What you need to do to get a driver's permit
A driver's permit is a document your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You cannot drive alone with a permit — that is the key difference from a full license. To get one, you visit your local DMV office, pass a written test about traffic laws and road signs, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit and costs between $20 and $50, depending on your state.
Most states require you to be at least 15 or 16 years old to get a permit, though a few allow 14. You will need to bring proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), proof of your address (a utility bill or lease in your parent's name), and your Social Security number. Some states also require a parent or guardian to sign the process if you are under 18.
The written test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergencies. You study from a handbook your state's DMV publishes online or gives you in person. Most people pass on their first try if they study for a few hours.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your local DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of address, and your Social Security number to get a permit.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs; most states require a score of 70 to 80 percent to pass.
- Your state's DMV handbook is free and contains all the material covered on the test — studying it for a few hours usually prepares you well enough.
- A permit is valid for a set period (usually three to five years) and lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the front seat.
- After you hold a permit for a certain time and log supervised driving hours, you can take a road test to get your full license.
Gather your documents before you go to the DMV
The DMV will not issue a permit without proof of who you are and where you live. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a state ID card — one of these is your proof of identity. For proof of address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement in your name or your parent's name if you live with them. If the address on your identity document is different from your current address, bring both documents.
You will also need your Social Security number. Have it memorized or write it down before you go. If you are under 18, check your state's DMV website to see whether a parent or guardian must sign the process in person or whether you can bring a signed form they filled out at home. Some states require the adult to be present; others do not.
Call or visit your state's DMV website to confirm the office nearest you is open and whether you need an appointment. Many DMV offices now use online scheduling, and some allow walk-ins. Showing up without an appointment can mean a long wait or being turned away if the office is at capacity.
Study the handbook and take the written test
Your state's DMV publishes a driver's handbook online as a free PDF, and most DMV offices have printed copies at the counter. The handbook covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergencies. Read through it once, then go back and focus on sections you found confusing. Most people spend two to four hours studying before they feel ready.
The written test is multiple choice and usually has 30 to 50 questions. You need to score between 70 and 80 percent to pass — the exact score varies by state. The test covers the same material as the handbook, so if you have read it carefully, you should recognize the answers. You take the test on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your score when ready.
If you fail, most states let you retake the test the same day or within a few days. There is usually a small fee each time you retake it. If you fail twice, some states require you to wait a week or take a driver education course before you can try again.
Pay the fee and receive your permit
Once you pass the written test, you pay the permit fee at the DMV counter. The cost ranges from $20 to $50 depending on your state and how long the permit is valid. Some states charge extra if you want a Real ID-compliant permit, which you will need to fly domestically or enter a federal building after 2025. Ask the DMV clerk whether the standard permit includes Real ID or whether you need to pay more.
The DMV will take a photo for your permit and may ask you to sign it. Your permit is usually printed on the spot or mailed to you within a week. If it is mailed, the DMV will give you a temporary paper permit you can use while you wait. Keep your permit with you whenever you drive — you must show it to a police officer if you are stopped.
Understand the restrictions that come with your permit
A permit is not a license. You can only drive with a licensed adult (usually 21 or older) sitting in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive other people your age without an adult present. Most states also restrict when you can drive — many do not allow permit holders to drive between midnight and 5 a.m., even with an adult.
Some states limit how many passengers you can have, require you to wear a seatbelt, or ban you from using a cell phone while driving. Check your state's DMV website or the back of your permit card for the exact rules. Breaking these rules can result in a fine, loss of your permit, or both.
Your permit is valid for a set period — usually three to five years. When it expires, you can renew it at the DMV, though most states do not require you to retake the written test. Once you have held your permit for the required time (usually six months to a year) and logged the required supervised driving hours, you can take a road test to get your full license.
Log your supervised driving hours
Most states require you to log a certain number of hours driving with a licensed adult before you can take your road test. The requirement is usually between 40 and 100 hours, with a portion of those hours (often 10 to 20) required to be at night. Your state's DMV website will tell you the exact requirement.
Some states use a logbook you fill out by hand; others use an online system or an app. You record the date, time of day, weather conditions, and type of road you drove on. The adult supervising you may need to sign the logbook or verify your hours in the app. Keep your records organized because you will need to show them when you take your road test.
These hours are meant to give you real-world driving experience in different conditions — daytime and nighttime, highways and residential streets, good weather and bad. The more varied your practice, the better prepared you will be for your road test and for driving on your own later.
What happens after you pass the written test
After you get your permit, your next step is supervised driving practice. You will drive with a licensed adult and log your hours according to your state's requirements. During this time, you can also take a driver education course if your state offers one — some states give a discount on your insurance if you complete an approved course.
Once you have met your state's time and hour requirements, you schedule a road test with the DMV. The road test is usually 20 to 40 minutes long and includes driving on different types of roads, parking, and following the examiner's directions. If you pass, you get your full driver's license. If you do not pass, you can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take a driver education course to get a permit?
No. Most states let you get a permit with just the written test. However, some states require a course if you are under a certain age (usually 16 or 17), and taking a course can lower your car insurance rates. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a course is required or optional.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day or within a few days, depending on your state. There is usually a small fee each time. If you fail twice, some states require you to wait a week before trying again or to take a driver education course. Study the handbook more carefully before your next attempt.
Can I drive with a permit if the licensed adult is in the back seat?
No. Most states require the licensed adult to sit in the front passenger seat. Check your permit card or your state's DMV website for the exact rule, as a few states have different requirements.
How long is a permit valid?
A permit is usually valid for three to five years, depending on your state. When it expires, you can renew it at the DMV. Most states do not require you to retake the written test to renew, but you will need to pay a renewal fee.
What do I do if I lose my permit?
Go to your local DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and address again. There is usually a small replacement fee, and you will get a new permit on the spot or by mail within a week.