What age you need to be and what your state requires

You can get your first driver's license between 16 and 18 in most U.S. states, but the exact age depends on where you live and what type of license you want. Every state sets its own minimum age, and many states offer a learner's permit at a younger age than a full license. A learner's permit lets you drive with a licensed adult in the car; a full license lets you drive alone.

Most states allow you to get a learner's permit at 15 or 16, then a full license at 16 or 17. A few states—including New Jersey, Delaware, and some others—set the full license age at 17 or 18. If you're under 18, your state may also require you to hold the learner's permit for a set number of months or hours before you can test for the full license. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website to find the exact ages and waiting periods that explore to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you get a learner's permit at 15 or 16 and a full license at 16 or 17, but your state's DMV website has the exact ages.
  • If you're under 18, your state may require you to hold a learner's permit for a minimum number of months or supervised driving hours before testing for a full license.
  • You will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test to get a full license.
  • Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID when you go to the DMV to test.
  • If you're 18 or older and have never had a license, you can usually skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the full license test.

What happens between your learner's permit and full license

Once you have a learner's permit, you must follow permit restrictions that vary by state. Common rules include driving only with a licensed adult in the front seat, no driving between certain hours (often 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.), and no use of a cell phone while driving. Some states also limit the number of passengers you can carry or require you to log a certain number of supervised driving hours.

The waiting period between your permit and full license test exists to give you time to practice and build safe driving habits. In some states this is as short as a few weeks; in others it's six months or longer. Your state's DMV will tell you the exact requirement when you get your permit. Once you've met the waiting period and feel ready, you can schedule your driving test—the final step before you get your full license.

Documents and fees you need to bring to the DMV

When you go to test for your learner's permit or full license, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address.

You will also need to pay a fee. License fees vary widely by state—some charge $20 to $50 for a learner's permit and $30 to $100 for a full license, while others charge more. Many states charge extra if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025. Check your state's DMV website for the current fee schedule and a list of documents they accept, because requirements can change and some documents may not be accepted.

The three tests you have to pass

To get a full driver's license, you must pass three separate tests. The written knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You study the driver's manual (available free from your state's DMV) and take the test at the DMV office. Most states let you retake it if you fail, usually after a waiting period of a few days.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV will test your visual acuity and may check your peripheral vision and color vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be able to retest after getting new glasses or contacts, or your license may be restricted to daytime driving only.

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who sits in the car with you and watches you drive on public roads. You'll be tested on basic skills like starting the car, steering, braking, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. The test usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes. If you fail, you can retake it after a waiting period—often one to two weeks. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.

If you're 18 or older and getting your first license

If you're 18 or older and have never held a driver's license, your state may let you skip the learner's permit stage and go straight to the full license test. However, some states still require you to get a permit first, or they may require you to pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test. A few states require adult first-time drivers to complete a driver education course before testing.

The written and driving tests are the same for adults as they are for teenagers, but adult drivers usually don't face the same restrictions on hours or passengers that younger drivers do. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you need a permit, whether a driver education course is required, and what documents you need to bring.

Getting your license renewed or replaced

Once you have your license, you'll need to renew it before it expires. Renewal periods vary by state—some licenses last four years, others last eight years. Your state will send you a notice in the mail before your license expires, telling you how to renew. Many states now let you renew online or by mail without going to the DMV office, though you may have to visit in person if your vision needs to be retested or if you're renewing after a long gap.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at your DMV office. You'll need to show proof of identity and pay a replacement fee, which is usually smaller than the cost of a new license. Some states let you order a replacement online.

What to do if you fail your test

Failing a test—written, vision, or driving—is common and does not prevent you from trying again. After you fail, your state's DMV will tell you how long you must wait before retesting. Waiting periods are usually a few days for the written test and one to two weeks for the driving test. Use the waiting time to study the manual again, practice driving, or get new glasses if the vision test was the problem.

When you retake the test, you'll pay the test fee again. Some states charge the same fee each time; others charge a lower fee for retakes. If you keep failing the driving test, consider taking a professional driving lesson or asking an experienced driver to give you feedback on what you're doing wrong. Many people pass on the third or fourth attempt after extra practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my license if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation to the DMV along with your other proof of identity and residency. Some states may ask for additional documents if you don't have a Social Security number.

What if I move to a different state after I get my license?

Your current license remains valid in all other states while you're visiting or traveling. If you move permanently to a new state, you'll need to get a license from that state within a set time—usually 30 to 90 days. You can often transfer your license without retaking the driving test, though you'll need to pass a new written test and vision test. Check your new state's DMV website for the transfer process.

Do I have to take driver's education before I can get my license?

It depends on your state and your age. Most states require or strongly recommend driver education for teenagers under 18, but not for adults. Some states offer a discount on your insurance if you complete a driver education course. Check your state's DMV website to see whether it's required where you live.

How long does it take to get your license after you pass the test?

You usually get a temporary paper license or digital license on the spot after you pass the driving test. Your physical license card arrives in the mail within one to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, some states let you pay extra for expedited processing or pick up a license at the DMV office the same day.

What if I have a medical condition that affects my driving?

Tell the DMV about any medical condition, medication, or disability that might affect your ability to drive safely. The DMV may require a doctor's report, may restrict your license (for example, to daytime driving only or with corrective lenses), or may deny your license if the condition makes safe driving impossible. The DMV's goal is to keep you and others safe on the road.