Getting your driver's license starts with a written test, a driving test, and paperwork at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The exact order and requirements vary by state, but the basic path is the same everywhere: you visit your DMV office, pass a knowledge test about traffic laws, pass a driving test with an examiner, and provide documents that prove who you are and where you live. Most states let you take the knowledge test before you can schedule the driving test, and some require you to hold a learner's permit for a set number of days or weeks in between. The whole process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need.
Your state's DMV website is your starting point — it lists the exact documents you need, current wait times for appointments, the fee for your license, and whether your state requires a waiting period between tests. Bookmark it now, because you will return to it multiple times during the process.
Key Takeaways
- You will need to bring specific documents to your DMV office — usually a birth certificate or passport, proof of your address, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
- Most states require you to pass a written knowledge test before you can take the driving test, and some require a waiting period between the two.
- The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle, and covers basic skills like parking, turning, and following traffic laws.
- You can retake either test if you fail, though there is usually a fee each time and a waiting period before you can schedule again.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents you need, the current wait times for appointments, and the fee for your license.
What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Every state requires proof of identity and proof of your current address. Acceptable identity documents usually include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. If you do not have a birth certificate, some states accept a hospital record of birth, adoption papers, or a certificate of naturalization.
For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address on it. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, some states accept a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, stating that you live there.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Bring the card itself or a document that shows the number. Check your state's DMV website before you go — some states have additional requirements, such as proof of a medical exam or proof that you have completed a driver education course.
Taking the written knowledge test
The knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to your state. Most states offer the test on a computer at the DMV office, though some still use paper. You typically have 30 to 60 minutes to complete it, and the number of questions ranges from 30 to 50 depending on your state.
To prepare, study your state's driver's manual, which is free and available on your DMV website. Many states also offer practice tests online. You need to pass with a score of 70 to 80 percent, depending on your state — check your DMV website for the exact passing score. If you fail, you can usually retake the test after a waiting period of a few days to a week, though you may have to pay a fee each time.
The waiting period between tests (if your state requires one)
Some states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set number of days or weeks before you can take the driving test. During this time, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. Other states let you take both tests on the same day or within a few days of each other.
Check your state's DMV website to find out whether there is a waiting period and how long it is. If there is, use that time to practice with someone who knows how to drive — the more hours you log, the more confident you will feel during the actual test. Some states specify a minimum number of practice hours, so look for that requirement as well.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
Once you have passed the knowledge test (and waited any required period), you schedule an appointment for the driving test. Many states let you book online through their DMV website; others require you to call or visit in person. Wait times for appointments vary widely — some places have openings within days, while others have waits of several weeks or months.
On test day, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance for the vehicle you will be driving, and the vehicle itself. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and following traffic signs and signals. The test usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes. You pass or fail based on whether you follow traffic laws, control the vehicle safely, and respond correctly to road conditions.
If you fail, you can retake the test after a waiting period — usually a few days to a week — and you will likely pay a fee. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Getting your physical license after you pass
After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your license. In some states, you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic card arrives by mail within a few weeks. In others, you wait while they print the card at the office. Bring the same documents you brought to your first visit, plus any additional paperwork the examiner gave you.
Your license will be valid for a set number of years — typically four to eight years depending on your state and age. When it expires, you will need to renew it, which usually involves a shorter process than getting your first license. Your DMV website will send you a notice before expiration and explain how to renew.
What to do if you fail the driving test
Failing the driving test does not mean you cannot try again. You will receive a report showing which tasks you did not perform correctly — common reasons include hitting a curb while parking, not checking mirrors, rolling through a stop sign, or not maintaining proper speed. Review that feedback and practice those specific skills before your next attempt.
You can usually retake the test after waiting a few days to a week, though you will pay a fee each time. Some states limit how many times you can retake the test in a certain period, so check your DMV website for those rules. Most people pass within two or three attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take driver education classes before I can get my license?
Requirements vary by state and age. Most states require driver education for anyone under 18, but adults can usually skip it. Check your state's DMV website to see whether it is required for you. If it is, you can take classes through a public school, private driving school, or online program.
Can I take the driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is insured and passes a safety inspection. You will need to bring proof of insurance for that vehicle. The vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be legal to drive on public roads.
What happens if I move to a different state after I get my license?
You can usually drive with your current license for a grace period — typically 30 to 60 days — while you transfer it to your new state. After that, you will need to get a license from your new state's DMV. Some states let you transfer without retaking the tests if your previous license is still valid.
How much does a driver's license cost?
Fees vary by state and range from around $20 to $100 for a first license. Your state's DMV website lists the exact fee. You may also have to pay separate fees for the knowledge test and driving test if your state charges them separately.
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN to the DMV. Some states also accept other forms of identification if you cannot provide either number — ask your DMV office what alternatives they accept.