What you need to do to get your driver's license as a minor
Getting your driver's license before 18 involves two separate steps: first a learner's permit, then a full license. You cannot skip the permit stage — every state requires you to hold one for a set period (usually three to six months) before you can test for your license. During that time, you must drive with a licensed adult in the car, follow restrictions on when and where you can drive, and practice the skills the test will check.
The exact rules — what age you can start, how long you hold the permit, what the restrictions are — differ by state. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets these rules and administers both tests. You will visit them twice: once to get your permit, and again to take your road test and receive your license.
Key Takeaways
- You must get a learner's permit first and hold it for a state-set period (usually three to six months) before you can test for your full license.
- Your state's DMV sets the minimum age for a permit and the rules for what you can and cannot do while you hold one.
- You will need to pass a written test (covering road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving) to get your permit, and a road test to get your license.
- Bring documents that prove your identity, age, and residency — the exact list varies by state, so check your DMV's website before you go.
- A licensed adult must be in the car with you during the road test in most states, and must supervise all your practice driving.
Minimum age and permit requirements by state
Most states allow you to get a learner's permit between ages 14 and 16, though a few states start as early as 13 or as late as 16. Once you have your permit, you must hold it for a minimum period — typically three to six months — before you can take your road test. Some states shorten this period if you complete a driver's education course.
The restrictions on your permit are strict and vary widely. Common rules include: you cannot drive alone, you cannot drive after a certain time at night (often 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.), you cannot use your phone while driving, and you cannot carry passengers under a certain age without a licensed adult present. Breaking these rules can result in your permit being suspended or revoked, and can delay when you can test for your license.
Check your state's DMV website to find the exact age you can start, how long you must hold your permit, and what restrictions explore to you. The rules are specific to your state and do not transfer if you move.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
You will need to prove three things: your identity, your age, and that you live in the state where you are explore. The documents that count toward each vary by state, but common ones include a birth certificate or passport (for age and identity), a school ID or report card (for identity), and a utility bill or lease in your parent's name (for residency).
Some states also require a Social Security number or a tax return. A few states accept a parent's or guardian's ID as proof of residency if you live with them. Do not guess — visit your state's DMV website and look for the section on what documents minors need. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies, unless the website says copies are acceptable.
You will also need to bring a completed process form, which you can usually read from the DMV website or fill out in person. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process.
The written test for your learner's permit
The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Most states give you 30 to 50 questions, and you typically need to answer 70 to 80 percent correctly to pass. The test is usually multiple choice and taken on a computer at the DMV, though some states still use paper tests.
You can study for free using your state's DMV handbook, which is available online and in print at the DMV office. Many states also offer practice tests on their websites. Some DMVs offer a practice test on a computer in the office before you take the real one. Studying the handbook and taking practice tests is the most effective way to prepare — most people who fail did not study the handbook first.
If you fail, you can usually retake the test the same day or within a few days, though some states charge a small fee for each attempt. Passing the written test is what gives you your learner's permit.
Practice driving and preparing for your road test
Once you have your permit, you must practice driving with a licensed adult (usually a parent, guardian, or driving instructor) before you can take your road test. Your state sets a minimum number of practice hours — this ranges from 20 to 100 hours depending on the state, and some states require a certain number of those hours to be at night. Keep a log of your practice hours if your state requires it.
During practice, focus on the skills the road test will check: starting and stopping smoothly, turning correctly, parking (both parallel and perpendicular), following traffic signs and signals, and handling different road conditions. Many people take a few lessons with a professional driving instructor in addition to practicing with a family member — instructors know exactly what the test checks and can spot habits that will cause you to fail.
You can schedule your road test through your state's DMV website or by calling your local DMV office. Tests often book weeks in advance, so schedule early. On test day, bring your permit, proof of insurance (your parent's or guardian's car insurance card), and the keys to the car you will be tested in.
Taking your road test and getting your license
The road test usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes and takes place on public roads near the DMV office. A DMV examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you drive, giving you directions. You will be tested on basic skills: starting the car, pulling into traffic, turning, stopping at stop signs and red lights, parking, and responding to the examiner's instructions.
The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving. Minor mistakes (like hesitating slightly at a stop sign) usually do not result in failure. Major mistakes that put safety at risk — running a red light, hitting a curb, failing to check your mirrors, or not following the examiner's directions — will cause you to fail. If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period (usually one to two weeks), and you can take it as many times as you need.
If you pass, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will then go back to the DMV office to pay the license fee (usually $20 to $50) and receive your license. In some states you get a temporary paper license that day and the plastic card arrives by mail a few weeks later. In others, you get the plastic card when ready.
Graduated licensing restrictions after you get your license
Most states do not give you full driving freedom when ready after you pass your road test. Instead, they issue a graduated license with restrictions that last for a set period (usually six months to a year). These restrictions are similar to permit restrictions but often less strict: you may not be able to drive alone with passengers under a certain age, you may have a curfew for driving at night, and you may not be allowed to use your phone.
These restrictions exist because new drivers under 18 have higher crash rates. Following them is not optional — violating them can result in fines, license suspension, or both. Once the restriction period ends, you will automatically move to a full license with no special rules, though you will still be subject to all traffic laws that explore to adult drivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license without getting a permit first?
No. Every state requires you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum period before you can test for your license. You cannot skip this step or shorten it, though some states reduce the required permit period if you complete a driver's education course approved by your state.
What happens if I fail my road test?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually one to two weeks. There is typically a small fee for each attempt. Most people pass on their second or third try. You keep your permit while you wait to retake the test, as long as you have not violated any permit restrictions.
Do I need to take a driver's education course?
It depends on your state and your age. Some states require it for drivers under 16 or 17; others make it optional. A course can shorten your required permit period in many states. Check your state's DMV website to see if it is required where you live.
Can I drive my parents' car for the road test?
Yes, in most states. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, and wipers work before the test begins. You cannot use a rental car or a car that is not insured.
What if I move to a different state after I get my license?
Your license is valid in any state, but if you move before your graduated license period ends, the new state's rules may explore. Some states honor the restrictions from your original state; others impose their own. Contact your new state's DMV to find out.