What you need to do to get your first driver's license
Getting your first driver's license involves three stages: passing a written test on traffic laws, passing a driving test with an examiner, and paying the fee. Most states let you get a learner's permit first, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the road test. The whole process typically takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.
The exact documents you need, the test format, and the fees vary by state. This guide walks you through what happens at each stage and what to bring when you go.
Key Takeaways
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or tax ID to explore for a learner's permit or license.
- Most states require you to pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws before you can get a learner's permit.
- With a learner's permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, which prepares you for the road test.
- The road test checks your ability to drive safely in real traffic, and you must pass it to get your full license.
- Fees range by state but typically run between $20 and $100 for a learner's permit and $15 to $150 for a license.
Gather your documents before you go to the DMV
You will need to bring original documents or certified copies. The DMV will not accept photocopies or digital images for most documents. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) card or a letter from the IRS.
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, state ID, or military ID. If you do not have photo ID, bring two documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and a school ID. You will also need proof that you live in your state. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days in most states, though this varies.
Some states also require a completed process form, which you can read from your state's DMV website before you go. Filling it out at home saves time at the office. Bring a pen in case you need to fill out forms on site.
Pass the written knowledge test
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Most states give you a multiple-choice test with 30 to 50 questions. You typically need to answer 70 to 80 percent correctly to pass. The test is offered on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your score when ready.
Study materials are free on your state's DMV website. Most states publish the official driver's manual as a PDF and offer practice tests online. Spend at least a week reviewing the manual and taking practice tests before your appointment. Focus on road signs, right-of-way rules, and speed limits, as these appear on nearly every test.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. Most states let you retake it as many times as you need, though some charge a fee each time. Once you pass, you will get a learner's permit, usually the same day.
Practice driving with your learner's permit
A learner's permit lets you drive on public roads with a licensed adult in the front passenger seat. The adult must be at least 18 or 21 years old, depending on your state. You cannot drive alone, and you must follow any restrictions on your permit, such as no driving after dark or no highway driving.
Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for at least 30 days before you can take the road test, though some require 6 months or longer. Use this time to practice in different conditions: residential streets, busy roads, highway driving, and night driving. Log your practice hours if your state requires it. Some states have a minimum number of hours you must practice, often between 40 and 100 hours.
Practice with someone who is a calm, patient teacher. Mistakes during practice do not go on your record, so this is the time to learn from errors. Focus on smooth steering, proper braking, lane changes, and parking. These are the skills the examiner will watch most closely.
Schedule and prepare for your road test
Contact your state's DMV to schedule your road test. You can usually book online, by phone, or in person. Road test appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so schedule as soon as you are may be able to access. Some states have a wait list of several weeks.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will use, and the vehicle itself. The car must be registered, have working brakes and lights, and pass a safety inspection. Some DMV offices do a quick safety check before the test begins.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The examiner will ask you to show your documents and may ask you to identify controls in the car, such as the windshield wipers and headlights. Then you will drive for 15 to 30 minutes on local roads. The examiner will ask you to perform specific tasks, such as parallel parking, three-point turns, or merging onto a road.
What the examiner watches during the road test
The examiner scores you on vehicle control, safety awareness, and following traffic laws. Vehicle control means smooth acceleration, braking, and steering. Safety awareness means checking mirrors, looking over your shoulder before changing lanes, and maintaining a safe distance from other cars. Following traffic laws means obeying speed limits, stopping at red lights, and yielding when required.
Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb during parking, rolling through a stop sign, failing to signal, driving too fast or too slow, or hitting the examiner's brake pedal (which the examiner can use in an emergency). Minor mistakes, such as slightly jerky braking or a small steering correction, usually do not result in failure. You will get your score at the end of the test.
If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a set period, usually a few days to a week. You keep your learner's permit and can continue practicing. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Pay the fee and receive your license
Once you pass the road test, you will pay the license fee at the DMV. Fees vary widely by state, ranging from $15 to $150. Some states charge more for a license that is valid for 8 years than for one valid for 4 years. Ask the DMV clerk what payment methods they accept—most take cash, debit, and credit cards.
You will have your photo taken for the license. Wear something you feel comfortable in, as this photo will be on your license for several years. The DMV will give you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 to 60 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. Your permanent license usually arrives within two to four weeks.
Once you have your license, you can drive alone without restrictions (unless your state has a graduated licensing system that restricts new drivers for a period of time). Keep your license on you whenever you drive, along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN card or a letter from the IRS showing your number. Some states also accept a passport or consular ID if you are not a U.S. citizen. Contact your state's DMV to confirm what documents they will accept.
Can I take the road test in a car that is not registered to me?
Yes. The car must be registered and insured, but it does not have to be registered in your name. Bring proof of insurance and registration. The car must pass a safety check, so make sure the brakes, lights, and wipers work before you arrive.
How many times can I retake the written test or road test?
Most states let you retake either test as many times as you need. Some charge a fee for each retake, usually $5 to $20. A few states limit retakes to a certain number per year, so check your state's rules. You can usually retake the written test the same day, but road tests require scheduling a new appointment.
What happens if I get a ticket while I have a learner's permit?
A ticket while you have a learner's permit goes on your driving record just like any other ticket. It may delay your road test or result in higher insurance rates later. If you are cited for a serious violation, such as reckless driving, your learner's permit may be suspended.
Do I need to renew my license after I get it?
Yes. License validity periods vary by state, typically ranging from 4 to 8 years. Your license will show an expiration date. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV before it expires. Most states send you a renewal notice in the mail a few months before expiration.