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 — the supervising driver must be present and usually must be at least 21 years old. 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.
The permit is your legal proof that you have passed the knowledge test and are allowed to be behind the wheel under supervision. It is not the same as a driver's license, which you get later after you have logged supervised driving hours and passed a road test. Most states require you to hold a permit for a set number of months — often three to six — before you can take the driving test for your license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your local DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
- You will take a written test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving rules; most states let you study a free handbook online or pick one up at the DMV.
- The fee for a permit varies by state but typically ranges from $20 to $50 and covers the cost of the permit document itself.
- After you pass the test, you receive your permit the same day and can begin supervised driving when ready.
- You must keep your permit with you whenever you drive, and you cannot drive alone — a licensed adult must be in the car.
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 — something that shows your legal name and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, ask your DMV office which documents they will accept instead; some offices take school IDs or medical records as backup.
You also need proof that you live in the state where you are explore. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document usually has to be dated within the last 60 days, though this varies by state. If you live with a parent or guardian and are not on any bills, bring a signed letter from them on their letterhead, along with a copy of their ID and proof of their residency.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have one, the DMV can usually still process your permit, but you will need to provide additional identification. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what they need in your specific situation.
Study the written test material
Every state publishes a free driver's manual that covers the rules of the road, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can read it from your state's DMV website or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. The manual is usually 50 to 100 pages and takes two to four hours to read thoroughly. You do not have to memorize every word, but you should understand the main sections: traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, speed limits, and what different signs mean.
Many states also offer free practice tests online through their DMV website. These are the best way to prepare because they use the same format and types of questions as the real test. Take the practice test two or three times until you are scoring at least 80 percent. If you score lower than that, go back to the manual and review the sections where you missed questions.
The written test itself usually has 30 to 50 multiple-choice questions. You need to pass with a score of 70 to 80 percent, depending on your state. The test takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can take it on a computer at the DMV office, and you get your score when ready after you finish.
Visit your DMV office and take the test
Go to your local DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, and some are open on Saturday mornings. Bring all your documents, your Social Security number or ITIN, and the fee. You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices for a permit test, but some states now use online appointment systems. Check your state's DMV website to see if you need to book a time slot before you go.
When you arrive, tell the staff member at the counter that you want to take the written test for a driver's permit. They will check your documents, confirm your information, and collect the fee. Then they will direct you to a computer station where you will take the test. The test is multiple choice and covers everything in the driver's manual. You can usually flag questions to review before you submit your answers.
Once you finish, the computer tells you whether you passed. If you pass, you go back to the counter and the DMV staff will take your photo and print your permit on the spot. If you do not pass, you can usually take the test again the same day or come back another day at no extra charge. Most people pass on their first try if they have studied the practice tests.
Understand the rules for driving with your permit
Your permit comes with restrictions that you must follow. The most important one is that you cannot drive alone — a licensed driver must be in the front passenger seat with you at all times. In most states, that person must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Some states allow a licensed driver as young as 18 to supervise, so check your state's rules.
Many states also restrict when you can drive with a permit. Some do not allow permit holders to drive between midnight and 5 a.m., or they limit the number of passengers you can have. Your permit document lists all the restrictions that explore to you. Read them carefully and follow them exactly — driving in violation of permit restrictions can result in a fine or suspension of your permit.
Keep your permit with you every time you drive. If you are stopped by police and do not have it, you can be cited. Your permit is valid for a set period — usually one to three years depending on your state — but you will need to renew it if you do not pass your road test before it expires.
Know what happens after you pass the written test
After you receive your permit, you can begin supervised driving when ready. Most states require you to log a certain number of supervised driving hours before you can take the road test for your license. This ranges from 30 to 100 hours depending on your state and your age. Some states require a certain number of those hours to be at night. Keep a log of your driving hours in case the DMV asks to see it when you explore for your license.
During this supervised driving period, you should practice in different conditions: residential streets, highways, rain, and night driving. Your supervising driver should give you feedback and let you make mistakes in safe situations so you learn before you take the road test. The goal is to build your skills and confidence so you are ready to drive alone.
When you have met the hour requirement and feel ready, you can schedule your road test through your state's DMV website or by calling your local office. The road test usually costs $20 to $50 and takes 20 to 40 minutes. You will drive with a DMV examiner who watches how you handle the car and whether you follow traffic laws. If you pass, you get your driver's license the same day.
What to do if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can take it again. Most states let you retake it the same day at no extra charge, or you can come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, though some states require you to wait a certain number of days between attempts.
If you fail, ask the DMV staff which topics gave you the most trouble. Go back to the driver's manual and focus on those sections. Take the practice test again, paying special attention to the questions you got wrong. Many people pass on their second or third attempt after studying more carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I have to be to get a driver's permit?
Most states allow you to get a permit at age 15 or 16, though some states allow it as early as 14. A few states have different ages for different types of permits. Check your state's DMV website to find the minimum age in your state.
Can I get a permit if I do not have a birth certificate?
Yes. If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or state ID, contact your local DMV office and ask what documents they will accept instead. They may take a school ID, medical records, or other official documents that show your identity and date of birth.
What if I fail the written test multiple times?
You can retake the test as many times as you need. Study the driver's manual more carefully, focus on the topics where you struggled, and take the practice test several more times before you go back to the DMV. Most people pass after their second or third attempt.
Do I need to take a vision test to get a permit?
Yes. The DMV will test your vision as part of the permit process. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your permit, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive.
Can I drive out of state with my permit?
Most states allow you to drive out of state with a valid permit, but you must still follow the supervision rules of the state where you got the permit. Some states have different rules, so check with your DMV office before you drive across state lines.