What to bring when you explore for a permit

You will need proof of identity, proof of your address, and proof of your Social Security number. The exact documents vary by state, but most accept a birth certificate or passport for identity, a utility bill or lease for address, and your Social Security card itself or a tax return that shows your number.

Some states also require proof that you live in that state — usually a document dated within the last 60 days. A few states ask for a parent or guardian signature if you are under 18. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website before you go, because showing up with the wrong papers means a wasted trip.

You will also need to pay a fee. This ranges from about $20 to $50 depending on your state and how long the permit lasts. Most states issue permits valid for one to three years.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government-issued ID (birth certificate or passport), a recent document showing your address, and proof of your Social Security number to your DMV appointment.
  • Your state's DMV website lists exactly which documents they accept, so check before you go rather than discovering a missing paper at the counter.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and you must pass it to receive your permit.
  • Most permits cost between $20 and $50 and remain valid for one to three years, depending on your state.
  • Some states require a parent or guardian to sign the process if you are under 18, so bring them or have their signature ready.

The written test: what it covers and how to prepare

The written test asks about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to your state. You will see questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different colored signs mean, and how to handle situations like a stalled car or a pedestrian in the road. Most tests have 30 to 50 questions, and you usually need to answer 70 to 80 percent correctly to pass.

Your state's DMV publishes a free study guide — sometimes called the Driver's Manual or Permit Study Guide — that covers everything on the test. Many states also offer practice tests on their DMV website. Taking the practice test twice usually means you will pass the real one. If you fail, most states let you retake it the same day or within a few days at no extra cost.

Age requirements and parental consent

Most states issue permits to people as young as 14 or 15, though a few require you to be 16. The age when you can get a permit is different from the age when you can get a full license — the permit is the first step, and you hold it while you practice with a licensed adult in the car.

If you are under 18, your state may require a parent or guardian to sign the process in person, or to sign a form you bring with you. A few states let a parent sign remotely or by mail. Call your local DMV office to ask whether you need a parent present or whether a signed form is enough.

How long the permit process takes

From the moment you walk into the DMV to the moment you leave with your permit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is. The test itself takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you fail the written test, you can often retake it the same day.

Your physical permit card arrives by mail within one to three weeks. In the meantime, you receive a temporary paper permit that you can use to drive right away. Some states print the permit on the spot, so ask when you arrive whether you will leave with a card or a temporary document.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you have your permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult is in the car with you. That adult must be at least 18 or 21 depending on your state, and they must be seated in the front passenger seat in most places. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive other people your age without that licensed adult present.

Your permit is valid for a set period — usually one to three years. During that time, you practice driving and build experience before taking the road test for your full license. Some states have a minimum number of hours you must practice or a minimum time you must hold the permit before you can test for a license. Check your state's rules so you know when you become may be able to access.

Renewing or replacing a lost permit

If your permit expires before you get your license, you can renew it at the DMV. The process is usually faster than the first time — you may not need to retake the written test, depending on your state. Bring your expired permit and the same documents you brought the first time.

If you lose your permit, you can get a replacement by visiting the DMV with proof of identity and paying a replacement fee, usually $10 to $20. Some states let you order a replacement online or by mail. A few states issue a temporary replacement on the spot while your new card is printed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pass the written test on my first try?

No. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or within a few days at most DMV offices, usually at no extra cost. Most people pass on the second attempt if they study the practice test between tries.

Can I get a permit if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A passport, state ID, or other government-issued document works instead. Your DMV website lists all accepted forms of identity. If you do not have any of these, contact your DMV office about what documents they will accept.

What if I cannot go to the DMV in person?

Most states require you to appear in person for your first permit. A few allow a parent to explore on your behalf if you are under 16, but you will still need to take the written test in person. Check your state's DMV website or call your local office to ask about exceptions.

Can I use my permit in other states?

Your permit is valid only in the state that issued it. If you travel to another state, you cannot drive there on a permit from your home state. You would need a permit from that state, though most states do not require you to get one for short visits.

What if I fail the written test multiple times?

You can retake it as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts. Between each try, study the practice test and the Driver's Manual more carefully. Your DMV office can also tell you which topics you missed most often so you can focus your studying.