You must be at least 14 or 15 years old to get a driver's permit, depending on your state

The age requirement for a learner's permit varies by state. Most states allow you to get a permit at 14 or 15, though a few states set the minimum at 16. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets this rule, and you cannot get a permit anywhere else — not online, not through a private company, and not by crossing state lines.

The permit itself is a legal document that lets you drive under supervision, usually with a licensed adult in the car. It is not the same as a full driver's license. Getting a permit first is required in every state before you can take the road test for an unrestricted license.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states allow you to get a learner's permit at age 14 or 15; check your state's DMV website to confirm the exact age in your state.
  • You will need to pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and road signs, and you may need to pass a vision screening.
  • Your state's DMV is the only place that issues permits — you cannot get one through any other organization or online service.
  • Once you have a permit, you must follow your state's restrictions on when and where you can drive, and who must be in the car with you.

How to find your state's minimum age requirement

Go to your state's DMV website directly. Search "[your state] DMV learner's permit age" to find the official page. The website will list the exact minimum age, what documents you need to bring, and the cost of the permit.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV office. They can tell you the age requirement and answer questions about what happens next. Many states also have a phone number on their DMV homepage specifically for permit questions.

What you need to bring to get a permit

Requirements vary by state, but most DMVs ask for proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents usually include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card for identity; a utility bill or lease for residency; and your Social Security card or a tax return for your number.

Bring the originals, not copies. Some states accept digital copies on your phone, but the DMV staff will tell you which documents they accept when you call or visit. Bring more documents than you think you need — it is faster than making a second trip.

You will also pay a fee for the permit. The cost ranges from about $20 to $60 depending on your state and how long the permit is valid. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at most locations.

The written test you must pass

Every state requires you to pass a written knowledge test before you get a permit. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. It is usually 30 to 50 questions, and you must answer most of them correctly — usually 70 to 80 percent — to pass.

You can study for free using your state's DMV handbook, which is available online as a PDF. Many states also offer free practice tests on their DMV website. Some people study the handbook for a few weeks; others take a few days. The more you study, the more likely you are to pass on your first try.

If you fail the test, you can usually take it again the same day or within a few days. There is no penalty for failing, though you may have to pay the test fee again.

Vision screening and other requirements

Most states require a vision screening as part of the permit process. A DMV staff member will use a machine to check your eyesight, or they may ask you to read letters on a chart. If you do not meet the standard, you may need glasses or contacts to drive, and your permit will note that restriction.

Some states also require a parent or guardian to sign the permit process if you are under 18. A few states require you to complete a driver's education course before you can get a permit, though most do not. Check your state's DMV website to see if this applies to you.

How long a permit is valid

A learner's permit is usually valid for one to three years, depending on your state. The expiration date is printed on the permit itself. If your permit expires before you pass your road test and get a full license, you will need to renew it at the DMV.

Renewing a permit is usually faster and cheaper than getting one the first time. You may not have to take the written test again, though some states require it. Call your DMV to ask what you need to bring and whether you have to test again.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you have a permit, you must follow your state's supervised driving rules. These rules typically say you must have a licensed adult in the car with you, you cannot drive alone, and you may have restrictions on when you can drive — for example, no driving after 10 p.m. or before 5 a.m.

Different states have different rules, and some rules change based on how long you have held the permit. Your permit paperwork will list the restrictions that explore to you. Breaking these rules can result in a fine or suspension of your permit.

After you have held your permit for a set period — usually three to twelve months depending on your state — you can take the road test. The road test is the practical driving test you must pass to get a full license. Your DMV can tell you how long you must wait and how to schedule the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a permit before I turn 14?

No. The minimum age is set by state law, and the DMV cannot issue a permit to anyone younger than that age. If you are close to the minimum age, you can call the DMV to find out the exact date you become may be able to access.

Do I have to take driver's education to get a permit?

Most states do not require driver's education before you get a permit, though some do. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to find out. If it is required, the DMV can tell you where to take the course.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again, usually within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Study the DMV handbook and practice tests between attempts, and you will likely pass the next time.

Can my permit be suspended or taken away?

Yes. If you break the rules on your permit — for example, driving without a supervising adult or driving during restricted hours — the DMV can suspend or cancel your permit. You would have to reapply and pass the test again to get a new one.

What 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 permit from your new state's DMV. You may be able to transfer some of your supervised driving time, but rules vary. Contact your new state's DMV to find out what you need to do.