Having your learner's permit is like watching a movie trailer. It's short, cool, and gets you excited for the future. However, all you can think about is going to see the movie in theatres, aka getting your driver's license. If you're looking to shorten the process as much as possible and gain that huge sense of freedom that comes with owning your own driver's license, then you should learn the coming information about your instructional permit like the back of your hand. Doing so ensures you complete the requirements in a timely fashion.

Leaner's permit laws should be known by both the teen and the guardian so that all involved know what is to be expected. Not following these laws can result in a permit getting taken away for several months. To dodge this issue, everyone involved in the learner's permit process should know the following laws:

Permit Requirements

  • A teen must be between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18 to apply for an instructional driving permit. Once a teen has turned 16, they can start attempting their official driver's license test if their hour requirements have been satisfied.
  • 50 hours of supervised driving must be completed, and 10 of those must be at night. A legal guardian is required to sign the instruction permit, confirming that the hours have been completed so the teen may take their driver's test.
  • A teen needs to fill out a DMV application with a legal guardian's signature at the bottom of the form in order to get their permit.
  • An applicant must have an official document that states their date of birth or citizenship. Examples include a birth certificate or U.S. citizen's card. Lastly, an applicant must bring their social security card.
  • On the day of filing an application, a $26 fee will need to be paid. After getting the permit, it's valid for one year. Another fee will be assessed to those who have not completed their 50 hours in one year.
  • The teen must pass an eye exam on the day of applying in addition to a road signs test that will quiz them on many of the road signs they will encounter while driving.
  • A teen must come with proof of completion of a driver's education program when filing an application.
  • 46 questions will quiz the teen on their knowledge of traffic laws and driving situations. In order to pass, an applicant can answer no more than nine questions incorrectly. There is a one week waiting period for those who did not pass to retake.
  • Upon receiving the permit, a teen needs to remain in good standing for six months before applying for their driver's license.

Permit Restrictions

  • A teen may only be supervised by a parent, guardian, or another person over 25 years old with a driver's license. The supervisor must be in the passenger seat so they may take control of the vehicle if required.
  • The teen must always have their permit with them while driving. Likewise, the supervisor also needs to have their license with them.
  • A teen may not at any time drive by his or herself, even when they are on the way to take their driver's test. Adult supervision is required at all times with an instructional permit.

If you follow all of the requirements and rules from above, you should be able to get your license right after your six months have expired. You should get your required hours done quickly and build upon those to ensure you have practiced enough to pass your driver's test on the first try. Then, after all that anticipation, you can sit back and relax with all your newly acquired freedom.