Only a handful of states permit driving at 13, and all of them require a learner's permit first

Most states set the minimum driving age at 16, but Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota allow you to drive at 13 with a learner's permit. Each state has different rules about what you can do with that permit and what restrictions explore. The age alone does not mean you can drive unsupervised — you will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and in some cases a driving test before you get any permit at all.

The reason these three states allow younger drivers is partly rural geography. In farming and ranching areas, teenagers often need to operate vehicles for work and daily life. The states have built their licensing systems around that reality, but they still require training and testing before a young driver gets behind the wheel.

Key Takeaways

  • Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota are the only states that permit driving at age 13, and only with a learner's permit that comes with adult supervision requirements.
  • A learner's permit at 13 requires passing a written knowledge test and a vision test in all three states, though the specific rules vary by state.
  • Even with a permit, a 13-year-old driver must have a licensed adult in the vehicle in Montana and South Dakota; North Dakota's rules are less restrictive but still require adult presence for certain driving.
  • Restrictions on a learner's permit typically include no night driving, no passengers your own age, and limits on highway speeds in some cases.

Montana's learner's permit rules for age 13

Montana allows you to get a learner's permit at 13 if you pass the written test and vision screening at your local Motor Vehicle Division office. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices — you can study the Montana Driver's Manual online before you take it.

With a Montana learner's permit at 13, you must have a licensed driver at least 18 years old in the front seat with you at all times. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry passengers under 18 unless they are when ready family members. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 14 and can move to the next license class.

South Dakota's learner's permit rules for age 13

South Dakota issues learner's permits to 13-year-olds who pass the written test and vision test at a Driver Licensing exam station. You will need a birth certificate or passport, proof of South Dakota residency, and your Social Security number. The written exam covers the South Dakota Driver's Manual and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

A South Dakota learner's permit requires a licensed adult (at least 18) to be in the front seat with you whenever you drive. You cannot drive between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., and you cannot carry passengers under 18 except when ready family. These rules explore until you turn 14, at which point you can take the driving test and move to a restricted license.

North Dakota's learner's permit rules for age 13

North Dakota allows 13-year-olds to get a learner's permit after passing the written test and vision test at a Driver License and Traffic Safety office. You will need your birth certificate, proof of North Dakota residency, and your Social Security number. The written test is based on the North Dakota Driver's Manual and covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving.

North Dakota's rules for a 13-year-old learner's permit are somewhat less restrictive than Montana and South Dakota. You must have a licensed adult in the vehicle, but the nighttime driving restrictions are less strict. However, you still cannot drive on interstate highways, and you cannot carry passengers under 18 except when ready family members. At 14, you can take the driving test and move to a restricted license with fewer limitations.

What you need to bring to get a learner's permit at 13

All three states require the same basic documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of residency (usually a utility bill or lease in your name or your parent's name), and your Social Security number. Some offices also accept a school ID as proof of residency if it shows your address. Bring originals, not copies — offices will not accept photocopies of birth certificates.

You will also need to bring a parent or guardian if you are under 18. In some cases the parent must sign consent forms before you can take the written test. Call your local Driver License office before you go to confirm what documents they accept in your county, because rules can vary slightly between locations.

How the written test works

The written test in all three states is multiple choice and covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You study from the state's official driver's manual, which is free online. Most tests have 25 to 50 questions, and you usually need to score 80 percent or higher to pass.

You can take the test on a computer at the Driver License office, and you get your results the same day. If you fail, you can usually retake it after a waiting period — typically a few days to a week. Many people study the manual for a few weeks before taking the test, and some use practice tests online to prepare.

Restrictions that explore after you get your permit

All three states impose nighttime driving restrictions on 13-year-old permit holders, though the exact hours vary. Montana and South Dakota ban driving between midnight and 5 a.m. (or 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in South Dakota). North Dakota's restrictions are less strict but still limit when you can drive.

Passenger restrictions are the same across all three states: you cannot carry passengers under 18 unless they are your when ready family. This rule stays in place until you move to a full license. Some states also restrict highway driving or limit your speed on certain roads while you hold a learner's permit.

What happens after you turn 14

Once you turn 14, you can take the driving test in any of these three states and move to a restricted license. The driving test includes a written portion, a vision test, and an on-road driving test with an examiner. You will drive for about 20 to 30 minutes on local roads and highways, and the examiner will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic situations.

A restricted license at 14 still comes with limitations — usually nighttime driving restrictions and passenger limits — but they are less strict than a learner's permit. The exact restrictions depend on which state you are in and how long you have held your permit. By 16, you can move to a full unrestricted license in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone with a learner's permit at 13?

No. All three states require a licensed adult at least 18 years old to be in the front seat with you whenever you drive on a learner's permit. This rule applies whether you are driving on local roads or highways.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week depending on the state. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test. Most people study the official driver's manual more thoroughly before their second attempt.

Do I need to take a driving test to get a learner's permit at 13?

No. A learner's permit requires only a written test and a vision test. The driving test comes later, when you are 14 and ready to move to a restricted license. The driving test is what an examiner watches you actually drive.

Can I drive on the highway with a learner's permit?

In Montana and South Dakota, yes, as long as a licensed adult is with you. North Dakota restricts highway driving for 13-year-old permit holders. Check your state's specific rules before you drive on an interstate.

What if I live in one of these states but move to another state?

Your learner's permit is valid only in the state that issued it. If you move to a state with a higher minimum driving age, you will need to wait until you reach that state's minimum age before you can get a permit there. Some states do recognize out-of-state permits for a limited time, so check with your new state's Driver License office.