What you need to do to get a driver's license
Getting a driver's license involves passing a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test with an examiner. You'll also need to bring specific documents to prove your identity and residency. The exact steps and documents vary by state, but the overall process is the same everywhere: explore at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), pass the tests, and pay a fee.
Most states let you get a learner's permit first, which lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car while you practice. After holding the permit for a set time (usually 6 months to a year), you can take the driving test and get your full license. Some states skip the permit step for adults over a certain age, but you still take both written and driving tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID to your DMV appointment.
- Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for several months before you can take the driving test for a full license.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using your state's DMV handbook, which is free online.
- The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who watches you drive and scores your ability to handle the car and follow traffic rules.
- Fees vary by state but typically range from $30 to $200 for a license that lasts 4 to 8 years.
Gather your documents before you go to the DMV
Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address—it usually has to be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring your Social Security card or a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form that shows your number. If you don't have a Social Security number, some states accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of acceptable documents, because what works in one state may not work in another.
If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. Some states require the parent to be present at the DMV; others let you bring a signed form. Call your local DMV office or check the website to confirm what's needed for your age.
Get your learner's permit and study for the written test
In most states, you start by getting a learner's permit. You'll fill out an process at the DMV, pass a vision test, and pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The written test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you need to score around 80 percent to pass. You can retake it if you fail, though some states charge a small fee each time.
Study using your state's DMV handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website. The handbook covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. Many states also offer practice tests online that mimic the real test. Spend at least a week studying before you take the written test.
Once you pass, you'll get your learner's permit, which usually lasts 6 months to a year. With a learner's permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult (usually 21 or older) in the front seat. Some states restrict when you can drive (no driving after 10 p.m., for example) or how many passengers you can have. Check your permit to see what restrictions explore to you.
Practice driving and meet the permit requirements
While you hold your learner's permit, you must practice driving with a licensed adult. Most states require 50 to 100 hours of practice, including at least 10 hours of night driving. Some states don't have a specific hour requirement but expect you to practice for several months before taking the driving test. Keep a log of your practice hours if your state requires it.
Practice on different types of roads: residential streets, highways, and busy intersections. Get comfortable with parallel parking, three-point turns, and merging. The driving test will include these maneuvers, and the examiner will be watching how smoothly and safely you handle them.
If you get a traffic ticket or are in an accident while holding a learner's permit, it may delay when you can take the driving test. Some states require you to wait longer before testing; others may require additional practice hours. Check your state's rules about what happens if you get a violation while learning to drive.
Schedule and take your driving test
After you've held your learner's permit for the required time and completed your practice hours, you can schedule your driving test. Most states let you book online, by phone, or in person at the DMV. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in spring and summer, so schedule as early as you can.
On test day, bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the keys to the car you'll be driving. The car must be in good working condition—the examiner will check that the lights, wipers, brakes, and horn work. Arrive 15 minutes early and bring any documents the DMV asked for when you scheduled.
The driving test usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform specific maneuvers like parallel parking, backing up, and turning. They'll also have you drive on regular roads and possibly on a highway. The examiner scores you on how well you control the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to hazards. You need to pass on the first try to get your license when ready; if you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period (usually a few days to a week).
Pay the fee and receive your license
Once you pass the driving test, you'll pay the license fee at the DMV. The cost varies by state and by how long the license lasts. Most licenses are valid for 4 to 8 years, and fees typically range from $30 to $200. Some states charge more for a REAL ID-compliant license, which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
You'll get a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for a few weeks while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within 2 to 4 weeks. If it doesn't arrive after 6 weeks, contact your DMV to check on it.
Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, and a photo. Check that all the information is correct before you leave the DMV. If something is wrong, ask the DMV to fix it right away—it's much easier to correct at the counter than to deal with it later.
What to do if you're an adult or have a license from another state
If you're 18 or older and getting your first license, some states let you skip the learner's permit and go straight to the written and driving tests. You'll still need to study the handbook and pass both tests, but you won't have to wait months between them. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available to you.
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can usually transfer it without retaking the tests. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of residency in your new state, and pay a transfer fee. Some states require a new photo or vision test even if you're transferring. A few states require you to take the written test again if your previous license has been expired for more than a certain time (usually 1 to 3 years).
If your license from another state has been suspended or revoked, you may not be able to transfer it. You may have to retake the written and driving tests, or you may have to wait until the suspension period ends. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what applies to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to get a driver's license?
You must be at least 16 in most states to get a learner's permit or license, though a few states allow permits at 14 or 15. Some states have a higher minimum age for a full license if you start with a learner's permit—for example, you might get a permit at 16 but can't test for a full license until 17. Check your state's DMV website for the exact age requirements.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after a waiting period, usually 1 to 7 days depending on your state. You'll pay the test fee again. Most states let you retake it as many times as you need, though a few limit the number of attempts per year. Practice the areas where you struggled before you schedule your next test.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?
Most states require a Social Security number, but some accept an ITIN if you don't have one. A few states have special processes for people without either. Contact your state's DMV to find out what documents you can use instead if you don't have a Social Security number.
Can I get a license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Most states issue licenses to legal permanent residents and people with valid work visas. Some states also issue licenses to undocumented immigrants. Requirements vary widely, so check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out what documents you'll need to bring.
How long does it take to get a driver's license from start to finish?
If you're starting with a learner's permit, the process usually takes 6 months to a year because you have to hold the permit for a minimum time. If you're an adult skipping the permit step or transferring from another state, it can take as little as a few weeks. The plastic license card itself takes 2 to 4 weeks to arrive by mail after you pass the test.