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Last updated: November 27, 2023
Learner’s Permit Requirements by State
Minimum ages, required documents and fees, and restrictions on driving
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Getting a learner’s permit is the first step toward a regular driver’s license, but the state won’t give a permit to just anybody. You’ll have to meet your state’s minimum requirements, which usually fall under the categories of ages, fees, and documents. Even after you get your learner’s permit, you will have restrictions that people with regular licenses don’t face, from curfews to harsher penalties for DUIs.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a learner’s permit in your state.
Learner’s Permit Requirements by State
See below for your state’s teen driving laws for learner’s permits.
| State | Minimum age for learner’s permit | Required documents | Learner’s permit fees | Curfew | Supervision | Passengers | Electronic devices | School requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 15 | U.S. birth certificate (must be original), Social Security card, proof of school enrollment or graduation, 2 proofs of principal residence | Test: $5
License purchase: $36.25 |
12-6 a.m.
Exceptions:Accompanied by a legal guardian, parent, or licensed adult 21 or older with parental consent Driving to or from place of work, school, or church-sponsored event Driving due to a medical, fire, or law enforcement emergency Driving to or from hunting/fishing activities and in possession of required licenses |
Licensed driver 21 or older for 15-year-olds
Any licensed driver for age 16 or older |
No more than 1 non-family member other than parent, guardian, or supervising licensed driver 21 or older | Can’t use any nonessential handheld communication device | None |
| Alaska | 14 | Completed application (Form D1); parental consent (Form 433); proof of name, birthdate, current residence, and Social Security number | $15 | 1-5 a.m.
Exceptions:Accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older Driving to or from place of employment along most direct route |
Licensed driver 21 or older with at least 1 year of experience driving your type of vehicle in front passenger seat | No passengers under 21 unless they’re your siblings or legal guardians | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| Arizona | 15.5 | Completed application, parental consent, U.S. birth certificate, Social Security number, proof of name, 2 proofs of residency | $7 | None | Licensed driver 21 or older in passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| Arkansas | 14 | Completed application, birth certificate, Social Security number, proof of identity, 2 proofs of residency | $15 | None | Licensed driver 21 or older | No more than one passenger under the age of 18 allowed | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| California | 15.5 | Completed application (form DL 44), parental consent, birth certificate, proof of residency, driver education certificate, Social Security number | $33 | 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. | Licensed driver who is your parent/guardian and/or at least 25 in passenger seat | No passengers under age 20, unless you are accompanied by a parent/guardian, a licensed driver age 25 or older, or a licensed/certified driving instructor | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| Colorado | 15 | Driver education course certificate, parental consent, U.S. birth certificate, Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency | $19 | 12-5 a.m.
Exceptions:Driving to or from place of work, school, or church-sponsored event Driving due to a medical, fire, or law enforcement emergency Emancipated minors |
Driving instructor, parent/guardian, or other licensed driver age 21 or older in passenger seat | No passengers under age 21 who are not part of your immediate family (unless accompanied by your parent/guardian) | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| Connecticut | 16 | Parental consent, 2 forms of ID, Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency | $19 | 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Exceptions:Driving to or from place of work, school, or church-sponsored event Driving due to a medical, fire, or law enforcement emergency Assigned drivers in the Safe Ride Program |
Driving instructor, parent, legal guardian, or other licensed driver who is at least 20 | No passengers other than a driving instructor, parent, or legal guardian for drivers ages 16-17 (continues for 6 months after you earn your license) | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| Delaware | 16 | Driver education course certificate, parental consent, birth certificate, Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency | $40 | 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Exceptions:Accompanied by a legal guardian, parent, or other licensed driver 25 or older with parental consent Going to or from place of work, school, or church-sponsored event |
Driving instructor, parent, legal guardian, or other licensed driver who is at least 25 years old and has held a Class D license for at least 5 years in passenger seat | No more than 1 non-family passenger other than parent, guardian, or supervising licensed driver for first 12 months | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| District of Columbia | 16 | For REAL ID permit: Application, proof of identity and age, 2 proofs of D.C. residency, Social Security number, proof of parental approval (for ages 16-17) | $20 | 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. | Licensed driver 21 or older in passenger seat | No restrictions | No handheld devices except for emergency use, initating or teminating a phone call, or turning a phone on or off | None |
| Florida | 15 | Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course certificate, parental consent (Form 71142), birth certificate, Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency | $48 | First 3 months of permit: Sunset to dawn
After 3 months: 10 p.m. to dawn |
Licensed driver age 21 or older in passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use any wireless communication device | Must maintain school attendance |
| Georgia | 15 | Certificate of School Enrollment (DS-1), parental consent, birth certificate, Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency | $10 | 12-5 a.m. | Licensed driver age 21 or older in passenger seat | 1 licensed driver age 21 or older and immediate family members | Can’t use any wireless communication device | Must be enrolled in school |
| Hawaii | 15.5 | Parental consent, birth certificate, Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency | $5 | 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (unless parent or guardian is in passenger seat) | Licensed driver age 21 or older in passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use any wireless communication device | None |
| Idaho | 14.5 | Verification of school compliance (letter from school, diploma, or GED certificate), parental consent, birth certificate, Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency, photo ID | $15 | 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (unless parent or guardian is in passenger seat) | Licensed driver age 21 or older in passenger seat | No passengers in front seat if driver is under 16
Only 1 passenger under 17 unless related by blood, adoption, or marriage if driver is under 17 (for first 6 months) |
Can’t use any wireless communication device | Must be enrolled in school |
| Illinois | 15 | Secretary of State application; proof of identity, including written signature, Social Security number, date of birth, and residency | $20 | Sunday to Thursday: 10 p.m to 6 a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
Licensed driver age 21 or older with at least 1 year of driving experience | 1 in front seat and no more passengers than the number of seat belts in back seat | Can’t use any electronic devices, even hands-free, if under 19, except in an emergency | None |
| Indiana | 15 | Proof of identity, Social Security number, and lawful status; 2 proofs of Indiana residency or Indiana Residency Affidavit; certificate of driver education enrollment (if under 16) | $9 | None | Drivers under 16: Licensed driving instructor or certified driver rehabilitation specialist; licensed driver age 25 or older who is related to you by blood, marriage, or legal status; or spouse if they’re licensed and at least 21 (must be in passenger seat)
Drivers under 18: Licensed driver 25 or older and related, spouse if 21 or older, or driver education instructor (in passenger seat) Minors under care/supervision of Department of Child Services: Licensed driver 25 or older and related or approved by DCS (in passenger seat) Drivers 18 or older: Any licensed driver 25 or older, or spouse if licensed and 21 or older |
No restrictions | Can’t use any wireless communication device except to make emergency 911 calls | None |
| Iowa | 14 | Written parental consent, proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Security number | $6 | None | Parent, guardian, custodian, immediate family member at least 21, driver education instructor, or other licensed driver at least 25 with written permission from parent/guardian | No more passengers than there are seat belts in the vehicle | Can’t use any wireless communication device except to make emergency 911 calls | None |
| Kansas | 14 | Parental consent (if under 16), proof of identity | $10 | None | Licensed adult at least 21 in front seat at all times | No restrictions | Can’t use any wireless communication device except to make emergency 911 calls (if under 17) | None |
| Kentucky | 16 | Birth certificate, Social Security card, school compliance verification form (if under 18), proof of residence, parental consent (if under 18) | $15 | 12-6 a.m. (exceptions for emergencies and school or work-related activities) | Licensed driver at least 21 in front passenger seat at all times | No more than 1 unrelated person under age 20 for drivers under 18 (unless accompanied by driver training instructor) | Can’t use cell phones, even hands-free, if under 18 (must stop vehicle to call for help in an emergency) | Must be enrolled in school |
| Louisiana | 15 | Birth certificate, Social Security number, driver education course certificate (if under 18), parental consent, Temporary Instructional Permit (TIP) | $32 | 12-5 a.m. (unless accompanied by licensed parent or legal guardian with at least 1 year of driving experience) | Licensed parent or guardian, licensed sibling age 18 or older, or other licensed driver age 21 or older | Licensed parent or guardian, licensed sibling age 18 or older, or other licensed driver age 21 or older | Can’t use any wireless communication device, even hands-free, except to make emergency 911 calls | None |
| Maine | 15 | Completed application, driver education course certificate (if under 18), 2 proofs of identity, proofs of residency, birth certificate | $35 | 12-5 a.m. | Licensed driver who is at least 20 and has held a valid license for at least 2 years in front passenger seat | Immediate family members and a licensed driver who is at least 20 and has held a valid license for at least 2 years | Can’t use electronic handheld device or cell phone | None |
| Maryland | 15.75 | Verification of identity, age, lawful status, Social Security number, and Maryland residency (e.g., U.S. birth certificate or passport)
Drivers under 16: School attendance form (#DL-300) in a sealed, unopened envelope from the applicant’s school or (if home-schooled) county home-school coordinator Drivers under 18: Learner’s permit application co-signed by a parent or guardian, proof of parental relationship/dependency (e.g., tax return, health insurance card or policy) |
$50 | None | Licensed driver 21 years or older who has held a license for at least 3 years in front passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use phones at all, even hands-free, except when making an emergency 911 call | If under 16, must be in school or home school and have no more than 10 unexcused absences during the prior school semester |
| Massachusetts | 16 | Valid ID card; written consent of a parent, legal guardian, Department of Children and Families, or boarding school headmaster if under 18 | $30 | 12-5 a.m. if under 18 (unless accompanied by a parent/guardian who has a valid license and at least 1 year of driving experience) | Licensed driver who is at least 21 and has at least 1 year of driving experience in the passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use any electronic devices, even in hands-free mode | None |
| Michigan | 14.75 | Proof of Social Security number, legal presence, identity, Michigan residency, and Michigan Driver Education Segment 1 Certificate of Completion | $25 | None | Licensed parent or guardian, other licensed driver 21 or older designated by parent/guardian, or teen-certified education provider | No restrictions | Can’t use handheld devices except to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, serious road hazard, situation in which you think your personal safety is in jeopardy, or a crime against yourself or another person | None |
| Minnesota | 15 | ID documents; proof of driver’s ed completion if under 18 | $32 | 12-5 a.m. for first 6 months
Exceptions:Accompanied by a licensed driver 25 or older Driving to/from place of employment or school event, or for employment purposes |
Licensed driver at least 21 | First 6 months: Only 1 passenger under 20 (unless parent/guardian is present or they are immediate family members)
Next 6 months: Up to 3 passengers under 20 (not counting immediate family members) |
Can’t use a cell phone at all while driving if under 18 | None |
| Mississippi | 15 | Completed and signed application, original birth certificate, Social Security card or official government correspondence displaying full Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency | $7 | None | Licensed driver at least 21 in passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use a wireless communication device while vehicle is in motion unless you are reporting reckless/negligent behavior, believe you or someone else is in physical danger, or communicating for an emergency situation | School attendance form for ages 15-17; if under 18 and married, this form isn’t required, but must present marriage license
Also not required for 17 -year-olds two months away from 18th birthday |
| Missouri | 15 | Proof of identity, lawful status, Social Security number, and Missouri residency | $7 | None | Under 16: Parent, legal guardian, grandparent, qualified driving instructor, or licensed driver age 25 or older with at least 3 years of licensure and written permission from parent/guardian (or their designee, if disabled)
Over 16: Licensed driver age 21 or older in front passenger seat |
No restrictions | If under 21, can’t use a handheld mobile device while driving unless reporting illegal activity, summoning medical/emergency help, or preventing injury to a person or property | None |
| Montana | 14.5 | Social Security number; proof of identity, residency, authorized presidence, and parental consent | $0 | None | Licensed parent/guardian, or other licensed driver who is at least 18 and authorized by parent/guardian | No restrictions | No statewide law barring use of cell phones while driving, but can’t text or talk on phone while driving in most cities | None |
| Nebraska | 15 | Proof of U.S. citizenship/lawful status that includes name, birthday, and identity; 2 proofs of principal address in Nebraska; Social Security number | $12.50 | None | Licensed driver 21 or older in front passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use handheld devices while driving | None |
| Nevada | 15.5 | Proof of identity, 2 proofs of Nevada residence (unless you already hold a Nevada ID card), certificate of school attendance, application for driving privileges | $47.25 (waived for homeless youth under age 25) | None | Licensed driver who is at least 21 and has had a license for at least 1 year in front passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use handheld devices except to report a medical emergency, safety hazard, or criminal activity | Under 18, must prove you meet minimum school attendant requirements |
| New Hampshire | 15.5 (but technically no learner’s permit, just license) | Under 18: Application for driver’s license, 2 proofs of identity, driver education completion certificate, parent or guardian authorization certificate, signed and completed Drivers Out-of-Class Log Sheet (also signed by parent/guardian)
Over 18: Completed application for driver’s license, proof of identity |
$10 each year until you’re 21 | 1-4 a.m. if under 18 | Licensed parent/guardian or licensed driver at least 25 in front passenger seat | If under 18, no more than 1 passenger under 25 within first 6 months of license (unless they’re family or you’re accompanied by a licensed and responsible driver 25 or older) | Can’t use handheld devices (applies to all drivers) | None |
| New Jersey | 16 | Completed consent form signed by parent/guardian, verifiable Social Security number, proof of New Jersey residence, 6 points of identification | $10 | 11:01 p.m. to 5 a.m. | Adult 21 or older with a valid New Jersey driver’s license and at least 3 years of driving experience | Parents, guardians, or dependents (driver’s children, not siblings) and only 1 other passenger (unless accompanied by parent/guardian) | Can’t use electronic devices at all, even if hands-free | None |
| New Mexico | 15 | Proof of enrollment/completion in state-approved driver’s ed program, proof of identity and New Mexico residency, ID number, instructional permit application signed by parent/guardian | $18 | 12-5 a.m.
Exceptions:Accompanied by a licensed driver 21 or older Traveling to/from school or work Driving family members, to religious functions, or to attend to medical needs |
Licensed driver 21 or older with at least 3 years of driving experience | No more than 1 passenger under 21 unless they’re an immediate family member or there is a licensed driver 21 or older in the car | Can’t use handheld devices at all | None |
| New York | 16 | Proof of birthdate, Social Security number, statement of residency as signed by parent/guardian (if under 21) or another proof of residency (e.g., bank statement, utility bill) | $64.25-$102.50 (depending on age) | 9:01 p.m. to 4:59 a.m. | Driver 21 or older with a valid license | No restrictions | Can’t use handheld devices at all | None |
| North Carolina | 15 | Proof of age/identity, Social Security card or proof of Social Security number, proof of U.S. residency/citizenship or U.S.-issued verification of legal presence | $22 | 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (first 6 months) | Licensed adult in front passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use mobile devices at all | None |
| North Dakota | 14 | Proof of identity and address, completed application with Social Security number, sponsor signature if under 18 | $15 | None | Adult 18 or older with at least 3 years of driving experience in front seat | No more passengers than car is designed to carry | Can’t use mobile devices at all | None |
| Ohio | 15.5 | Proof of legal name, birthdate, Social Security number (if assigned), and Ohio street address, or proof of name change if under 18 | $24 | 12-6 a.m. (unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian with valid license) | Parent or legal guardian with valid license | If under 17, no more than 1 passenger who isn’t a family member (unless they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian) | Can’t use mobile devices at all | None |
| Oklahoma | 15.5 | Proof of identity and lawful presence, 2 proofs of current Oklahoma address, Social Security number | $81.50 | 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. | Licensed driver 21 or older in front seat | No restrictions | Can’t text or otherwise divert attention while driving | None |
| Oregon | 15 | Proof of physical address and identity | $23 | 12-5 a.m. if under 18 (unless driving between home and work/school event, or with a licensed driver 25 or older) | Licensed drivers 21 or older if driver is under 18 | First 6 months for drivers under 18: No passengers under age 20 except for immediate family
After first 6 months: Up to 3 non-family passengers under age 20 |
Can’t use cell phones at all, even hands-free | None |
| Pennsylvania | 16 | Application DL-180 completed by health provider, proper ID, parent or guardian consent form (if under 18), original proof of birthdate/identification documents and Social Security card, 2 proofs of residency (if over 18) | 65 and older: $25 for initial permit and 2-year license
Under 65: $35.50 for initial permit and 2-year license |
None | Licensed driver over 21 or parent, guardian, person in loco parentis, or licensed spouse 18 or older in front seat | If under 18, no more passengers than there are seat belts | Can’t text while driving | None |
| Rhode Island | 16 | Driver education course completion certificate by Community College of Rhode Island (if under 18), permit application, birth document, 2 proofs of Rhode Island residency, and Social Security card — all original documents | Over 18: $7.50
Under 18: $12.50 |
None | Driver 21 or older with at least 5 years of licensure in front passenger seat | No restrictions | Can’t use handheld wireless devices, but can use hands-free systems like GPS | None |
| South Carolina | 15 | Birth certificate, Social Security card or equivalent, proof of residency, application signed by parent/guardian (if under 18) | $2.50 | 12-6 a.m. | Licensed driver who is at least 21 and has at least 1 year of driving experience in front seat | No restrictions | Can’t text and drive | None |
| South Dakota | 14 | License application form, proof of lawful status in U.S., 2 proofs of residence | $28 | 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (unless parent/guardian is in front seat) | Under 18: Parent/guardian or another licensed adult with 1 year of driving experience in front seat
Over 18: Any licensed adult with at least 1 year of driving experience in front seat |
First 6 months of permit: No passengers outside of immediate family/household
After 6 months: 1 passenger outside of immediate family/household |
Can’t use any wireless communication devices while driving | None |
| Tennessee | 15 | Under 18: Parent/guardian affidavit and financial responsibility form, proof of school attendance/progress
All ages: Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, proof of any name changes, 2 proofs of state residency, proof of full Social Security number |
Over 18: $5.50
Under 18: $10.50 |
10 p.m. to 6 a.m. | Licensed driver at least 21 in front seat | No restrictions | Can’t use cell phones while driving | Must prove attendance and satisfactory progress in school |
| Texas | 15 | Proof of lawful status in U.S., Texas residency, and identity; Social Security number; Texas vehicle registration (or signed statement affirming you don’t own a vehicle), proof of insurance, certificate of completion or enrollment in driver education course, verification of enrollment and attendance (VOE form), high school diploma or GED certificate | $16 | 12-5 a.m. | Licensed driver 21 or older in front passenger seat | None | Can’t use wireless communication devices, even in hands-free mode, except in an emergency. | Must provide evidence of school enrollment, diploma, or GED certificate |
| Utah | 15 | Completed application, proof of identity (name and date of birth), Social Security number, 2 proofs of residency (may be mail sent to parent/guardian if under 18), parental signature for financial responsibility (if under 18) | $19 | 12-5 a.m. for ages 15-17
Exceptions:Accompanied by licensed driver 21 or older in front passenger seat Driving from work, school, or farming-related activity In an emergency |
Ages 15-17: Licensed driving instructor, parent, or legal guardian in front passenger seat
Over age 18: Licensed driver 21 or older in front passenger seat |
Ages 15-17: Licensed driving instructor, parent, or legal guardian in front passenger seat; immediate family members allowed
Over age 18: Licensed driver 21 or older in front passenger seat; other passengers allowed |
Can’t use communication devices | None |
| Vermont | 15 | Proof of identity and date of birth, Social Security number, proof of residency, application signed by a parent (if under 18) | $20 | None | Licensed and unimpaired parent, guardian, driving instructor, or individual 25 or older in front passenger seat | None | Can’t use any portable electronic device, even while vehicle is stationary on a public highway | None |
| Virginia | 15.5 | Completed application (Form DL 1P), 2 proofs of Virginia residency, Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of legal presence in U.S.;
written parental consent and driver education program certificate if under 18 |
$3 | 12-4 a.m. if under 18
Exceptions:When driving for work, school, or church-related activities If a licensed parent or guardian sits in the front passenger seat In an emergency |
Licensed driver at least 21 (may be 18 if they are your legal guardian or immediate family member) in front passenger seat (exception if you are at least 16 and 3 months, have had your permit for 9 months, and hold a parent-signed Virginia Driver Training Certificate) | For drivers under 18, no more than 1 passenger under 18 allowed except for family members | Can’t use cell phone even in hands-free mode, unless parked or fully stopped to make an emergency phone call | None |
| Washington | 15 | Completed application, driver education course enrollment certificate, Social Security number, proof of identity, birth certificate, parental authorization affidavit | $25 | 1-5 a.m. (unless accompanied by licensed driver 25 or older) | Licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience in front passenger seat | Other passengers allowed if they wear seat belts | Can’t use wireless communication device, even in hands-free mode, unless reporting an emergency | None |
| West Virginia | 15 | Written parental consent; driver’s eligibility certificate showing current enrollment, graduation, or GED enrollment; proof of identity; Social Security number; proof of residency | $5 | 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. | Licensed driver at least 21 in front passenger seat | No more than 2 non-family passengers in addition to the supervising adult | Can’t use wireless communication device, even in hands-free mode | Must be enrolled in school or GED program, or graduated |
| Wisconsin | 15.5 | All ages: Completed application, proof of U.S. citizenship, proof of name and birthdate, proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Security number
Under 18: Driver education course enrollment certificate, parental consent, proof of school enrollment or graduation |
$25 | None | Qualified instructor, parent, guardian, or spouse 19 or older, or a person 21 or older (with written authorization from parent/guardian if driver is under 18) | Qualified instructor, parent, guardian, or spouse 19 or older, or a person 21 or older in front seat; immediate family members allowed in back seat | Can’t use wireless communication device unless reporting an emergency | Must be enrolled in school or a home-school program (if under 18) |
| Wyoming | 15 | Proof of identity, 2 proofs of residency, Social Security number | $45 | 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (unless a licensed driver 18 or older is in front passenger seat) | Licensed driver at least 18 in front passenger seat | Only 1 passenger under 18 who is not an immediate family member | Can’t use wireless communication or electronic handheld device | None |
All About Learner’s Permits
Let’s take a step back and learn more about learner’s permits in general.
What Is a Learner’s Permit?
A learner’s permit is a limited license granted to someone who is learning how to drive. It allows them to drive legally while they are still learning.
Why Do They Exist?
Before they can get their full license, new drivers need to hold learner’s permits for a certain period of time to fulfill the mandated criteria to obtain a license.1
Learner’s Permits vs. Driver’s Licenses
While a person with a full driver’s license is unrestricted, meaning there are no laws on when they can drive, who they can drive with, or who has to supervise them, someone with a learner’s permit must follow certain restrictions. A learner’s permit is the first stage of Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL). A restricted/intermediate driver’s license is the second stage, with some restrictions, and a regular driver’s license is the third stage, with no restrictions.
Do You Need Car Insurance With a Learner’s Permit?
Yes, you need car insurance for someone with a learner’s permit. Before your child gets their learner’s permit, add them as a permissive user on your policy so they can get auto insurance coverage by the time they start driving.2
Car Insurance for New Drivers
For parents, one of the most anxiety-inducing things about a teen starting to drive is the cost of auto insurance.
Cost
See below for the average cost of car insurance for teens, specifically the cost of car insurance for 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 18-year-olds, and 19-year-olds.
Why Insurance Is So Expensive
Car insurance for teens is expensive because they are high-risk drivers, most likely to have at-fault car accidents and, thus, are the most likely to have auto insurance claims, both first-party and third-party claims. The less driving experience someone has, the greater their risk of being involved in any type of car crash — fatal crashes in particular.
| Age group | Number of drivers in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers in 2020 | Number or drivers in all crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers in 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| 16-19 | 44 | 22,103 |
| 20-24 | 39 | 15,876 |
| 25-34 | 34 | 11,941 |
| 35-44 | 26 | 9,062 |
| 45-54 | 23 | 7,776 |
| 55-64 | 20 | 6,187 |
| 65-74 | 14 | 4,383 |
| 75 and older | 24 | 3,369 |
For every 100,000 licensed drivers ages 16 to 19, there are 44 fatal crashes and more than 22,000 crashes of any kind, higher than for any other age group.3
DID YOU KNOW?
Drivers who are 16 years old are 32 percent more likely to be involved in fatal crashes and 45 percent more likely to be involved in any kind of crash, according to 2020 National Safety Council data.
Best Insurance Companies
There’s no getting around the price increase of adding your teen to your car insurance policy. However, you can mitigate the cost as much as possible by choosing the best auto insurance for teens.
How to Prepare for the Permit Test
Most states require people to pass written tests about the rules of the road before getting a learner’s permit. Give these directions to your child so they don’t have to take the test multiple times:
- Study the driver’s manual. The obvious advice is also the most important. Study your state’s driver’s manual over a long period of time; don’t just cram the night before. Not only will studying increase your knowledge, but it will also increase your confidence, which will help you on the test as well.
- Practice permit tests. You can find free permit tests online. By taking these practice tests before the actual test, you can gauge your performance and find areas you can improve upon. Find practice tests for your state at https://driving-tests.org/dmv-practice-test/.
- Have someone else quiz you. Have a parent or guardian quiz you about your state’s driving laws.
- Get good sleep the night before. Sleep well before the permit test to make sure you can remain alert during the exam period.
- Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test. The morning of your exam, don’t skip breakfast. Your mind will need fuel to focus.
- Stay positive. Even if you fail the test, you can always retake it.4
How to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe
When your teen takes the learner’s permit test, that’s only the first step in ensuring they become a licensed and safe driver. Here are the best ways you can keep your teen driver safe on the road:
- Send them to driver’s ed. If you can afford it, send your child to driving lessons or defensive driving school. Look on sites like Yelp to find options in your area.
- Use the TeenDriverPlan. The TeenDriverPlan from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Center for Injury Research and Prevention includes a goal guide as well as a driver planning log and rating tool. This plan will tell you what skills to teach your child and help you track their progress.
FYI
Over a six-month period, people who used the TeenDriverPlan were 65 percent less likely to fail driving assessments.5
- Set a good example. Remember the adage “monkey see, monkey do”? Always avoid distracted driving like texting and driving, speeding, tailgating, having road rage, not wearing your seat belt, and any other unsafe driving behaviors — but especially in front of your teen.
- Make your own rules. Aside from the state’s rules, you may want to set your own driving rules for your teen, like no driving during rush hour or no friends in the car at night.
- Get them a safe car. Look for cars with safety features like blind-spot monitoring, automatic lights and forward-collision warnings.6
- Practice with them. Start practicing in empty parking lots before moving onto low-traffic areas and, finally, high-traffic ones.
- Buy roadside assistance. In case your child’s car breaks down on the side of the road, getting them roadside assistance is a good idea.
- Use smartphone apps. Apps like Life360 can monitor your child’s driving and alert you to any speeding, accidents, and rapid accelerations.7
- Review the laws. Your child needs to brush up on their state’s driving laws to pass the permit test, but you should read the driver’s manual as well.
Conclusion
Teen driving begins with a learner’s permit, for which a young driver needs a solid understanding of state driving laws. Next, your child will take a road test, usually when they’re 16 years of age or older, to gain their full driving privileges. See our auto insurance FAQs below for more information on how to keep your child accident-free in their motor vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep reading for more information on learner’s permits.
What are the learner’s permit requirements in Texas for a home-schooler?
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, these are the learner’s permit requirements for a home-schooler:
- You must have attended school at least 90 percent of the time in the semester preceding your application date. If you’re applying during the summer, you’ll need to submit your last report card if it has your name, list of absences, and grades. Otherwise, fill out the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance Form — https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/driver/forms/VOE.pdf.
- You must be between 15 and 17 years old.
- You must have completed the first six hours of driver’s education in the classroom (concurrent method) or 32 hours of classroom instruction (block method).
- You must present documents proving U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, Texas residency, identity (ID card, Real ID card, etc.), a Social Security number, evidence of Texas registration, and insurance.
- You must pass the vision exam and the driver knowledge exam.
What are the requirements to obtain a special learner’s permit?
The requirements to obtain a special learner’s permit depend on the state you live in. For example, in New Jersey, you’ll need to meet these requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Get the consent of your parent or guardian.
- Enroll in a state-approved behind-the-wheel training class.
- Pass the knowledge and vision test.
Check your state’s special learner’s permit requirements to find out what you need to do.
How much does it cost to get a learner’s permit?
The cost to get a learner’s permit varies by state.
| State | Learner’s permit fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $41.25 |
| Alaska | $15 |
| Arizona | $7 |
| Arkansas | $15 |
| California | $33 |
| Colorado | $19 |
| Connecticut | $19 |
| Delaware | $40 |
| Florida | $48 |
| Georgia | $10 |
| Hawaii | $5 |
| Idaho | $15 |
| Illinois | $20 |
| Indiana | $9 |
| Iowa | $6 |
| Kansas | $10 |
| Kentucky | $15 |
| Louisiana | $32 |
| Maine | $35 |
| Maryland | $50 |
| Massachusetts | $30 |
| Michigan | $25 |
| Minnesota | $32 |
| Mississippi | $7 |
| Missouri | $7 |
| Montana | $0 |
| Nebraska | $12.50 |
| Nevada | $47.25 |
| New Hampshire | $10 each year until age 21 |
| New Jersey | $10 |
| New Mexico | $18 |
| New York | $64.25-$102.50 (depending on age) |
| North Carolina | $22 |
| North Dakota | $15 |
| Ohio | $24 |
| Oklahoma | $81.50 |
| Oregon | $23 |
| Pennsylvania | $25-$35.50 (depending on age and length of license) |
| Rhode Island | $7.50 if over 18; $12.50 if under 18 |
| South Carolina | $2.50 |
| South Dakota | $28 |
| Tennessee | $5.50 if over 18; $10.50 if under 18 |
| Texas | $16 |
| Utah | $19 |
| Vermont | $20 |
| Virginia | $3 |
| Washington | $25 |
| West Virginia | $5 |
| Wisconsin | $25 |
| Wyoming | $45 |
How do you renew your learner’s permit?
Usually, you can’t renew your learner’s permit. If the permit expires, you’ll need to apply for a new one and retake the exam. Check your state’s laws for more information on learner’s permit renewal.
Citations
Learners Permit. IMPROV Traffic School.
https://www.myimprov.com/learners-permit/My Teen Got A Learner’s Permit. Does He Need Car Insurance? Allstate. (2021, July).
https://www.allstate.com/tr/car-insurance/learner-driver.aspxAge of Driver. National Safety Council. (2020).
https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/overview/age-of-driver/5 Amazing Strategies To Prepare For Your DMV Permit Test (Source: https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-prepare-for-your-dmv-permit-test/). driving tests.
https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-prepare-for-your-dmv-permit-test/PARENT-SUPERVISED DRIVING LESSON PLANS. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. (2022).
https://www.teendriversource.org/learning-to-drive/practice-driving-lessonsBest Cars for Teens: The List Every Parent Needs. Kelley Blue Book. (2021, Mar 26).
https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/teens/The #1 family safety membership.. Life360. (2022).
https://www.life360.com/
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