Getting a driver’s license is kind of a custom for a lot of teenagers, they wait until 18 to get one. Since 16 years old teenagers are not mature enough to drive, the Department of Motor Vehicles has various requirements before issuing the license. Teens are allotted a learner’s permit to learn and drive within some restrictions before getting the license.
Also, many states have adopted the graduated license programs to let the teens slowly understand and learn the driving responsibility. Such programs also impose restrictions until 18.
You may wonder how long you have to wait after your permit or graduated license if you are over 18? Or will you be able to get your driving license after 18 if you don’t have a permit before? Stay tuned to find the answer:
Learner’s Permit Requirements
There may be some variations in the laws regarding license requirements, and the basic requirements are almost the same in every state. Let’s have a look:
- You can get the learner’s permit if you are only one year under the legal driving age. This allows you to drive with an adult with a driver’s license who can direct you from the passenger’s seat.
- To obtain a learner’s permit in any state, teenagers have to pass the driving knowledge test.
Waiting period after getting the learner’s permit
If you are under 18, the requirements are different from those of over 18 years of age. Most states issue graduate licenses to underage drivers. It is a special form of license that allows the person to drive but with certain restrictions on the driving.
If you are between 16.5 to 18 years old and want to apply for a driver’s license, you must practice with your learner’s permit for at least 6 months.
If you are 18 or above, you may need a learner’s permit before applying for a driver’s license in some states. However, you can apply for a license without waiting any further and practicing with a permit or taking driving classes.
If you reach the age of 18 or older and you have never had a license issued by any state, territory, or foreign country, you need to have a learner’s permit for at least 60 days or complete a state-approved driver education program before applying for a driver’s license.
In most states, over the age of 18, a full unrestricted driver’s license is issued upon passing the written and practical driving test. However, there may be minor variations in every state, so you must check your local DMV about your state’s requirements.
Even if the law doesn’t allow driving courses and you are an inexperienced driver, you should attend driving courses. It helps you gain confidence and practice driving under the instructor’s guidance.
➡LEARN MORE: How to Change an Address on a Driver’s License in Wisconsin?
Driving restrictions under 18
Restrictions depend upon the state rules. Generally, there are passenger limitations and driving hour limitations.
States may put a limit to the number of underage passengers and a total number of passengers at a time. States may also mandate the presence of older and experienced drivers in the vehicle.
Regarding the driving hour limit, nighttime driving after 10 pm is mainly restricted.
How can you get the learner’s permit and driver’s license?
You can get a learner’s permit and driver’s license following the given steps.
- Read the driver’s handbook
- Prepare the permit tests
- Take the permit test and get your learner’s permit
- Drive with learner’s permit at least for 6 months
- Take the road test
- Pay the fee and get the license