How to Get a Driver's License in the US: Step-by-Step 2026

To get a driver's license in the US, you usually apply for a learner's permit at your state DMV (passing a vision screening and a written knowledge test), complete a period of supervised driving, pass a road test, and then receive a provisional or full license. There's no national license: every state sets its own ages, fees and rules, and most use graduated driver licensing (GDL) for teens. Always check your state's official DMV website.

This guide explains the common path and how it varies, using the largest states as examples.

The typical path to a US driver's license

The agency name varies too: DMV in many states, DPS in Texas, FLHSMV in Florida, Secretary of State in some others.

Step 1: Get your learner's permit

To apply, you'll usually need:

• proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport
• your Social Security number (rules vary)
• proof of state residency
• a parent or guardian's signature if you're under 18
• the application fee

At the DMV, you'll typically take a vision screening and a written knowledge test on traffic laws and road signs. Our guide to DMV written test tips covers how to prepare.

Example: California

California DMV says minors can apply for an instruction permit from age 15 and a half (and under 18) with proof of driver education enrollment or completion, a parent or guardian's signature, a vision exam and the knowledge test, where the passing score is 80%.

Step 2: Supervised practice and driver's ed

Most states require teens to log supervised driving hours with a licensed adult and hold their permit for a minimum period before the road test. Here's how the four largest states compare, according to the IIHS graduated licensing table:

Rules can change, so confirm the current requirements with your state before you plan. Some states also require a specific number of hours of professional instruction for teens; California, for example, requires six hours of professional driver training for applicants under 18.

Step 3: Take the road test

You usually need to book a road test appointment in advance. Expect:

1. A vehicle check: working lights, signals, horn, brakes and proof of insurance and registration.
2. The drive: turns, intersections, lane changes, stopping, backing and observing traffic laws, sometimes with maneuvers such as parallel parking or a three-point turn.
3. Scoring: most states mark errors and fail you for critical errors such as running a stop sign, causing the examiner to intervene or hitting the curb.

If you don't pass, states set different waiting periods and retest fees. In California, for example, minors wait 14 days and pay a retest fee.

Step 4: Provisional license and restrictions

Under graduated licensing, newly licensed teens usually face restrictions such as:

• Night driving limits, for example 11 pm to 5 am in California and midnight to 5 am in Texas (per IIHS).
• Passenger limits, often no more than one young passenger.
• Cellphone restrictions for young drivers in many states.

These restrictions usually lift at 17 or 18, or after a set time with a clean record.

Getting a license as an adult

If you're 18 or older and have never been licensed, you generally still need a permit, knowledge test and road test, but teen-only requirements like driver's ed, minimum permit periods and logged hours often don't apply or are shorter. If you're moving from another state or country, many states let you transfer or exchange a license, sometimes with tests. Check your state DMV's "new resident" pages.

REAL ID

Since May 7, 2025, adults need a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a star) or another TSA-accepted ID, such as a passport, to board domestic flights. If you want one, bring the extra identity and residency documents your state lists when you apply.

Tips for a smooth process

1. Read your state's official driver handbook; it's the source for the knowledge test.
2. Book DMV appointments early, as wait times can be long.
3. Start logging supervised hours right away, including night driving.
4. Practice in different conditions: highways, rain and busy intersections.
5. Learn the habits in defensive driving and night driving tips, which apply everywhere.

Summary

Getting a US driver's license means a permit, supervised practice, a road test and, for teens, a graduated license with restrictions. Ages, hours and test formats vary by state, so your state DMV website is the final word. Start with the handbook, log your hours and practice in varied conditions.

About Co-Drive

Co-Drive is an iOS app for learner and new drivers. Its driving technique lessons and defensive driving habits apply anywhere, and support for US states is in development. It isn't affiliated with any DMV. Find out more.