What types of driving permits exist

There are three main types of driving permits in the United States: the learner's permit, the intermediate or provisional license, and the commercial driver's license (CDL) permit. Each one allows you to drive under different conditions and with different restrictions. Most new drivers start with a learner's permit, progress to an intermediate license, and eventually earn a full driver's license. The CDL permit is separate and is only for people who want to drive large trucks or buses professionally.

The type of permit you need depends on your age, what you want to drive, and where you live. State rules vary significantly — what you can do with a learner's permit in one state may be different in another. Understanding which permit applies to you now, and which one comes next, helps you plan your path to full licensure.

Key Takeaways

  • A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone or at night in most states.
  • An intermediate or provisional license lets you drive alone during the day in most states, but has restrictions on passengers and nighttime driving that a full license does not.
  • A commercial driver's license permit is required before you can take the CDL test, and it is only for people who plan to drive trucks or buses for work.
  • Each state sets its own rules for what you can and cannot do with each permit type, so you need to check your state's specific restrictions.
  • Most new drivers move through learner's permit, then intermediate license, then full license in order — you cannot skip steps.

Learner's permits: what you can and cannot do

A learner's permit is your first permit after passing the written knowledge test. It lets you practice driving, but always with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. In most states, that adult must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive at night — though the exact nighttime hours vary by state (often 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., but some states are stricter).

How long you hold a learner's permit depends on your state and your age. Some states require you to hold it for a minimum of six months; others require one year. You must pass a road test before you can move to the next stage. During this time, you are building the hours of supervised driving experience your state requires — many states now mandate 50 to 100 hours of practice before you can test for your intermediate license.

A learner's permit is not a full license. You cannot carry passengers (except the supervising adult in some states), you cannot drive for work, and you cannot drive on highways in some states. The restrictions exist because you are still learning, and the supervising adult is there to help you if something goes wrong.

Intermediate and provisional licenses: the middle stage

An intermediate license (also called a provisional license) is what you earn after you pass your road test with a learner's permit. It is a step between a learner's permit and a full license. You can now drive alone during daylight hours in most states, but you still have restrictions that a full license does not have.

The most common restrictions on an intermediate license are: no driving at night (usually between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., but this varies), limits on how many teenage passengers you can carry (often just one, or none), and no cell phone use while driving. Some states also restrict highway driving or require you to display a special license plate or sticker so police know you are a new driver.

How long you hold an intermediate license also varies by state — typically six months to one year. During this time, you continue to build driving experience under these restrictions. Once you meet your state's requirements (which might include a certain number of months, a certain number of hours, or straightforward reaching a certain age), you can take a test or straightforward renew your license to get a full, unrestricted license.

Commercial driver's license permits for truck and bus drivers

A commercial driver's license (CDL) permit is different from a regular learner's permit. It is only for people who want to drive large trucks, buses, or other commercial vehicles for work. You cannot get a CDL permit until you already have a regular driver's license (or in some states, a learner's permit). The CDL permit lets you practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the front seat, similar to how a regular learner's permit works.

To get a CDL permit, you must pass a written knowledge test about commercial driving rules, vehicle inspection, and safety. The test is longer and more detailed than a regular written test because commercial vehicles are larger and more dangerous. Once you have the permit, you practice with a CDL-licensed driver before taking the CDL road test.

A CDL is not something most new drivers need. It is only for people whose job requires them to drive a commercial vehicle. If you are a teenager learning to drive a regular car, you do not need a CDL permit.

How states differ in permit rules

Every state has its own rules about what you can do with each type of permit. Some states are stricter than others. For example, one state might allow you to drive alone at 16 with an intermediate license, while another state requires you to be 17. One state might allow one passenger on an intermediate license; another might allow none. One state might require six months with a learner's permit; another might require one year.

Some states have a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system, which is a formal three-stage process: learner's permit, intermediate license, and full license. Other states have fewer stages or different names for the same stages. A few states do not have an intermediate license stage at all — you go straight from learner's permit to full license.

Because the rules vary so much, you must check your specific state's rules. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website will tell you exactly what you can and cannot do with each permit type, how long you must hold each one, and what you need to do to move to the next stage.

Age requirements for each permit type

The age at which you can get each type of permit varies by state. Most states let you get a learner's permit between ages 14 and 16. Some states allow 14-year-olds; others do not let you explore until you are 15 or 16. A few states have different ages for different situations — for example, you might be able to get a learner's permit at 14 if you live in a rural area, but not if you live in a city.

Intermediate licenses also have age requirements that vary by state. You might be able to get one at 15 or 16, depending on where you live and how long you have held your learner's permit. Full licenses typically become available at 16 or 17, again depending on your state and how long you have held your intermediate license.

For a CDL permit, you must be at least 18 years old in most states (and 21 to drive across state lines). Age requirements for CDL are set by federal law, so they are the same in every state.

Moving from one permit type to the next

The path from learner's permit to full license is not automatic. You must meet your state's requirements and often take a test to move forward. Typically, you must hold your learner's permit for a minimum amount of time (often six months to one year), complete a certain number of supervised driving hours, and pass a road test. Only after you pass that road test do you earn your intermediate license.

Similarly, moving from an intermediate license to a full license usually requires you to hold the intermediate license for a set amount of time and sometimes to pass another test or straightforward renew your license. Some states make this transition automatic once you reach a certain age and have held the intermediate license long enough. Others require you to pass a test or visit the DMV to request the upgrade.

You cannot skip stages. You cannot go straight from a learner's permit to a full license, even if you are a very good driver. The stages exist to give you time to build experience and to reduce the risk of crashes among new drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone with a learner's permit?

No. A learner's permit requires a licensed adult to be in the front passenger seat with you at all times. You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip. Once you pass your road test and earn an intermediate license, you can drive alone during daylight hours in most states.

What is the difference between an intermediate license and a full license?

An intermediate license has restrictions: no nighttime driving, limits on passengers, and no cell phone use. A full license has no such restrictions. You can drive at any time, carry as many passengers as your car's seats allow, and use your phone hands-free if your state allows it.

Do I need a CDL permit if I want to drive a pickup truck?

No. A CDL permit is only for large commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and buses. A regular driver's license is all you need for a pickup truck, car, or SUV, even if you use it for work.

How do I know what my state's rules are for each permit type?

Visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. It will list the exact age requirements, restrictions, how long you must hold each permit, and what you need to do to move to the next stage. Rules change, so checking your state's official site is the most reliable way to get current information.

Can I get an intermediate license without holding a learner's permit first?

No. In every state, you must start with a learner's permit, hold it for the required time, and pass a road test before you can get an intermediate license. You cannot skip this step.