The core requirements for a learner's permit
To get a learner's permit, you must be a minimum age set by your state (usually 14 to 16), pass a written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs, and provide proof of identity and residency. Most states also require you to pass a vision screening at the DMV. You do not need to own a car or have insurance yet — the permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle.
The written test covers your state's driver's manual and typically includes 30 to 50 questions about right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and what different road signs mean. You usually need to score 70 to 80 percent to pass, depending on the state. Many DMVs let you take the test on a computer at the office, and some states offer the test in multiple languages.
You will pay a fee to get the permit — this ranges from $10 to $50 depending on your state and how long the permit is valid. Some states charge extra if you need a replacement or if you want to renew before it expires.
Key Takeaways
- You must meet your state's minimum age requirement, which is typically 14 to 16 years old, before you can request a learner's permit.
- Bring a valid form of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your current address, and your Social Security number or tax ID to the DMV.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs at the DMV; most states require a score of 70 to 80 percent to pass.
- A vision screening is part of the permit process in most states, and you may need to bring glasses or contacts if you use them while driving.
- Permit fees range from $10 to $50 and vary by state; the permit is usually valid for one to three years.
Minimum age requirements by state
Every state sets its own minimum age for a learner's permit. Most states allow you to get one at age 15 or 16, but some allow it as early as 14. A few states have a two-tier system: you can get a permit at a younger age, but you must wait until a later age to take the road test for a full license.
For example, in California you can get a permit at 15 and a half, but you must be 16 to take the driving test. In Texas, the minimum age for a permit is 14, but you must be 16 to get a license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact age requirement, because it affects when you can start the process.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
The DMV requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN). Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, state ID, tribal ID, or a school ID paired with another document. Some states accept a learner's permit from another state as proof of identity.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days in most states. If you live with a parent or guardian, you may need a notarized letter from them stating that you live at that address, along with their proof of residency.
Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the DMV whether you can use an ITIN or another form of identification number.
The written knowledge test
The written test covers material from your state's driver's manual and tests your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you typically have 30 to 60 minutes to complete it. Most states require a score of 70 to 80 percent to pass; if you fail, you can retake it the same day or within a few days, depending on the state.
You can study using the official driver's manual (available free online or in print from the DMV), practice tests on your state's DMV website, or third-party study apps. Many DMVs also offer the test in languages other than English. If you have a documented learning disability or vision impairment, ask the DMV about accommodations such as a reader, extra time, or a large-print test.
Some states offer a computerized test at the DMV office, while others use paper and pencil. The format does not change what you need to know — focus on understanding the rules, not memorizing specific questions.
Vision screening and medical requirements
Nearly all states require a vision screening as part of the permit process. You must be able to read a chart at a specific distance (usually 20/40 or better in at least one eye) to pass. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the DMV — you will be tested with them on. If you fail the vision screening, you may be able to retake it after getting new glasses or contacts, or the DMV may require a letter from an eye doctor.
A few states require a medical exam or a doctor's letter if you have certain conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition. Check your state's DMV website to see whether any medical conditions require documentation. In most cases, having a medical condition does not automatically disqualify you — the DMV wants to know about it so they can assess whether it affects your ability to drive safely.
Permit fees and how long the permit lasts
Learner's permit fees vary by state and typically range from $10 to $50. Some states charge a flat fee, while others charge based on how long you want the permit to be valid. A few states charge extra for a replacement permit if you lose it or need a duplicate.
The permit is usually valid for one to three years, depending on your state. Some states set an expiration date based on when you turn a certain age (for example, when you turn 18), while others set a fixed number of years from the date you received it. When your permit expires, you can renew it by paying a fee and passing the vision screening again; you usually do not have to retake the written test.
What happens after you pass the test
Once you pass the written test and vision screening, the DMV will issue your learner's permit on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. The permit shows your photo, name, date of birth, address, and the expiration date. Keep it with you whenever you drive — it is your proof that you are allowed to be behind the wheel.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult (usually age 21 or older) in the front passenger seat. Some states have additional restrictions, such as limits on the number of teenage passengers you can carry, restrictions on driving at night, or a ban on using a cell phone while driving. Read the back of your permit or check your state's DMV website to learn the specific rules that explore to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit if I do not have a Social Security number?
Many states accept an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Some states also accept a passport number or other government-issued ID number. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask what identification numbers they accept if you do not have a Social Security number.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test, usually the same day or within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it in most states, though some charge a fee each time. Study the driver's manual again before your next attempt, and focus on the areas where you struggled.
Do I need to have a car to get a learner's permit?
No. You do not need to own a car or have insurance to get a permit. You can practice in a parent's or friend's car as long as a licensed adult is with you. The car must be registered and insured, but the insurance does not need to be in your name.
Can I get a learner's permit from a different state if I move?
Yes, but you will need to follow the new state's process. You may be able to transfer your existing permit, or you may need to take the written test again. Contact the new state's DMV to ask whether they recognize permits from other states or whether you need to start over.
What if I wear glasses or contacts — do I have to wear them while driving?
If you need glasses or contacts to pass the vision screening, you must wear them while driving. The DMV may put a restriction on your permit that says "corrective lenses required." Driving without them when the restriction is in place is a violation and can result in a ticket.