Anyone who wishes to legally operate a motor vehicle must obtain a driver’s license.  To apply for a driver’s license, the DMV requires you to follow a set of procedures and provide certain documents verifying your eligibility. While specific rules and requirements vary by state, here are some basic guidelines for how to get a driver’s license.

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1.  Get a driving permit (Note that this step may be waived for applicants over the age of 18)

• Enroll in Driver’s Ed
  • Sign up for a driver’s education course to learn about the rules of the road.
  • Courses are available through your high school, local community colleges, or other authorized businesses.
  • General minimum age requirement is 15.
  • After completion of the course, you can apply for a driving permit
•   Apply for a permit
  • Make an appointment at your local DMV office.
  • Provide proof of identity and citizenship.
  • Pass a vision exam and pay a small application fee.
  • Submit a completed DMV or Identification Card application (DL 44) form with a signature of a parent or guardian.
  • Provide proof of enrollment in or completion of a driver training program.
• Pass a DMV written test
  • You must then pass a written test of traffic laws, signs, and safety rules.
  • Brush up on the rules of the road with your state’s DMV driver’s handbook, available online or at your nearest DMV office.
  • Didn’t pass the written test the first time?  Not a problem. You can always retake it until you pass.
•  Enroll in a driver training program     
  • You must complete a certain number of hours of behind-the-wheel training (usually round 50) with a certified driving instructor.

Step 2: Get your driver’s license 

• Apply for a license at the DMV
  
  • Provide proof of identity and citizenship.
  • Pass a vision exam and pay a small application fee.
  • Submit a completed DMV or Identification Card application.
• Pass the DMV driving test

 Step 3: Congrats, driver!

• Once you have completed all application requirements and passed the driving test, you are now a licensed driver.
• Remember: most states impose temporary restrictions on new drivers as a safety measure, so be sure to consult your local DMV to learn about your state’s specific restrictions.
• Driver’s licenses expire after a certain number of years, so make sure you know when to renew it.
• Didn’t pass the driving test? You can still get your license! Most states allow you to retake the test a certain number of times, so be sure to study the driver’s handbook to master all the driving rules.

Learn more about how to get a driver’s license from your state by following the links below.

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Get started Start Your Car Bill of Sale Answer a few questions. We'll take care of the rest.