The Basic Requirements for a Driver's License

To get a driver's license, you need to prove your identity, show that you live in your state, pass a written test on traffic laws, and pass a driving test with an examiner. The exact documents you bring and the order of those tests depend on which state you live in, but every state requires all four of these things.

You also need to be at least 16 years old in most states, though a few allow learner's permits at 15. If you are under 18, your state may require a parent or guardian to sign off on your process. Some states let you take the written test before you get your learner's permit; others require the permit first.

Key Takeaways

  • Every state requires proof of identity (a birth certificate or passport), proof of residence (a utility bill or lease), and a Social Security number or tax ID before you can test.
  • You must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then pass a separate driving test with an examiner in your car.
  • Most states issue a learner's permit first, which lets you drive with a licensed adult, before you can take the road test.
  • The fee for a driver's license varies by state, usually between $20 and $100, and the license is valid for four to eight years depending on your state.
  • If you already have a valid license from another state, you can transfer it without retaking the written and driving tests in most cases.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, or a U.S. passport. If you do not have either, some states accept a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization. Call your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before you go, because the exact list of acceptable documents varies.

You also need proof that you live in your state. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be recent—usually from the last 30 to 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency counts in most states.

Bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this on your process. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the DMV what alternative documents they accept.

The Written Test and What It Covers

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to your state. You will answer between 30 and 50 multiple-choice questions, depending on your state. Most states require you to score at least 70 or 80 percent to pass.

The test includes questions about speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, what different road signs mean, and what to do in bad weather or emergency situations. You can study using your state's official driver's manual, which is free and available online from your state's DMV website. Many states also offer practice tests online.

In most states, you take the written test at the DMV office on the same day you explore. Some states let you take it online or at a third-party testing center. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay a retest fee.

Getting Your Learner's Permit First

Most states require you to get a learner's permit before you can take the road test. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car—usually someone at least 21 years old. You get the permit by passing the written test and paying a fee, which is usually $10 to $30.

You must hold the learner's permit for a set amount of time before you can test for your full license. This waiting period ranges from a few weeks to six months, depending on your state. During this time, you practice driving with a licensed adult and build experience on the road.

Some states have restrictions on when you can drive with a learner's permit—for example, no driving after 10 p.m., or no driving on highways. Check your state's rules when you get your permit, because violating them can delay your road test.

The Road Test and Driving Exam

The road test is a practical driving exam with a DMV examiner in your car. The examiner watches you drive for 15 to 30 minutes and scores you on basic skills: starting the car, steering, braking, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Before the test, make sure your car has working headlights, brake lights, turn signals, windshield wipers, and mirrors. The examiner will check these. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle's registration. If you fail, you can usually retake the test within a few days or weeks, though you may have to pay another fee.

The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfection. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign usually do not cause you to fail. Major mistakes—running a red light, hitting a curb, or causing an unsafe situation—will result in failure.

Fees and How Long the License Lasts

The cost of a driver's license varies by state. A learner's permit usually costs between $10 and $30. The written test fee is often included in the permit fee, but some states charge separately. The road test fee ranges from $10 to $50. The license itself costs between $20 and $100, depending on your state and how long the license is valid.

A driver's license is valid for four to eight years, depending on your state. When it expires, you renew it by paying a renewal fee and sometimes retaking the written test. Many states now let you renew online or by mail.

If You Already Have a License From Another State

If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move, you can transfer it to your new state without retaking the written and road tests. You bring your current license, proof of residence in your new state, and pay a transfer fee. The process usually takes a few days to a few weeks.

Some states require you to retake the written test even with an out-of-state license, so check your new state's rules before you go to the DMV. If your license has expired, you may have to retake both tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the road test in a borrowed car?

Yes, as long as the car is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The car does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the owner gives you written permission to use it for the test, and bring proof of insurance.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, usually within a few days or weeks. You will have to pay the test fee again. Most states let you fail twice before requiring you to start over with a new learner's permit, but rules vary by state.

Do I need to take a vision test?

Yes. The DMV will test your eyesight as part of the license process. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the test. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

It depends on your state. Some states accept an ITIN or other tax identification number. Call your state's DMV to ask what documents you can use instead of a Social Security number.

How old do I have to be to get a driver's license?

You must be at least 16 in most states. A few states allow learner's permits at 15. Some states have different age requirements for different types of licenses—for example, a commercial license may require you to be 18 or older.