A learner's permit is the legal first step to a driver's license in every US state. The minimum age ranges from 14 in South Dakota and Iowa (the youngest in the country) to 16 in New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. The permit fee is $0 (Mississippi) to $50 (New Jersey), and almost every state requires 30-70 hours of supervised driving before the road test.
Minimum permit age + permit fee
| State | Min age | Permit fee | Required supervised hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 15 | $5 | 30 (10 night) |
| Alaska | 14 | $15 | 40 (10 night) |
| Arizona | 15.5 | $7 | 30 (10 night) |
| Arkansas | 14 | $5 | None state-mandated |
| California | 15.5 | $41 | 50 (10 night) |
| Colorado | 15 | $18.18 | 50 (10 night) |
| Connecticut | 16 | $19 | 40 (none specified night) |
| Florida | 15 | $48 | 50 (10 night) |
| Georgia | 15 | $10 | 40 (6 night) |
| Illinois | 15 | $20 | 50 (10 night) |
| Iowa | 14 | $6 | 20 (2 night) |
| Kansas | 14 | $13 | 50 (10 night) |
| Massachusetts | 16 | $30 | 40 (none specified) |
| Michigan | 14.75 | $25 | 50 (10 night) |
| Mississippi | 15 | $0 | None state-mandated |
| New Jersey | 16 | $50 | 50 (10 night) |
| New York | 16 | $10 | 50 (15 night) |
| Ohio | 15.5 | $24 | 50 (10 night) |
| Oregon | 15 | $23 | 50 or 100 if no driver-ed (10 night) |
| Pennsylvania | 16 | $35.50 | 65 (10 night, 5 bad weather) |
| Rhode Island | 16 | $26.50 | 50 (10 night) |
| South Dakota | 14 | $28 | None state-mandated |
| Tennessee | 15 | $10.50 | 50 (10 night) |
| Texas | 15 | $16 | 30 (10 night) |
| Washington | 15 | $25 | 50 (10 night) |
| Wisconsin | 15.5 | $35 | 30 (10 night) |
How long is a permit valid?
Permit validity ranges from 6 months (Florida, NY) to 5 years (Texas). The more important number is how long you must hold the permit before testing — that's set by the state's "graduated driver's license" (GDL) law and is independent of expiration.
- Minimum permit-holding period before road test: 6 months in most states for under-18 drivers
- For 18+ adults: often reduced to 14-30 days, or eliminated entirely
- If permit expires before road test: renewal usually $5-$15, sometimes requires retaking the written test
The written test — what it covers
Every state's written test pulls from the state's driver handbook. Topics:
- Road signs (regulatory, warning, guide) — typically 30-40% of questions
- Right-of-way and intersection rules — 20%
- Speed limits and stopping distances — 10-15%
- Drugs, alcohol, and DUI law — 10-15%
- License-suspension triggers, insurance requirements — 10%
- Sharing the road (motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians, school buses) — 10%
Most state tests are 25-50 questions, multiple choice, with a 75-80% passing score. The national first-attempt pass rate is roughly 60%. Free practice tests on third-party sites and the official state handbook are the highest-yield prep — paid courses are largely unnecessary.
Vision and physical requirements
Every state requires 20/40 vision in at least one eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses for the test, the permit will be marked "corrective lenses required" — meaning you must wear them while driving. Color blindness is not disqualifying; only red/green/yellow recognition matters and is rarely tested separately.
Restrictions while driving with a permit
Almost every state imposes:
- Licensed adult required in front passenger seat. Usually 21+, sometimes 25+. Must hold a valid driver's license, sometimes for a minimum number of years.
- No cell phone use. Including hands-free in most states for permit holders.
- Nighttime driving limits. Often no driving 11pm-5am unless the supervising adult is in the car (which is always required anyway).
- No passengers under 21 beyond the supervising adult, in some states.
- Seat belts mandatory for everyone. Failure can void the permit.
What to bring to your permit appointment
- Proof of identity (passport or birth certificate)
- Proof of Social Security number
- Proof of state residency (utility bill or school enrollment letter)
- Proof of school enrollment or completion (under-18 only, in states with GDL "school requirement")
- Parent/guardian signature on application form (under-18)
- Permit fee (cash, card, or check varies by state)
FAQ
Can I get a permit at 14 in any state? Yes — South Dakota (no school requirement), Iowa (with school requirement), Arkansas, Kansas. Alaska is 14 but with restrictions.
How many times can I take the written test? Most states allow 3 attempts before requiring a 7-30 day wait. Some states cap at 5 attempts per year.
Does my permit work in other states? Yes — your home-state permit is valid for driving in any US state, with the same supervisor and restriction rules. It's NOT valid for federal ID purposes (TSA, federal buildings).