In the United States, you need a driver's license to legally operate a vehicle. If you are new to the world of driving, start with a beginner's license. Take some time to practice and schedule an assessment date when you feel ready. Each individual state issues driver's licenses, so the rules may vary. Generally, you will need to pass a written test, a driving test, and a vision test in order to be licensed.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Obtain the Beginner's Permit
Step 1. Read the driver's manual
You will need to pass a written exam based on your knowledge and understanding of the rules and regulations outlined in the state driver's manual.
- You can get a printed copy of the manual from your local Department of Motor Vehicles. Most states have this document on their websites. In this case, download the latest version from the official website for your state. You may find similar copies online, but they may not be the most recent version.
- The driver's manual includes all the rules of the road that you will have to understand if you want to be a good driver. Remember that you are responsible for knowing all the rules, even if they were not included in the exam.
Step 2. Evaluate the requirements for obtaining a learner's permit
For those under the age of 18, most states require that they obtain a learner's permit and hold it for a minimum period (usually six months to a year) before they can be fully licensed.
- In addition, you must have the minimum age to obtain the beginner's permit (between 14 and 16 years, depending on each state) which, in general, has more restrictions than the beginner's permits for adults.
- In some states, such as California, you will need to complete a driving course before applying for a learner's permit.
Step 3. Provide proof of your identity and residency
To obtain a learner's permit, you must present documents that verify who you are and where you live. The type of documentation required varies from state to state.
- Generally, proof of identity includes a birth certificate, an identification card issued by a government entity, or a passport.
- Documents that prove residency include utility bills or bank statements in your name with your home address. If you are under 18 years old, you can present a letter or a certificate of study and also have one of your parents or guardians answer for you.
- Many states require applicants under the age of 18 to present proof of school attendance.
Step 4. Pay the assessment and permit fees
Before taking the written exam and obtaining the permit, you will have to pay a fee. The amount varies by state, but is generally less than $ 100. In some cases, you will have to pay the fee at the time of requesting the appointment to obtain your permit.
Find out what payment methods are accepted if you want to cancel in person. Some Motor Vehicle Departments only accept checks or money orders
Step 5. Take the written test
Before obtaining a learner's permit, most states require you to pass a basic knowledge exam of the rules and codes of the road outlined in the driver's manual.
- If you need an interpreter or take the test in a different language, check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in advance to make any necessary accommodations.
- Typically, the beginner's permit focuses on knowledge of the signs and basic traffic rules, such as using your turn signal and passing on the left.
- While you may be able to pass the learner's permit through observing other drivers for several years, it is advisable to read the driver's manual at least once or twice. The things that drivers do regularly do not always follow the laws to the letter.
Step 6. Pass the vision test
People must be able to see well to operate a vehicle. If you don't pass the exam, you will need to get glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision before you get your beginner's permit.
- If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, wear them when approaching to get your permission. The driver's license examiner will add an "observation" to your permit that states that you wear corrective lenses. If a police officer approaches while you are driving and you are not wearing your glasses or contact lenses, your driver's license will not be considered valid.
- If you have a light prescription and only occasionally wear glasses, you may be able to try and pass the exam without wearing them. This way, if a police officer approaches and you're not wearing them, you won't risk getting a citation for driving without a license.
Step 7. Get permission
If you have passed the written and vision exam, and all your documents are in order, the examiner will take your photo and issue a new learner's permit. You may also receive information on driving restrictions with this type of license.
- Pay attention to the validity period of the learner's permit. If it is about to expire and you still do not feel ready to take the driving test to obtain the full license, you can usually renew the permit.
- Depending on your age, you may need to keep your beginner's permit for a certain period before obtaining the full license.
- Some states require applicants to show that they have logged a certain number of practice hours before they can take the driving test.
Part 2 of 3: Learning to Drive
Step 1. Take driving lessons
If you are a high school student and you obtain your learner's permit, you may be able to take the driving lessons through the school for free or for a reduced fee compared to a private driving lesson institution.
- If you are an adult, it is still a good idea to take formal classes, especially if you have never driven a vehicle. Even if you have obtained your license in another country, the driving classes will help you practice with the laws in force in the United States, since they may be different from those of your place of origin.
- Some states may require you to take other types of programs, such as drug and alcohol awareness courses. Check the requirements when obtaining your permit.
Step 2. Pick someone who can help you practice
Generally, there should be a licensed driver in the vehicle with you at all times, in case you are driving with a learner's permit. If you are under 18 years of age, passengers generally must be over 21 years of age and have had a driver's license for several years.
- Even if you take a driving course, it is important to practice well before taking the road test to obtain the full license. Driving with the DMV examiner can make you nervous, so it's important that you feel comfortable behind the wheel.
- Ideally, you should choose a person who has been patient and has known how to drive for a long time, such as one of your parents or older relatives.
Step 3. Study the driver's manual
Even if you have passed the written exam to obtain the beginner's permit, you will likely have to take a written evaluation to have the full license based on the rules and regulations outlined in the manual.
- The written exam to obtain the full license is usually more extensive and specific than the one you have taken to obtain the beginner's permit.
- Ask your friends or family to help you question or ask questions about topics that are in the manual.
Step 4. Take advantage of written practice tests
Most states provide tests that you can use to study and prepare for the test. You may also find evidence on the back cover of the manual or available for download from the Department of Motor Vehicles website.
Some states have created mobile apps that you can download for free. They are generally interactive, asking practice questions, as well as giving you a score and spotting areas for improvement
Part 3 of 3: Get a Driver's License
Step 1. Make an appointment to take the driving test
In some rural areas, you may be able to come over at any time when you feel ready to take the test. However, in most cases, it is best to schedule an appointment (even if it is not required) to reduce waiting time.
- Ask if you should bring your car or you can take the test with one from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Some states require applicants to test in the car they plan to drive.
- Make sure you have a licensed driver with you. If you fail the license exam, you will not be able to drive home alone.
Step 2. Complete the application
Each state has an official form that you will have to complete to obtain the full license. You may be able to download it through the Department of Motor Vehicles website. You can also fill out a paper form at that entity on the day of the exam.
- The application includes basic identifying information, including your full name and address. Also, it may require descriptive data, such as your weight and height.
- If you are under the age of 18, generally one of your parents or guardians will also have to sign the application.
Step 3. Submit the documents and fees
You must bring the original documents that prove your identity and place of residence. If you have a beginner's permit, you can use it as a form of identification.
- If you have your learner's permit, ask if you must present other original documents, such as your birth certificate. You don't want to carry important papers with you unless it is absolutely necessary.
- In some states, you will need to provide proof of your driving time with a learner's permit or a certificate from a driving course. If you are under 18 years of age, you may also need to bring proof that you attend school.
- Driver's license fees vary from state to state, but are generally less than $ 100. You may also have to pay an additional fee for taking the test drive.
Step 4. Take the written test
It will generally be longer and more comprehensive than the written test you have taken to obtain your learner's permit. It can include hypothetical questions for you to apply the rules of the road in certain circumstances.
In some states, you will need to pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test. In others, you can do both at the same time
Step 5. Take the test drive
When you approach the Department of Motor Vehicles on the day of your appointment, an examiner will be in the car with you to observe how you drive and to assess other skills. You will have to drive on the public street, on a closed road, or both.
The examiner will evaluate if you comply with the traffic rules, even if you are on a closed road. Respect traffic lights and signals, and make sure to always use your turn signals
Step 6. Get the test results
Generally, the examiner who has evaluated you will inform you of the results of your driving test as soon as it is finished. In fact, you may have a good idea whether or not you've approved before I tell you.
If you have failed the written test or driving test, ask if there is a waiting period before you can take it again and if you have to pay an additional fee
Step 7. Get your photo taken
If you have passed all the exams and your documents are in order, you will need to submit your beginner's permit to obtain the full license. You may receive a temporary paper ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles and the final license in the mail.
- You may need to undergo another vision test before obtaining your final license. In some cases, you can skip this step if the learner's permit is one year old or less. Even if you have to take the test again, you will have no problem passing it, as long as everything remains the same from the moment you have taken the test to obtain the beginner's permit.
- When obtaining the license, review it carefully to make sure there are no mistakes and everything is spelled correctly. Generally, you will have a limited period to correct it for free.