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How to get a driving licence in United States

Getting a car licence from scratch, country by country.

Car licence

Getting your licence in United States

Theory questionsVaries
Pass markVaries
Time for the knowledge testVaries
Knowledge test feeVaries
Road test feeVaries
Road test lengthVaries

Each state sets its own test. Pick a state above, or check your state's DMV.

Before you start driving

2
Learner's permitRequired in every state before practising on public roads. You get it after passing the knowledge and vision tests at the DMV. The minimum age varies by state.
Medical checkNo doctor's exam in most states. The DMV tests your vision. Some states ask for a doctor's report only if you have certain medical conditions.

Required lessons

2
Supervised drivingEach state sets its own rules. Teen learners usually have to log a set number of supervised hours, including some at night, before the road test.
Driver educationSome states require a driver education course for teens. Adults usually don't need one.

Good to know

7
Minimum ageSet by each state. Learner's permits typically start between 14 and 16.
Licence validitySet by each state, usually 4–8 years.
Exam languagesVaries by state. Many states offer the knowledge test in several languages.
If you failEach state sets its own waiting period and attempt limits.
Automatic or manualNo restriction. A licence earned in an automatic covers manual cars too.
New driversDrivers under 18 have a graduated licence, usually with limits on night driving and passengers.
Already have a licence from abroad?Most states treat you as a new driver: vision, knowledge and road tests, but no lessons. Some states waive the tests for certain countries (e.g. Germany, South Korea, Taiwan). Pick a state above for details.

Step by step

  1. Knowledge and vision testPass these at the state DMV to get a learner's permit.
  2. Supervised practiceDrive with a licensed adult. Teens usually need a set number of logged hours.
  3. Road testBook it at the DMV once you meet the state's requirements.
  4. Graduated licence (under 18)Most states limit night driving and passengers for new teen drivers.
  5. Full licenceThe restrictions end once you reach 18, or earlier in some states after a set time without violations. If you apply at 18 or older, you usually skip the graduated stage and get a full licence after the road test.

Tips

  • Each state publishes a free driver handbook. The knowledge test is based on it, so read your state's version.

Official links

USA.gov: Find your state's motor vehicle office ↗Last checked 20 Oct 2026
Wrong information? Help us fix itTell us what's incorrect and we'll check it against the official sources.

About: This page

Frequently asked questionsCoverage, sources and how RoadVisa works.

Why isn't my country listed?

RoadVisa is still growing. It covers 42 countries and all 50 US states plus Washington, D.C. so far, and more are added step by step. Each country is checked against its own official sources, in its own language, before it goes live.

Why isn't Africa covered?

Many African licensing authorities publish little detail about their driving rules online, so we can't yet check the answers against official sources. We'll add African countries as official information becomes available.

Where does the information come from?

From official sources only: licensing authorities, ministries, police and government websites, read in each country's own language. Every answer links to its sources and shows when it was last checked.

What's the difference between Visiting and Moving?

Visiting covers short stays such as holidays and business trips, when you keep your home licence. Moving covers becoming a resident, when most countries want you to exchange your licence or take tests by a deadline.

What is an International Driving Permit?

A translation of your licence in a standard format. It's only valid together with your own licence, and you get it in the country that issued your licence, usually from a motoring club or the licensing authority. RoadVisa tells you when a country expects one.

Does RoadVisa cover motorcycles or trucks?

Not yet. The answers are about car licences: category B in Europe, and the local equivalent elsewhere, such as Class C or D in most US states. Other licences may follow later.

Is RoadVisa official?

No. RoadVisa is an independent guide and isn't linked to any government or licensing authority. The authority that handles your application always has the final word.

Is RoadVisa free?

Yes, RoadVisa is free to use.

I found a mistake. What should I do?

Use "Wrong information? Help us fix it" above. We check every report against the official sources and correct the answer.

About RoadVisa and disclaimerWho we are, and how to use this information.

An independent guide. RoadVisa is a private project. It is not run by, linked to or approved by any government, licensing authority (such as a national road traffic agency or a US DMV), embassy or driving school.

Information only, not legal advice. RoadVisa sums up official rules in plain English. It does not replace the official rules, and it is not a decision about your case. Only the authority that handles your application can decide that.

Rules change. Every answer shows when it was last checked and links to the official source. Check that source before you drive, book a test, move or apply. If RoadVisa and the official source differ, follow the official source.

Your situation matters. The answer can depend on your residence status, licence category, age and when your licence was issued. If you're unsure, ask the licensing authority or your embassy.

Car hire and insurance. Car hire companies and insurers can set their own rules, for example asking for an International Driving Permit even where it isn't required. Check with them too.

Our responsibility. We work hard to keep RoadVisa correct, but we can't promise it is complete or up to date. As far as the law allows, we are not responsible for fines, refused applications, costs or other losses that come from relying on it.

Links to other sites. We link to official and other websites for your convenience. We don't control them and aren't responsible for their content.

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