What you need to do to get your first driver's license
Getting your first driver's license involves three main steps: passing a written knowledge test, passing a driving skills test, and submitting the required documents to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The order and timing of these steps varies by state — some let you take the written test before you turn 16, others require you to be a certain age first. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to complete the process.
Most states charge a fee for a driver's license, ranging from around $20 to $100 depending on where you live and how long the license is valid. Some states offer reduced fees for minors or first-time applicants. The entire process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though the written test can often be scheduled within days of your first visit to the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- You will need to pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs before you can take the driving test.
- The driving skills test is conducted by a DMV examiner who watches you operate a vehicle on public roads or a closed course.
- Bring original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number — photocopies are usually not accepted.
- Your state's DMV website lists the exact documents it accepts and the current fee, which varies significantly by state.
- If you are under 18, your state may require a parent or guardian to sign consent forms or may impose restrictions on when and where you can drive.
Gather your documents before you visit the DMV
The DMV will not process your request without specific documents, and showing up without them means a wasted trip. You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove your identity. You also need proof that you live in the state — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address will work. Some states accept a school ID or student loan documents if they show your current address.
Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and documentation of your immigration status. Check your state's DMV website before you go — each state maintains a specific list of what it will and will not accept, and some documents that work in one state are rejected in another.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. Most states require a parent or guardian to sign the process in person. Some states also require proof of completion of a driver's education course or a certain number of supervised driving hours before you can take the test.
Pass the written knowledge test
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices specific to your state. You will answer between 30 and 50 multiple-choice questions, depending on your state. Most states require you to answer at least 70 to 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. The test is usually offered in English, and many states offer it in other languages as well.
You can study using your state's official driver's manual, which is free and available online or in print at the DMV. Many states also offer practice tests on their DMV websites. You typically take the written test at the DMV office, though some states now offer it online or at third-party testing centers. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment, depending on your state's rules.
Complete the driving skills test
After you pass the written test, you schedule an appointment for the driving skills test. A DMV examiner will watch you operate a vehicle and evaluate your ability to control it, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. The test usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes and covers basic maneuvers like parking, turning, stopping, and merging, as well as your response to traffic signals and other vehicles.
You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. Some states require the vehicle to pass a safety inspection before the test. You will drive on public roads or a closed course, depending on your state. If you fail the driving test, you can usually retake it after waiting a set period — often one to two weeks — and paying a retest fee.
Submit your process and pay the fee
Once you pass both tests, the DMV will process your process and issue your license. You will complete an process form at the DMV office, which asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other identifying information. You will also have your photograph taken for the license. The DMV will run a background check and verify your documents.
The fee for a driver's license varies by state and by how long the license is valid. Most licenses are valid for four to eight years. Some states charge less for licenses that expire sooner. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card, depending on what your DMV accepts. After you pay, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state's process.
Understand restrictions if you are under 18
Many states impose restrictions on drivers under 18, even after they receive their license. These restrictions might limit the hours you can drive (for example, no driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.), restrict who can ride in your vehicle, or require a supervising adult in the car. Some states have a graduated licensing system where restrictions are lifted as you gain experience and reach certain ages.
Your state's DMV website will list any restrictions that explore to your age group. These restrictions are printed on your license or documented in a separate notice. Violating them can result in fines, suspension of your license, or both. If you move to a different state, you may need to exchange your license for one that follows that state's rules.
What to do if you fail either test
Failing the written test is common, and you can retake it as soon as your state allows — often the same day or within a few days. Study the areas where you struggled using your state's driver's manual and practice tests. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.
Failing the driving test is also common. The examiner will tell you which maneuvers or decisions caused you to fail. Practice those specific skills with a licensed driver before you retake the test. You will usually need to wait at least one to two weeks before retaking it, and you will pay a retest fee. Some states allow you to retake the test multiple times in a short period; others have limits on how many times you can test per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to get a driver's license?
Most states allow you to get a learner's permit at 14 or 15 and a full driver's license at 16 or 17. Some states have different ages for different types of licenses. Check your state's DMV website for the exact age requirement where you live.
Do I need a learner's permit before I can take the driving test?
Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set period — often three to six months — before you can take the driving test. During this time, you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. Some states waive this requirement if you complete a driver's education course.
Can I use my passport as proof of identity?
Yes, a valid passport is accepted as proof of identity in all states. Other acceptable documents include a birth certificate, state ID card, or military ID. Check your state's DMV website for the complete list of documents it accepts.
What happens if I move to a different state after getting my license?
You can continue to use your current license until it expires. When you move, you will eventually need to exchange it for a license from your new state. Most states require you to do this within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency, though some are more lenient. Contact your new state's DMV for the specific timeline and documents you will need.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Many states offer the written test in Spanish and other languages. Some states offer it in up to 30 languages. Contact your state's DMV or check its website to see which languages are available in your area.