What you need to do to get a driver's license
Getting a driver's license involves three main steps: passing a written test on traffic laws, passing a driving test with an examiner, and providing proof of identity and residency. The exact documents you need and the order of these steps varies by state, but every state requires you to visit your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency in person at least once. Most states let you take the written test before you can drive, then issue a learner's permit that lets you practice with a licensed adult in the car.
The whole process typically takes between four weeks and three months from start to finish, depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many attempts you need. Some states let you take the written test online or at a kiosk; others require you to go to a DMV office. The driving test almost always happens at a DMV location with an examiner in the car.
Key Takeaways
- You will need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number to the DMV.
- Most states require you to pass a written test on traffic laws before you can get a learner's permit and start practicing to drive.
- After you pass the written test, you must practice driving for a set number of hours (usually 50 to 100) with a licensed adult before you can take the driving test.
- The driving test is administered by a DMV examiner who sits in the car with you and scores your ability to handle basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents, fees, and test locations you need, and you should check it before you go because requirements differ by state.
Gather your documents before you go to the DMV
Bring original documents, not copies. You will need one form of government-issued photo ID (a passport, a state ID, or a military ID), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a tax return), and two forms of proof of residency (a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your current address). Some states accept a school ID or employee ID as a second form of ID instead of a residency document.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. Many states require a parent to sign the process in person. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents, because some states accept different forms of ID or residency proof than others. Bring more documents than you think you need — if one is rejected, you will not have to make a second trip.
Pass the written test on traffic laws
The written test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, speed limits, and safe driving practices. Most states let you take this test at the DMV office itself, though some states offer it online or at a kiosk. The test is usually 40 to 50 multiple-choice questions, and you need to score around 80 percent to pass. You get one or two attempts included in your fee; if you fail, you pay again to retake it.
Study materials are free. Your state's DMV website publishes the official driver's manual as a PDF, and most states also offer practice tests online. Spend a few hours reading the manual and taking practice tests before you go. The written test is the easiest part of the process, and most people pass on their first try if they study the manual.
Get your learner's permit and practice driving
After you pass the written test, the DMV will issue a learner's permit (sometimes called a learner's license or provisional license). This permit lets you drive on public roads only when a licensed adult is in the front seat with you. The adult must be at least 21 years old in most states, though some states allow 18 or 19.
You must hold the learner's permit for a minimum period before you can take the driving test. This period is usually between 30 days and six months, depending on your state and your age. During this time, you must log a certain number of supervised driving hours — typically 50 to 100 hours, with a portion of those at night. Keep a log of your practice drives with dates and hours. When you take the driving test, the examiner may ask to see this log.
Practice in different conditions: residential streets, highways, parking lots, and heavy traffic. Ask your supervising adult to let you handle turns, lane changes, parking, and stopping. The driving test will include all of these, so the more you practice them, the more confident you will be.
Schedule and take the driving test
Contact your state's DMV to schedule the driving test. Most states let you book online or by phone. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and happens at a DMV office or testing location. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance (your parent's or guardian's policy is fine), and the keys to the car you will be driving.
The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, pulling into traffic, making turns, changing lanes, parking (usually parallel parking), and stopping smoothly. You will also drive on a mix of residential streets and busier roads. The examiner scores you on safety, control, and following traffic laws. Common reasons people fail are hitting the curb while parking, not checking mirrors, rolling through a stop sign, or hitting the examiner's brake pedal (which means you made a sudden or unsafe move).
If you fail, you can usually retake the test within a few weeks. There is an additional fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Pay the fee and receive your license
The total cost varies by state but usually ranges from $50 to $200 for a first license, including the written test, the driving test, and the license itself. Some states charge separately for each component; others bundle them. Check your state's DMV website for the exact breakdown.
After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your driver's license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks. Your license is valid for four to eight years depending on your state. When it expires, you can renew it by mail or online in most states without taking the tests again.
What to do if you are an adult learning to drive for the first time
The process is the same as for teenagers, but some states waive or shorten the learner's permit period for adults. A few states let adults skip the learner's permit entirely and go straight to the driving test if they have taken a certified driver education course. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
If you are an immigrant or do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Some states also accept a passport from another country as proof of identity. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask what documents you can bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
Some states offer online written tests, but not all. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you can test online or must go to an office. Even if the written test is online, you will still need to visit the DMV in person to take the driving test and pick up your license.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after a waiting period, usually one to two weeks. There is an additional fee each time. You keep your learner's permit and can continue practicing. Most people pass within two or three attempts.
Do I need a car to take the driving test?
Yes, you must bring a car to the test. It can be your parent's, a friend's, or a rental. The car must be insured, registered, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins.
How long does a driver's license last?
Most states issue licenses valid for four to eight years. Your state's DMV website will tell you the exact length. When it expires, you can renew by mail or online in most states without retaking the tests.
What if I move to a different state?
You can transfer your license to a new state by visiting that state's DMV with your current license and proof of residency. Most states do not require you to retake the tests. Some states may ask you to take a new written test if your old license is very old.