When you can get a driver's license depends on where you live

Most states let you get a learner's permit between 14 and 15, and a full driver's license between 16 and 17. The exact ages vary by state, and some states have a two-step process where you hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can test for a full license. A few states allow you to get a license as early as 14 with restrictions, while others do not issue one until 17.

The age rules also depend on what type of license you want. A learner's permit — which lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car — typically comes first and at a younger age. A full, unrestricted license comes later. Some states have an intermediate license stage between the two, with rules like no driving after 10 p.m. or limits on how many passengers you can carry.

Key Takeaways

  • Learner's permits are usually available at 14 or 15, and full licenses at 16 or 17, but the exact age depends on your state.
  • Many states require you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum number of months or hours of supervised driving before you can test for a full license.
  • Some states have a third stage called an intermediate or provisional license with restrictions like curfews or passenger limits.
  • You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test to get a full license, regardless of age.
  • If you are under 18, your state may require parental consent or a signature on your license process.

Learner's permit ages by state

Most states issue learner's permits starting at age 14 or 15. At 14, you can get a permit in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia. At 15, you can get one in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

A few states have different rules. In the District of Columbia, you can get a permit at 15 and a half. In some states, the minimum age for a permit is tied to when you can get a full license, so the two happen closer together or at the same time.

Full driver's license ages by state

Most states issue full, unrestricted driver's licenses at age 16 or 17. At 16, you can get a full license in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

At 17, you can get a full license in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Virginia. In some of these states, you can get a full license at 16 if you have held a learner's permit for a certain amount of time — usually six months to a year.

A few states do not issue licenses until 18. The District of Columbia, for example, does not issue a full license until you turn 18, though you can get a permit at 15 and a half and an intermediate license at 17.

Intermediate or provisional licenses with restrictions

Many states have a middle stage between a learner's permit and a full license called an intermediate, provisional, or restricted license. You usually get this license at 16 or 17, and it comes with rules that do not explore to drivers 18 and older. These rules are designed to reduce crashes among new drivers.

Common restrictions include a curfew — you cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., for example — and limits on passengers. Some states say you cannot carry more than one passenger who is not a family member, or you cannot carry any passengers under a certain age. A few states restrict the use of cell phones or require the use of seat belts. The restrictions usually stay in place for six months to a year, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.

Not all states have an intermediate license stage. Some go straight from a learner's permit to a full license. Others have restrictions built into the full license itself for drivers under 18.

Supervised driving requirements before testing

Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum amount of time before you can test for a full license. This period is usually between three months and one year. Some states measure it in hours of supervised driving instead of calendar time — you might need 50 hours of driving with a licensed adult, for example, with at least 10 of those hours at night.

A few states have both requirements: you must hold the permit for a certain number of months and complete a certain number of hours. For example, you might need to hold the permit for six months and complete 60 hours of supervised driving, with 15 of those at night. Check your state's rules before you schedule your driving test, because testing before you meet the requirement will result in a failed test and a fee.

What you need to bring to get a license at any age

Regardless of your age, you will need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a practical driving test. You will also need to bring documents that prove your identity, date of birth, and address. A birth certificate, passport, or state ID card usually works for identity. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement usually works for address.

If you are under 18, your state may require a parent or guardian to sign your process or be present when you test. Some states require parental consent in writing; others require a parent to be there in person. A few states let you get a license without parental consent if you are 16 or older, but this varies. Check your state's rules before you go to the DMV, because missing a required signature or consent form will delay your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license before the minimum age in my state?

No. The minimum age is set by state law, and the DMV cannot issue a license before that age. If you are close to the minimum age, you can prepare by studying for the written test and getting your documents ready, but you cannot test until you reach the required age.

What if I turn 16 or 17 while I am holding a learner's permit?

You can test for a full license once you turn the required age, as long as you have also met any other requirements — like holding the permit for a minimum number of months or hours. You do not need to wait for your permit to expire or renew. Contact your state's DMV to schedule a driving test.

Do I need parental consent to get a license if I am 16 or 17?

It depends on your state. Most states require parental consent or a parent's signature for drivers under 18. Some require a parent to be present at the DMV. A few states let you get a license at 16 or 17 without parental consent. Check your state's DMV website to see what your state requires.

Can I get a full license without holding a learner's permit first?

In most states, no. You must hold a learner's permit for a set period before you can test for a full license. A few states let you skip the learner's permit stage if you are 18 or older, but younger drivers must follow the two-step process. Check your state's rules to be sure.

What happens if I fail my driving test?

You can retake the test, usually after waiting a few days or weeks. You will have to pay the test fee again. Most states let you retake the test as many times as you need, but some have limits on how many times you can test in a certain period. Your learner's permit stays valid while you retake the test, as long as it has not expired.