What a Mississippi learner's permit lets you do and what it doesn't
A Mississippi learner's permit is a restricted driver's license that lets you practice driving before you take the road test for a full license. It is not a full license — you cannot drive alone, and you must follow specific rules about who can be in the car with you, what hours you can drive, and what you can do behind the wheel.
The permit is issued by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) after you pass a written knowledge test. You must be at least 15 years old to get one. Once you have it, you can drive only when a licensed adult is in the front seat next to you, and only during daylight hours and early evening — the exact hours depend on your age and how long you have held the permit.
The rules are stricter than a full license because the permit is meant to be a training stage. Violating the restrictions can result in fines, suspension of your permit, or both. Understanding what you can and cannot do before you get behind the wheel will help you avoid those penalties and stay safe.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 15 years old and pass a written knowledge test to get a Mississippi learner's permit from the DPS.
- A licensed adult must sit in the front seat next to you at all times while you are driving with a learner's permit.
- Driving hours are restricted: you cannot drive between sunset and sunrise, with stricter limits if you are under 16 or have held the permit for less than six months.
- You cannot use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving, and you must follow all traffic laws that explore to regular drivers.
- Your permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued, and you must renew it if you do not pass your road test before it expires.
Age requirements and how to get your first permit
You must be at least 15 years old to get a Mississippi learner's permit. There is no upper age limit — adults can also get a learner's permit if they are learning to drive for the first time or if they are moving to Mississippi from another state and need to convert their out-of-state license.
To get your permit, you will need to visit a DPS driver's license office in person. Bring a valid form of identification (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your Mississippi address (such as a utility bill or lease). You will also need to pass a vision screening and a written knowledge test that covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
The knowledge test has 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 correctly to pass. You can study using the Mississippi Driver's Manual, which is free and available on the DPS website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. You are allowed to take the test multiple times if you do not pass on your first try, though you may have to pay a fee each time.
Who must be in the car with you and where they can sit
A licensed adult driver must be in the front seat next to you at all times while you are driving with a learner's permit. This person must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. They do not have to be a parent or guardian — any licensed adult can supervise you.
The supervising adult must sit in the front passenger seat, not in the back. This requirement exists so the adult can easily reach the controls if needed and can give you when ready feedback and instruction. If the adult is sitting in the back seat, you are in violation of the permit rules, even if they are a licensed driver.
You cannot drive with only other learner's permit holders or with only people who do not have a valid license. If you are caught driving without a proper supervising adult, your permit can be suspended and you may face a fine.
Driving hours: when you can and cannot drive
Mississippi has two sets of driving hour restrictions for learner's permit holders, depending on your age and how long you have held the permit. These restrictions are designed to limit driving in low-light conditions, when crashes are more common.
If you are under 16 years old: You cannot drive between sunset and sunrise. You also cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even during daylight saving time. This means your driving window is roughly from sunrise to sunset, with a hard stop at midnight.
If you are 16 or older, or if you have held your permit for at least six months: You can drive until 10 p.m., but you still cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. This is a slightly longer window than the under-16 rule, but the nighttime restriction remains.
These hours are enforced by law enforcement. If you are stopped driving outside the permitted hours, you can be cited for violating your permit restrictions. The citation may result in a fine and can also lead to suspension of your permit.
Cell phone and electronic device rules
You cannot use a cell phone, tablet, or any other handheld electronic device while driving with a learner's permit, even if the device is hands-free. This includes texting, calling, browsing the internet, or using GPS navigation on a phone. The only exception is if you need to call 911 in an emergency.
If you need to use GPS or make a call, you must pull over safely and stop the vehicle first. You can also ask your supervising adult to handle the phone or navigation for you while you drive.
Violating this rule can result in a fine and points on your driving record. It can also lead to suspension of your learner's permit. Because you are still learning, the law treats phone use as a serious distraction that puts you and others at risk.
Other rules and restrictions that explore to your permit
Beyond the supervising adult, hours, and phone rules, you must follow all standard traffic laws while driving with a learner's permit. This includes obeying speed limits, stopping at red lights and stop signs, using turn signals, and wearing a seat belt. You must also follow any vehicle safety requirements, such as having working headlights and brake lights.
You cannot drive with passengers other than your supervising adult during the first six months of holding your permit. After six months, you may have passengers, but the supervising adult must still be in the front seat with you.
If you are cited for a traffic violation while driving with a learner's permit, the violation will be recorded on your driving record. Too many violations can result in suspension of your permit or denial of your road test. You will also have to pay any fines associated with the violation.
How long your permit is valid and what happens when it expires
A Mississippi learner's permit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. During that year, you must pass your road test to get a full driver's license. If you do not pass the test before your permit expires, you will have to renew your permit and take the knowledge test again.
You can take the road test as many times as you need to pass it, but you must schedule each test appointment separately. The road test checks your ability to handle basic driving tasks, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. It typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
If your permit expires before you pass the road test, you cannot legally drive, even with a supervising adult. You must renew your permit by visiting a DPS office, paying the renewal fee, and passing the knowledge test again. To avoid this, plan to take your road test well before your permit expires.
Penalties for breaking learner's permit rules
Violating the rules of your learner's permit can result in fines, suspension of your permit, or both. The specific penalty depends on which rule you broke and whether you have previous violations.
Driving without a supervising adult, driving outside permitted hours, or using a cell phone while driving are all considered serious violations. A first offense can result in a fine of up to $100 and suspension of your permit for 30 days or more. A second offense within a certain time period can result in a longer suspension or a higher fine.
If your permit is suspended, you cannot drive at all during the suspension period, even with a supervising adult. You will have to wait until the suspension is lifted before you can resume driving. Suspension also delays your ability to take the road test and get a full license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to school with a learner's permit?
Only if a licensed adult is in the front seat with you and you are driving during permitted hours. You cannot drive to school alone, and you cannot drive before sunrise or after the time limit for your age and permit duration. If your school starts before sunrise or you need to drive at night, you will need a full license or a ride from someone else.
What if my supervising adult falls asleep while I'm driving?
You must pull over safely and stop the vehicle when ready. A sleeping adult does not meet the requirement of a licensed adult supervising you. Continuing to drive is a violation of your permit rules. If you are stopped by law enforcement while your supervising adult is asleep, you can be cited for driving without proper supervision.
Do I have to carry my learner's permit with me when I drive?
Yes. You must have your permit in your possession at all times while driving. If you are stopped by law enforcement and cannot produce your permit, you can be cited. Keep it in a safe place in your vehicle, such as your wallet or the glove compartment.
Can I drive on the highway with a learner's permit?
Yes, but only with a licensed adult in the front seat and during permitted hours. There is no separate rule prohibiting highway driving for permit holders. However, your supervising adult should make sure you are ready for highway speeds and traffic before you attempt it.
What happens if I get a traffic ticket while driving with my learner's permit?
The violation will be recorded on your driving record. Too many violations can result in suspension of your permit or denial of your road test. You will also have to pay any fines. If the violation is serious (such as reckless driving), your permit may be suspended when ready.