If you want to get a driver's license, you need to get a driver's permit first. This permit, also known as a learner's permit or provisional license, will allow you to start driving under certain restrictions.
Young and new drivers need a driver's permit in the lead-up to actually obtaining a license. Getting a driver's permit in your state might seem as easy as taking a written test, but there are a few other steps involved.
Read this handy guide by car insurance
shopping app Jerry
to learn more about how to get your driver's permit, the driver permit requirements, and more. Qualifications for the driver's permit written test
States only allow drivers of a certain age to get a driver's permit prior to obtaining a driver's license. The following table from DMV.org details the required age for drivers and whether they need to take a driver's training program in conjunction with getting a permit:
| Qualifying Age and Other Criteria by State |
|---|
| 15 years old when enrolled in a driver's training program/otherwise 16 years old |
| |
| |
| |
| 15 years, 6 months old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| 16 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| 15 years old/complete a Traffic Laws and Substance Abuse Education course |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 14 years, 6 months old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| |
| |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 16 years, 6 months old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| 14 years, 6 months old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| |
| 14 years, 6 months old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| |
| State does not issue driver's permits |
| 16 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| 14 years, 6 months old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| |
| 15 years, 6 months old if enrolled in a driver's training program |
| |
| |
| 16 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| |
| |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| 15 years old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
| 15 years, 6 months old/complete a driver's training program |
| |
Fill out the necessary paperwork for the driver's permit written test
In order to apply for a driver's permit in many states, you need to fill out the appropriate paperwork, including the application. Additionally, you need to turn in specific documents, which can vary by state. Most states require the following forms of identification when applying for a driver's permit:
Proof of identity, citizenship, or residency
Proof of school attendance, your GED, or high school diploma
Any required affidavits signed by a parent or guardian
Pay the required fees for the driver's permit written test
After submitting the required paperwork, you need to pay any fees associated with the licensing process. Many states only have you pay part of the fee upon applying, and then they have you pay the remainder upon qualifying for your actual driver's license. On the other hand, some states require that you pay the whole fee upfront.
State guidelines can vary regarding how many times you can take the test before you need to pay another fee. Some states might require a small test fee before you can take the test again. Contact your state DMV office for more information.
Study for the driver's permit written test
Before taking the driver's permit written test, make sure to study properly if you want to pass on your first attempt. One of the best ways to study is to read the DMV driver’s handbook
. Another great way to study is to take driver’s license practice tests, which you can find online at sites like dmv.org
and dmv-permit-test.com
. Take the driver's permit written test and eye exam
Once you have filled out all of the paperwork and paid any necessary fees, you can take the driver's written test. Depending on the state, you can miss a certain number of questions and still pass.
Officials at your local DMV office should let you know on the same day you took your test whether you failed or passed, as well as when you can retake it if you did fail.
You must also do an eye exam to see if you require glasses to drive. The DMV will not allow you to proceed with the on-the-road test until you have met their vision requirements.
Usually, the DMV gives you a form to take to an eye doctor, who tells the DMV whether you need glasses or not. If you do have glasses prescribed, you need to wear the glasses while performing the eye exam.
Getting a driver's permit represents just the first step in the licensing process. By studying properly, making sure you have the required paperwork, and taking your time while taking the written test, you can complete this process easily and move on to the next step: Taking the on-the-road driving test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the permit test?
The amount of question on the permit test will vary by state, but most states have somewhere between 20 and 40 questions on the learner's permit test. Other states, like Florida, have 50 questions.
Can you drive with a permit?
Yes, you can drive with a permit. However, don't plan on driving alone. You are required to have an adult 21 years or older in the car with you while you only have your learner's permit. There may be other restrictions in place based on your state.
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