Fifteen is the minimum age for a driver's license learner's permit in many states. Find out what you need before you head to the DMV.
A Guide to Getting Your Learner's Permit
In many states you're eligible for a learner's permit when you turn fifteen. While the permit often carries a few noticeable restrictions, it's still a big first step in getting the freedom of driving a car, truck or van.
Learner's permits give you real-world experience.
The chief advantage to a learner's permit is you get to drive the car yourself while you're learning. Usually, an adult (over 18) licensed driver must be in the car with you whenever you're driving. A learner's permit is not a substitute for taking Driver's Education classes, however, and they're not a "junior driver's license."
Age and other requirements
Some states have learner's permit guidelines that require you to wait until you're fourteen; some states require sixteen as the minimum age. Almost all will require you to have the learner's permit a certain number of weeks or months before you can apply for a driver's license.
Some states will grant fourteen and fifteen year olds a full license if there's an urgent family need for them to drive. These "hardship licenses" must be qualified for just like any other driver's license.
Paperwork to have prepared before applying for a learner's permit
Typically, learner's permits are granted by the Department of Motor Vehicles of your state's government (the agencies name may vary slightly.) They have offices in most cities and towns.
The exact documents you'll need to bring with you vary by state, so you should call ahead or look online. (You can search online by trying "required documents learner's permit" followed by your state's name in a search engine such as Google.) As a rule of thumb, expect to bring your birth certificate, social security card, a picture ID such as a state-issued identification card or passport, and maybe even another picture ID.
Your parents should go with you to sign documents saying you have their permission for the permit.
When and how to go
Departments of Motor Vehicles tend to get very crowded around lunchtime and remain busy all afternoon. It's best to go as soon as possible in the morning to avoid a long wait.
Make sure you have all your documents ready to go, too. It's frustrating for all involved (especially your parents or transportation there) to have to make a second trip.
Finally, bring cash for the fees involved. Many DMV's don't accept checks, though some are beginning to take credit cards.
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