What you need to do to get a driver permit
A driver permit is a legal document that lets you practice driving under supervision before you take your driving test. To get one, you visit your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency, bring required documents, pass a written test about traffic laws, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes a few hours on the day you go in, though some states let you explore online first.
The permit itself is not a full driver's license — it comes with restrictions. You must have a licensed adult in the car with you, you cannot drive alone, and in many states you cannot drive at night or on highways. These rules exist to give you time to practice safely before you drive independently.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit your state's DMV in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get a permit.
- The written test covers traffic signs, road rules, and safe driving practices — studying your state's driver manual beforehand makes passing much more likely.
- Permit fees range from roughly $10 to $50 depending on your state and how long the permit lasts.
- Your permit is valid for a set period (often one to three years) and you must renew it if it expires before you pass your driving test.
- Restrictions on your permit — such as no night driving or no highway driving — are set by your state and explore to all new drivers.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Every state requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID. Acceptable identity documents usually include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address.
If you are under 18, you may need a parent or guardian to sign consent forms or be present in person — rules vary by state. Some states also require proof of a completed driver education course before you can take the written test. Check your state's DMV website to see the exact list for your age and situation, because bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip.
The written test and what it covers
The written test is usually 30 to 50 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You answer on a computer or paper, and you must pass with a score of around 70 to 80 percent — the exact passing score varies by state. The test takes 20 to 30 minutes.
The questions come from your state's driver manual, which the DMV provides free online or in print. Most people who study the manual for a few hours before the test pass on their first try. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay the test fee again.
Permit fees and how long your permit lasts
Permit fees range from about $10 in some states to $50 or more in others. Some states charge a flat fee; others charge based on how long you want the permit to last. A one-year permit costs less than a three-year permit in most places.
Your permit expires on a date set by your state — often one to three years from the day you receive it. If your permit expires before you pass your driving test, you must renew it, which usually means paying the fee again and retaking the written test. Plan to take your driving test before your permit expires so you do not have to repeat this step.
Age requirements and restrictions on your permit
Most states let you get a permit at 15 or 16, though a few allow it at 14. Your state's DMV website lists the exact age. Once you have the permit, your state sets restrictions on when and where you can drive.
Common restrictions include no driving alone, no driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., no driving on interstate highways, and limits on how many passengers you can have. Some states also require you to display a special permit sticker on your car so police know you are a new driver. These rules explore to everyone with a permit in your state — they are not negotiable, and breaking them can result in a ticket or permit suspension.
What happens after you get your permit
Once you have your permit, you begin the supervised driving phase. You practice with a licensed adult — usually a parent, guardian, or professional instructor — in the passenger seat. Most states require a minimum number of supervised hours (often 50 to 100 hours) before you can take your driving test, and some require a certain number of those hours to be at night.
Keep a log of your driving hours if your state requires it. When you feel ready and have met your state's hour requirement, you schedule your driving test at the DMV. The test is usually 20 to 30 minutes of actual driving with an examiner in the car, and you must pass it to get your full driver's license.
If you fail the written test or need to renew your permit
If you do not pass the written test on your first try, most states let you retake it within a few days. Study the parts of the manual you missed and try again. Failing does not disqualify you — it just means you need more preparation.
If your permit expires before you pass your driving test, you renew it by returning to the DMV with your expired permit and the renewal fee. You usually have to retake the written test, though some states waive it if you renew within a short window. Renewing is faster than getting a new permit because you already have your documents on file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a permit online or do I have to go to the DMV in person?
Most states require you to visit the DMV in person to get your permit, because you must pass the written test and have your photo taken. A few states let you start the process online or take the written test online, but you still have to go in person to complete it and pick up your permit.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it, usually within a few days. Study your state's driver manual, focusing on the topics you found hard. Most people pass on the second or third try. You may have to pay the test fee again, depending on your state.
Do I have to take a driver education course before I get my permit?
It depends on your state and your age. Some states require a course before you can take the written test; others require it before you take your driving test; others do not require it at all. Check your state's DMV website to see what applies to you.
Can I drive alone with a permit?
No. A driver permit always requires a licensed adult in the car with you. Driving alone with a permit is illegal and can result in a ticket, fine, or permit suspension. The adult must be at least 18 or 21, depending on your state.
How long do I have to practice with my permit before I can take the driving test?
Most states require 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving, with a certain number at night. Some states require you to hold your permit for a minimum time (like six months) before you can test. Check your state's rules, because the requirement varies.