State DMV Permit Test Guides
Select your state for a detailed breakdown of permit test requirements, fees, and study resources.
What Each State DMV Guide Covers
Every permit test is different. Minimum age, passing score, fee, and number of questions all vary by state. Each guide on this site pulls together the key facts so you know exactly what to expect before you walk into the DMV.
Age & Eligibility
The minimum age to apply for a learner's permit ranges from 14 in some states to 16 in others. Some states also require parental consent for applicants under 18.
Required Documents
Most states require proof of identity, Social Security number, and state residency. Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documentation.
Written Test Format
Question counts range from 20 to 50 depending on the state. Some states deliver the test on a computer; others still use paper. Certain states split the test into a signs section and a rules section.
Passing Score
The passing threshold is typically 80–83%, but varies. New York requires 70% while Virginia requires 80%. Knowing your state's bar helps you set the right study target.
Fees
Permit fees range from under $10 in some states to over $35 in others, and retake fees vary as well. Each guide lists the current fee schedule so there are no surprises.
Graduated Licensing Rules
Nearly every state uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with nighttime driving restrictions, passenger limits, and a mandatory supervised driving period before a full license.
How to Get a Learner's Permit — The General Process
The exact steps differ by state, but the overall process is consistent across the country. Here is what most first-time applicants go through.
- 1
Check your state's minimum age and eligibility rules
Most states allow you to apply between 15 and 16. Some states require a driver education course before you can test.
- 2
Gather your documents
You will typically need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your state address (utility bill, bank statement, school record).
- 3
Study the driver's handbook
The written knowledge test is drawn directly from your state's official driver handbook. Read it once end-to-end, then use practice tests to lock in the material.
- 4
Pass the vision screening
All states require a basic vision test at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.
- 5
Pass the written knowledge test
The test is typically taken on-site at the DMV, though a handful of states allow online testing. You must reach the passing score in one session; partial credit is not awarded.
- 6
Pay the permit fee and receive your permit
Once you pass, you pay the fee and receive your learner's permit — either on the spot or by mail within a few days, depending on the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the DMV permit test?
It depends on the state. Most written knowledge tests contain between 20 and 46 questions. California uses a 46-question test, New York uses 20, and Texas uses 30. Each state guide lists the exact number.
What score do I need to pass the permit test?
Most states set the passing threshold between 80% and 83%. A few states go lower (70% in New York) and some go higher (85% in a handful of states). Aim for 90%+ on practice tests to give yourself a comfortable buffer.
How many times can I retake the permit test if I fail?
Retake policies vary significantly. Some states allow unlimited retakes with no waiting period, while others impose a 7-day wait after the first failure and a longer wait after subsequent failures. Some states also charge a fee for each retake. Your state guide has the specific rules.
Do I need to take a driver education course before getting my permit?
In some states — including Georgia and Michigan — a driver education course is required for applicants under 18 before they can apply for a learner's permit. In most states it is optional, though completing one may reduce your required supervised driving hours or lower your insurance premium.
What is the difference between a learner's permit and a provisional license?
A learner's permit allows you to practice driving only while supervised by a licensed adult. After holding the permit for a required period and accumulating supervised driving hours, you can apply for a provisional (or intermediate) license, which allows unsupervised driving but with restrictions such as nighttime curfews and passenger limits. A full unrestricted license comes after the provisional stage.
Can I use my out-of-state permit to drive in another state?
Generally yes — most states honor an out-of-state learner's permit as long as you follow that state's supervision requirements. However, the rules are not uniform, so it is worth verifying with the specific state you plan to drive in.