You can get a driver's permit between 14 and 16 in most states, depending on where you live
The age at which you can get your first learner's permit varies by state. Most states allow you to explore between age 14 and 16. Some states, like South Dakota and Montana, let you start at 14. Others, like New Jersey and New York, don't issue permits until 16. A few states fall in between—16 is the most common minimum age across the country.
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets this age, and it applies to everyone who lives there. If you move to a different state, you may need to get a new permit that follows that state's rules, even if you already have one from your previous state.
The permit itself is not a license to drive alone. It's a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, usually someone 18 or older. The rules about who can sit with you, what hours you can drive, and how long you hold the permit before testing for a full license also vary by state.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to get a learner's permit at 14, 15, or 16; check your state's DMV website to find the exact age for where you live.
- A permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult present, but does not let you drive alone.
- You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs before you receive a permit.
- Some states have a waiting period between getting your permit and taking the road test for a full license, which can range from a few weeks to several months.
What you need to bring to get your permit at your state's minimum age
When you go to the DMV to explore for a permit, bring proof of your age and identity. This usually means a birth certificate or passport. You will also need proof of your Social Security number—a Social Security card itself, a tax return, or a W-2 form usually works. Some states also ask for proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease in your parent's or guardian's name.
Your parent or guardian must be present at the DMV when you explore if you are under 18. Some states require them to sign the process in person; others allow them to sign it beforehand. Call your local DMV or check the website before you go so you know exactly what documents to bring and whether your parent needs to be there.
You will also pay a fee for the permit. This ranges from about $20 to $60 depending on your state, and it usually covers the cost of the permit card itself plus the written test. Some states charge the test fee separately.
The written test you take to get your permit
Before you receive your permit, you must pass a written test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is given at the DMV and usually has 30 to 50 questions. You typically need to answer 80 percent of them correctly to pass. The questions come from your state's driver's manual, which is free and available online or in print at the DMV.
You can take the test on the same day you explore for your permit, or you can study first and come back another day. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, though some states charge a small fee for each retake. Most people pass on their first or second attempt if they study the manual beforehand.
Some states offer the written test in languages other than English. If English is not your first language, ask the DMV whether your language is available when you call or visit.
How long you can hold a permit before getting your license
Once you have your permit, you must practice driving for a set amount of time before you can take the road test for a full license. This waiting period varies widely. Some states require only a few weeks; others require six months or longer. A few states have no minimum waiting period at all—you can take the road test as soon as you feel ready, though most people practice for several months anyway.
During this time, you must follow your state's learner's permit restrictions. These rules typically limit when you can drive (often no driving after dark or between certain hours), who can be in the car with you (usually only licensed adults, sometimes with limits on how many passengers), and whether you can use a cell phone. Breaking these rules can result in your permit being suspended or revoked, which delays when you can take your road test.
Your state's DMV website lists the exact waiting period and all the restrictions that explore to your permit. Read them carefully, because they are enforced and violations go on your driving record.
States with the earliest and latest permit ages
| Permit Age | States |
|---|---|
| 14 years old | South Dakota, Montana, and a few others allow permits at 14, usually with more restrictions on driving hours and passengers. |
| 14.5 or 15 years old | Many states, including Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, and Oklahoma, fall in this range. |
| 16 years old | New Jersey, New York, and several other states do not issue permits until 16. Some of these states have shorter waiting periods before the road test to make up for the later start. |
What happens if you turn 18 before you get your license
If you reach 18 while still holding a learner's permit, you can continue to use it. However, the restrictions that applied to your permit may change or fall away entirely. In some states, once you turn 18, you no longer need a licensed adult in the car with you—you can take the road test whenever you are ready. In other states, the permit restrictions stay in place until you pass the road test.
Check your state's DMV rules about what happens to your permit when you turn 18. If you are close to 18 and still practicing, it may be worth taking your road test before your birthday so you have a full license rather than a restricted permit.
Getting a permit in a new state if you have moved
If you move to a different state after getting your permit, you will need to get a new permit that follows your new state's rules. Your old permit is not valid there. Contact your new state's DMV to find out whether you need to take the written test again or whether they will transfer your knowledge test results. Some states honor out-of-state tests; others require you to retake them.
If you are close to the age when you can take your road test in your new state, it may be faster to just take the test rather than get a new permit first. Ask the DMV which path is quicker for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my permit before the minimum age in my state?
No. The minimum age is set by state law, and the DMV cannot issue a permit to anyone younger than that age. If you are a few months away from the minimum age, you can call the DMV to find out the exact date you become old enough to explore.
Do I need to take driver's education before I get my permit?
Most states do not require driver's education before you get your permit, but some do. Check your state's DMV website. If it is required, you usually take it before or shortly after getting your permit. Some high schools offer it for free; private driving schools charge a fee, typically $300 to $800.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it, usually the same day or within a few days. Study the driver's manual more carefully before your next attempt. The DMV often has practice tests online that you can use to prepare. Most people pass on their second try.
Can my permit be suspended or revoked before I turn 18?
Yes. If you break the rules that come with your permit—such as driving without a licensed adult, driving during restricted hours, or getting a traffic ticket—your permit can be suspended or revoked. This delays when you can take your road test. The consequences depend on what you did and your state's laws.
What if I don't pass my road test on the first try?
You can retake it after a waiting period, which is usually a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. Your permit stays valid while you practice more and prepare for your next attempt. There is usually a fee for each road test.