What an adult learner permit is and how to get one in Mississippi
An adult learner permit in Mississippi is a document that lets you practice driving before you take the road test for a regular driver's license. You need this permit if you are 17 or older and have never held a driver's license in any state. The permit itself does not let you drive alone — you must have a licensed driver in the front seat with you at all times.
To get an adult learner permit, you go to your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person. You bring specific documents, pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes less than an hour once you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DPS office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency to get an adult learner permit.
- The written test covers Mississippi traffic laws and road signs, and you can study using the official DPS driver manual available online or in print.
- An adult learner permit costs money (the exact amount varies by office location), and the permit is valid for a set period before you must renew it or take your road test.
- With your permit, you can only drive when a licensed driver sits in the front passenger seat, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
- After you pass the written test and hold your permit for the required waiting period, you schedule a road test at a DPS office to earn your full license.
Documents you need to bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued photo ID that proves your identity. You also need proof of your Social Security number — this can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Do not bring a photocopy of your Social Security card; bring the original.
You must also show proof that you live in Mississippi. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address works. The document should be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, along with their ID and proof of residency.
The written test: what to study and how to prepare
The written test has 30 questions about Mississippi traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 24 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies on the road.
Study using the official Mississippi Driver Manual, which the DPS publishes free online at their website. You can also pick up a printed copy at any DPS office. The manual contains all the information the test covers. Many people study for a few days or a week before taking the test. You can retake the test if you do not pass, though you may have to pay the fee again.
Restrictions that come with your adult learner permit
Your permit comes with rules you must follow while driving. A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must sit in the front passenger seat next to you at all times. You cannot drive alone, even for a short trip. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., no matter who is in the car with you.
You must obey all traffic laws and road signs just as a licensed driver would. Violating permit restrictions can result in a ticket and fines. Your supervising driver is responsible for making sure you follow these rules, so choose someone who takes driving seriously.
How long your permit lasts and when you can take the road test
Your adult learner permit is valid for one year from the date you receive it. During that year, you must hold the permit for a minimum waiting period — usually at least 14 days — before you can take the road test. This waiting period gives you time to practice driving with your supervising driver.
Once you have held your permit for the required time and feel ready, you schedule a road test appointment at a DPS office. You bring your permit, your supervising driver, and a vehicle that is registered and insured. If you pass the road test, you receive your regular driver's license. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a few days.
What happens if your permit expires before you take the road test
If your one-year permit expires and you have not yet taken the road test, you must go back to the DPS office and renew your permit. You will need to bring the same documents again and pay another fee. Some people renew their permit once or twice while they practice before feeling ready for the road test.
If you let your permit expire without renewing it, you will have to start over from the beginning — take the written test again and pay the fee again. To avoid this, keep track of your permit's expiration date and renew it before it runs out if you are not yet ready for the road test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my adult learner permit to drive for work or school?
No. Your permit is only for practice driving with a licensed supervising driver. You cannot use it to drive to work, school, or anywhere else without a licensed driver in the front seat. Once you pass your road test and get your regular license, you can drive for any purpose.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test. Most DPS offices let you retake it the same day or within a few days. You may have to pay the test fee again. Study the driver manual more before your next attempt, focusing on the areas where you struggled.
Do I need to take a driver education course before getting my permit?
No formal course is required for adults. You study the official driver manual on your own and take the written test. However, some people choose to take a driver education class to learn more before they practice on the road.
Can someone from out of state supervise my driving?
Your supervising driver must have a valid driver's license from any state, but they must be physically present in the front passenger seat. They do not need to be a Mississippi resident, but they must be at least 21 years old and hold a current license.
What vehicle should I practice in?
Practice in a vehicle that is registered and insured. The vehicle must be in safe working condition. When you take your road test, you must use the same type of vehicle you practiced in — if you practiced in an automatic transmission car, you take your test in an automatic, for example.