How to Get a Learner's Permit
The steps are similar everywhere, but the details are set by each state. Here is the general path.
The steps
- Find your state licensing agency and read its learner's permit page.
- Check the minimum age. It ranges from 14 to 16 across states, and driver education can change it.
- Gather identity documents, proof of residency and your Social Security number if asked.
- Complete driver education if your state requires it for your age.
- Pass the vision screening and the knowledge test.
- Pay the fee and receive your permit.
- Log supervised practice hours for the full holding period.
Teens and adults
Teens follow graduated licensing, with a holding period, a set number of supervised hours and limits after the permit. Adults often skip driver education and may face a shorter holding period.
Use the license requirements by state table to see the rules for your state, then take the permit test for your state.
Study guides and articles
Read a little more before you test.
Graduated Driver Licensing Explained: The Three Stages
Why new drivers move through a permit and an intermediate license before a full license, and what to check for your state.
ReadLearner's Permit vs Driver's License: What Actually Changes
Supervision, tests and limits: the practical differences between a learner's permit and a driver's license.
ReadWhat to Bring to the DMV for a Permit Test: A Checklist
A practical checklist of documents and preparation for your permit visit, plus what to check before you leave.
ReadHow Many Supervised Driving Hours Do Teens Need? A State Comparison
From 20 hours to 70, here is how the required practice time varies across all 50 states and DC.
Read