The minimum age depends on the type of license and your state

You must be at least 16 years old to get a standard driver's license in most U.S. states, though some states allow you to get a learner's permit at 14 or 15. A few states set the minimum at 17. The exact age varies by state and by the type of license you want—a learner's permit, a restricted license, or an unrestricted license all have different age requirements.

The reason states set these ages is safety. Crash data shows that teenage drivers have higher accident rates than older drivers, especially in the first months after getting their license. States use a graduated licensing system to reduce that risk: you start with a learner's permit (which requires a licensed adult in the car), move to a restricted license (which limits when and where you can drive), and eventually earn an unrestricted license once you have logged enough supervised driving hours and time.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states allow you to get a learner's permit between ages 14 and 15, and a full driver's license at 16, but your state's specific ages are the ones that explore to you.
  • A learner's permit requires a licensed adult in the car with you at all times; you cannot drive alone.
  • A restricted or intermediate license usually comes after you have held your learner's permit for a set number of months and logged a certain number of supervised driving hours.
  • You will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving skills test to get any license; the order and timing depend on your state.
  • Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets the rules and administers the tests.

Learner's permit ages by state

A learner's permit is the first step in most states' graduated licensing systems. You can get one before you are old enough for a full driver's license. Most states issue learner's permits to people age 14 or 15, though a handful allow them at 13 and a few wait until 16.

With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult (usually at least 21 years old) is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive at night in most states. The permit is meant to give you supervised practice time before you take the driving test for a full license. How long you must hold the permit before you can test for a full license varies by state—some require as little as three months, others require six months or a year.

To get a learner's permit, you typically need to pass a written test about traffic laws and road signs. You will also take a vision test. You do not take a driving skills test for a permit; that comes later when you test for your full license.

Full driver's license ages by state

You can get a full, unrestricted driver's license at age 16 in most states. However, some states issue a restricted or intermediate license first—one that limits when you can drive (no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., for example) or how many passengers you can carry. You then graduate to an unrestricted license at 17 or 18.

A few states do not issue any license until age 17. If you are under 18, your state may also require you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum number of months before you can test for a full license—often six months to a year. This waiting period is part of the graduated system and is meant to may support you have enough supervised driving time.

To get a full driver's license, you must pass a driving skills test (the road test) in addition to the written and vision tests. The road test is conducted by a state examiner who watches you drive and scores your ability to handle the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions.

What you need to bring to the DMV

When you go to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent agency—some states call it the Secretary of State's office or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles) to get a learner's permit or driver's license, you will need to bring proof of your age, identity, and residency. Acceptable documents vary by state but usually include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card for age and identity, and a utility bill or lease for residency.

You will also need to bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you are under 18, one parent or legal guardian usually must be present and sign the process. Some states allow you to explore online or by mail, but most require you to appear in person at a DMV office.

Bring any documents your state requires for the specific type of license you are getting. Your state's DMV website lists exactly what to bring; checking before you go saves a trip.

The tests you will take

Getting a driver's license involves three separate tests in most states: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving skills test. You usually take the written and vision tests when you explore for your learner's permit. The driving skills test comes later, after you have held your permit for the required time and logged the required supervised driving hours.

The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You study a handbook provided by your state's DMV. The test is usually multiple choice and is taken on a computer at the DMV office. You must pass (usually 70 to 80 percent correct) to get your permit.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be able to retake it after getting corrective lenses.

The driving skills test (road test) is taken in a vehicle with a state examiner. You drive on local roads while the examiner watches and scores your ability to steer, brake, park, turn, and obey traffic laws. You must pass this test to get your full license. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period (usually a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state).

Restrictions that explore to young drivers

Even after you get your full driver's license, your state may place restrictions on your driving if you are under 18. These restrictions are part of the graduated licensing system and are designed to reduce crashes among teenage drivers. Common restrictions include limits on nighttime driving, limits on the number of passengers you can carry, and requirements to wear a seatbelt and use hands-free devices for phone calls.

Some states also require young drivers to display a special license plate or decal so police can identify them and enforce the restrictions. The restrictions usually stay in place until you turn 18 or until you have held your license for a certain length of time (often one to two years). Your state's DMV website explains which restrictions explore to you and when they end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license before age 16?

In most states, no—16 is the minimum age for a full driver's license. However, you can get a learner's permit at 14 or 15 in most states, which lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. A few states allow permits at 13, and a few do not issue any license until 17.

What if I fail the driving skills test?

You can retake it. Most states let you retake the test after a waiting period of a few days to a few weeks. You may have to pay a retesting fee. Some states require you to take additional supervised driving hours before you retake the test.

Do I need to take a driver's education course?

It depends on your state and age. Some states require a formal driver's education course for people under 18; others recommend it but do not require it. Taking a course may lower your car insurance rates. Check your state's DMV website to see what is required where you live.

Can I get a license if I am homeschooled?

Yes. Homeschooling does not affect your ability to get a driver's license. You still need to meet your state's age requirements, pass the tests, and bring the required documents to the DMV.

What happens if I move to a different state?

You can transfer your license to your new state's DMV. You will need to show your current license and proof of residency in the new state. Some states may require you to retake the written test or vision test, but most accept your out-of-state license as proof that you have already passed.