pass the road test, your permit becomes invalid and you move on to your provisional or full license.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 16 years old and pass a written knowledge test to receive a learner's permit in Guam.
- You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax identification number to the Motor Vehicle Division office.
- The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Guam roads and conditions.
- With a learner's permit, you must always have a licensed adult driver in the front passenger seat and follow all traffic laws.
Age requirements and who can explore
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit in Guam. There is no upper age limit — adults of any age can obtain a permit if they have never held a driver's license before or are new to Guam.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process. Bring them with you to the Motor Vehicle Division office, or have them sign the form before you arrive. The office staff can tell you whether a notarized signature is required or if a regular signature is acceptable.
Documents you must bring to the Motor Vehicle Division
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not be accepted. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current Guam address), and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
If you are under 18, bring your parent or guardian's ID as well. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate and any immigration documents. The Motor Vehicle Division staff can tell you over the phone whether your specific documents will work before you make the trip.
The written knowledge test
The written test has 40 multiple-choice questions covering traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass (80 percent). The test takes about 30 minutes and is given on a computer at the Motor Vehicle Division office.
The test is based on the Guam Driver's Manual, which you can read online or pick up at the Motor Vehicle Division office. The manual covers local road conditions, weather hazards specific to Guam, and how to handle driving in tropical weather. Study the manual before you take the test — most people who fail have not read it carefully.
You can retake the test if you do not pass. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can test again, though the Motor Vehicle Division can tell you the exact timeline when you fail.
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 valid when ready, and you can start practicing with a licensed adult right away. Your permit will have an expiration date — ask the staff how long it is valid in Guam, as this can change.
You are now required to follow all traffic laws and restrictions that come with your permit. You must have a licensed adult in the front passenger seat at all times, you cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between certain hours if Guam has a curfew for young drivers (check with the Motor Vehicle Division about current rules).
Restrictions and rules while you have a learner's permit
With a learner's permit, a licensed adult must always be in the front passenger seat next to you. This adult must hold a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or territory. You cannot drive alone under any circumstances, even for short trips.
You must follow all traffic laws exactly as written — speeding, running red lights, or other violations while on a learner's permit can result in fines and may delay your road test. Some violations may also require you to take a defensive driving course before you can test for your full license.
When you are ready for your road test
After you have practiced enough, you can schedule a road test with the Motor Vehicle Division. There is no minimum practice time required by law, but most people practice for several weeks or months. The road test checks your ability to start the car, control it safely, follow traffic laws, and handle common driving situations on Guam roads.
Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving to the road test. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, and wipers. If you pass the road test, your learner's permit becomes invalid and you will receive your provisional or full driver's license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice driving at night with my learner's permit?
Guam may have restrictions on nighttime driving for permit holders. Contact the Motor Vehicle Division directly to ask about current curfew rules for learner's permits, as these rules can change and vary based on your age.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test after a waiting period. Study the Guam Driver's Manual again, focusing on the areas where you struggled. The Motor Vehicle Division staff can sometimes tell you which topics you missed most often.
Do I need to take a driver's education course to get a learner's permit?
Guam does not require a driver's education course to get a learner's permit, though some schools and private instructors offer them. A course can help you prepare for the written test and road test, but it is not mandatory.
How long is a learner's permit valid in Guam?
The validity period can vary. Ask the Motor Vehicle Division when you receive your permit, or call ahead to find out the current expiration timeline. If your permit expires before you take your road test, you will need to renew it.
Can someone from off-island get a learner's permit in Guam?
Yes, if you are a resident of Guam. You will need to show proof of residency with a current Guam address. If you are temporarily in Guam, ask the Motor Vehicle Division whether you can get a permit based on your specific situation.