Minimum age to get a driver's license

The age you can get a driver's license depends on which state you live in. Most states let you get a learner's permit between 14 and 15, and a full license between 16 and 17. A few states set the minimum at 15 for a learner's permit or 16 for a full license. Some states have a two-step process where you must hold a learner's permit for a set number of months before you can test for a full license.

The difference between a learner's permit and a full license matters. A learner's permit usually requires a licensed adult in the car with you. A full license lets you drive alone, though some states restrict when and where you can drive if you are under 18. The age requirements and restrictions are set by state law, not federal law, so the rules where you live are the ones that explore to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states issue learner's permits at 14 or 15 and full licenses at 16 or 17, but your state's specific age is the one that governs you.
  • A learner's permit requires a licensed adult in the car; a full license does not, though some states restrict young drivers' hours or passengers.
  • Many states require you to hold a learner's permit for several months before you can test for a full license.
  • You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test to get a full license in any state.
  • Some states let you get a license at 15 if you complete a driver's education course, even if the standard age is 16.

Learner's permit ages by state

Fourteen is the youngest age most states allow for a learner's permit. States that issue at 14 include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Fifteen is the minimum in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. A few states set the age at 15 and a half or require completion of a driver's education course before you can get a permit at 14. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact age and any course requirements in your state.

Full license ages by state

Sixteen is the standard age for a full license in most states. However, some states let you get a full license at 15 if you have held a learner's permit for a required waiting period and completed a driver's education course. New Jersey, for example, lets you get a license at 16 and a half if you have completed an approved course and held your permit for at least six months.

A few states set the minimum at 17 for a full license without restrictions. These include New York and some others depending on when you got your learner's permit and whether you completed a course. The waiting period between your learner's permit and your full license test ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on your state and your age when you got the permit.

Waiting periods and restrictions for young drivers

Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum time before you can test for a full license. This waiting period is usually between three and twelve months. The exact length depends on your state and sometimes on your age — younger drivers often have longer waiting periods. During this time, you must have a licensed adult in the car with you, and you cannot drive alone.

After you get a full license, some states place restrictions on drivers under 18. These may include a limit on the number of passengers you can carry, a curfew on when you can drive (often between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.), or a ban on using a cell phone while driving. These restrictions usually stay in place until you turn 18 or reach a certain age, such as 17 or 18. Your state's DMV website will list the specific restrictions that explore to you.

Tests you need to pass

To get a full driver's license, you must pass three tests in every state: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study for this test using your state's driver's manual, which is free and available online or at your local DMV office.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the test. The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who watches you drive and evaluates your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must use a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Many people use a parent's or instructor's car for this test.

Getting a license before the standard age

Some states let you get a full license before the standard age if you complete a driver's education course. These courses are usually offered by high schools or private driving schools and cover classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Completing an approved course can lower the minimum age by six months to a year in some states, and it may also lower your car insurance rate.

A few states offer hardship licenses or work permits for drivers under the standard age who need to drive for school, work, or medical reasons. These are not full licenses and come with strict restrictions on when and where you can drive. You must show a genuine need and sometimes get permission from a parent and a judge. Contact your state's DMV to learn whether a hardship license is available in your state and what you must do to request one.

What to bring to the DMV

When you go to the DMV to get a learner's permit or full license, bring proof of your age and identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. You will also need proof of your address, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. Some states accept a school ID or report card as proof of age if you do not have a birth certificate yet.

For a full license test, bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and bring the vehicle's registration and proof of insurance. Bring your learner's permit. You may also need to bring a parent or guardian if you are under 18, depending on your state's rules. Check your state's DMV website before you go to confirm what documents you need and whether you need an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a license at 15 in my state?

It depends on your state. Some states issue full licenses at 15 if you have held a learner's permit for the required time and completed a driver's education course. Others do not issue full licenses until 16 or 17. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website for the exact age and any course requirements.

How long do I have to wait between getting my learner's permit and taking the full license test?

The waiting period ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on your state and your age. Most states require between three and twelve months. Your state's DMV website will tell you the exact waiting period that applies to you based on your age and when you got your permit.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can take the test again after a waiting period, which is usually a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. There is usually a fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. Your DMV office can tell you how soon you can retake the test and what the fee is.

Do I need to take driver's education to get my license?

Driver's education is not required in every state, but completing an approved course can lower the minimum age for a full license and may lower your insurance rate. Some states require it for drivers under a certain age, such as 18. Check your state's DMV website to see whether a course is required or recommended where you live.

Can I get a license if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooled students can get a learner's permit and full license the same way as students in public or private schools. You do not need to be enrolled in a school to get a license. You must meet your state's age requirement and pass the written, vision, and driving tests.