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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