What a 14-year-old learner's permit lets you do

A learner's permit is a document that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, before you take the test for a full driver's license. At 14, you are younger than the standard age in most states, so the rules are stricter than they are for older learners. You will have limits on when you can drive, who can be in the car with you, and what roads you can use.

The permit itself does not let you drive alone. It is a practice license. You must have a supervising driver with you at all times — usually a parent, guardian, or other adult at least 21 years old. That adult is responsible for your safety and for making sure you follow the permit rules.

Each state sets its own age and rules for learner's permits. Some states let 14-year-olds get one; others do not allow permits until 15 or 16. If your state does not have a 14-year-old permit, you will have to wait until you reach the minimum age.

Key Takeaways

  • Not all states allow 14-year-olds to get a learner's permit — check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to see the minimum age in your state.
  • You will need to pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and you must bring documents that prove your identity, age, and residency.
  • A learner's permit comes with restrictions: limits on driving hours, limits on passengers, and sometimes limits on the roads you can drive on.
  • You must have a licensed adult supervising you every time you drive, and that adult is legally responsible for your safety.
  • The permit is a step toward a full license — after you have held it for a set time and practiced enough, you can take the driving test.

Which states allow 14-year-old learner's permits

About half of U.S. states allow 14-year-olds to get a learner's permit. The other half set the minimum age at 15 or 16. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website will tell you the exact age requirement for your state.

If your state does not allow 14-year-old permits, you cannot get one until you reach the minimum age. There is no way around this — it is a state law, not a rule that varies by county or city. Some states also have a "junior learner's permit" or "instruction permit" with a different name, but the rules are similar.

Even if your state allows 14-year-old permits, your local DMV office may have a waiting list or may only issue them on certain days. Call ahead or check the website before you go in person.

Documents you need to bring

You will need to bring proof of your identity, age, and where you live. The exact documents vary by state, but most DMV offices accept a birth certificate, a school ID, a passport, or a state ID card as proof of identity and age. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your address on it.

You will also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or know the number by heart. Your parent or guardian will need to come with you and sign paperwork saying they give you permission to get the permit.

Some states require a vision test at the DMV office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. A few states also require a medical form signed by a doctor, though this is less common for 14-year-olds than for older learners.

The written test and what it covers

Before you get the permit, you must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs. The test is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you need to get about 80 percent correct to pass. You can take it on a computer at the DMV office, or some states let you take it online.

The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or at night. It also covers the rules that come with your learner's permit — the hours you can drive, how many passengers you can have, and what your supervising driver is responsible for.

Most states let you take the test as many times as you need to pass. If you fail, you can usually take it again the same day or come back another day. Your state's DMV website has a study guide or practice test you can use to prepare.

Restrictions that come with a 14-year-old permit

A 14-year-old learner's permit comes with more restrictions than a permit for an older teenager. You may not be able to drive at night — many states set a curfew of 9 p.m. or 10 p.m., meaning you cannot drive after that time. Some states also limit when you can start driving in the morning.

You will have limits on passengers. Most states say you can only have your supervising driver in the car, or your supervising driver plus one family member. You cannot have friends in the car. Some states also limit how many adults can be in the car with you.

A few states limit the roads you can drive on. You may not be allowed on highways or interstate roads. You may only be able to drive in your home county or within a certain distance from home. Check your state's rules to know what roads are off-limits.

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old in most states, though a few states allow 18 or 19. The supervising driver must have a valid driver's license and must be alert and able to help you if something goes wrong.

How long you hold the permit before taking the driving test

You must hold your learner's permit for a set amount of time before you can take the driving test for a full license. This waiting period is usually between 6 months and 1 year, depending on your state. During this time, you are building experience and practicing the skills you will need for the test.

Some states also require you to log a certain number of practice hours — for example, 50 hours of daytime driving and 10 hours of night driving. Your parent or guardian may need to sign off on these hours. Keep a record of when you drive and how long you drive, because you may need to show it when you take the driving test.

After you have held the permit long enough and practiced enough hours, you can schedule the driving test. This is the test where you actually drive with an examiner in the car, and they watch how you handle the car and follow traffic laws. If you pass, you get your full driver's license.

What happens if you break the permit rules

If you drive without your supervising driver, drive after curfew, or carry too many passengers, you are breaking the law. A police officer can pull you over and give you a ticket. The ticket goes on your driving record, and you may have to pay a fine.

Breaking the permit rules can also delay when you can get your full license. Some states will extend your waiting period or require you to take the driving test again. Your insurance rates may go up, and your parent or guardian may lose the right to supervise you.

In some cases, breaking the rules can result in your permit being taken away. If that happens, you will have to wait and start over — getting a new permit and holding it for the full waiting period again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a 14-year-old learner's permit in any state, or does it depend on where I live?

It depends on your state. About half of U.S. states allow 14-year-old permits, and the other half do not. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to find out the minimum age where you live. If your state does not allow 14-year-old permits, you will have to wait until you reach the minimum age in your state.

Do I have to take a driving course before I get my learner's permit?

Most states do not require a driving course to get the permit, but some offer them or give you a discount on your insurance if you take one. A few states require a course for 14-year-olds specifically. Check your state's DMV website or call your local DMV office to find out what is required where you live.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again. Most states let you retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost. Use your state's study guide or practice test to prepare better before you try again. You do not need to bring all your documents again — just show up and take the test.

Can my supervising driver be my older sibling instead of a parent?

It depends on your state and how old your sibling is. Most states require the supervising driver to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license. A few states allow 18 or 19-year-olds to supervise. Check your state's rules, or ask at your local DMV office.

What happens to my permit if I move to a different state?

Your permit is only valid in the state that issued it. If you move, you will need to get a new permit from your new state. You may be able to transfer some of your practice hours or waiting time, but rules vary. Contact your new state's DMV office to find out what you need to do.