What Is a Learner’s Permit?
If you are a teen and interested in applying for your first driver’s license, the initial step in most states in the country is a learner’s permit. While each state sets out its own regulations for driver’s licenses, virtually all have adopted a Graduated Licensing Program for young drivers. A learner’s permit is the first step, which allows young drivers to drive as long as other licensed drivers are in the vehicle. That stage is often followed by a provisional license, which has fewer restrictions. Here are the rules in place in most states regarding learner’s permits.
Age limit varies. There is no single age restriction to qualify for a learner’s permit in the country. The range is from 14 years old to 18 years old. The most common minimum age for a learner’s permit is 15 or 15 ½ years old. Generally, if you are 15 or younger, you must take a certified driver’s education course in order to be eligible for a learner’s permit. In some states, it’s possible to earn a learner’s permit without enrollment in a driver’s education course, depending on your age.
Driver’s education. States regulate driver’s education courses, which are required in order for the very youngest prospective drivers to earn a learner’s permit. In Indiana, for example, the course must include 30 hours of classroom time and 6 hours of instruction behind the wheel. Some states allow parents or guardians to provide the driver’s education.
How to apply for a learner’s permit. Although there is some variation from state to state, all require proof of identity. That can either be a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport or a foreign passport with an accompanying visa. Be prepared to also show proof of your Social Security number and state residency. Residency can be established with documents such as a utility bill provided by your parents or an affidavit signed by your parents or legal guardians attesting to your residence within the state. Some states require an agreement of financial responsibility signed by a parent or guardian. Finally, you will need a certificate showing that you successfully completed the driver’s education required in your state.
Written exam. The next step in most states is a written exam that includes questions about everything from safe driving techniques to road signs and the specific traffic laws in your state. It’s generally possible to study for that written exam from an online state driver’s manual or practice exam questions on your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website. All states give prospective drivers at least two attempts to pass the exam on the first visit to the DMV office. The prospective driver must then wait anywhere from one day to a week before taking the written exam again.