What Do You Need to Get a Driving Permit?
In order to get a driver license, you'll have to start with a learner's permit. A permit provides a preparation time for you to learn and practice the rules of the road before you apply for a driver license. Requirements for obtaining a permit may vary slightly from state to state, but the process in each jurisdiction is very similar.
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Application
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To apply for a permit, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles to submit an application. The minimum age requirement depends on your state, but all minors will need a parent's or guardian's signature on the application. The DMV will ask for your social security number, birth date and proof of identity (e.g., your birth certificate). A picture will be taken of you and application fees will be collected. In some states a thumb print may be required.
Driver Education
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Learning the rules of the road. Driver education is a standard requirement for obtaining a license. However, some states require you to submit paperwork that shows you are enrolled in or have completed driver education (classroom training) and driver training (behind-the-wheel) for your permit to be valid. Other states allow you to take driver education and driver training after your permit has been issued. If your driver education or training was taken out-of-state, additional steps and paperwork may be required.
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Tests
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You will need to pass a vision exam and a written test on traffic laws and road signs. If you don't pass the written test, you may retake it. The number of chances to retake the test depends on the state. Furthermore, some states require a waiting period between tests so you have more time to study.
Driving Permit
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Once you are issued a driving permit, you may start driving practice with a licensed driver 18 years of age or older. Minors must practice with a licensed driver 25 years of age or older. The standard amount of practice required for minors is 50 hours. The California DMV requires 10 of those 50 hours be used for practicing driving at night. The New York DMV recommends at least 10 hours of practice in moderate to heavy traffic.
Notes
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A few things to note. First, it is illegal for you to drive alone at any time with just a permit. Also, if all the requirements are not met within the set time period when applying for a permit, the application will become void and you must start the process over from the beginning. Lastly, since the requirements for obtaining a permit vary from state to state, contact your state's DMV for information specific to where you live.
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References
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- Photo Credit driver image by Ivanna Buldakova from Fotolia.com driving school image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
