State Guide
Nevada DMV Permit Test 2026
A complete walkthrough of everything involved in getting your Nevada instruction permit. This guide covers eligibility, documents, fees, the 25-question knowledge test (with online option), and Nevada's Graduated Driver Licensing program. Ready to start practicing? Take a free Nevada DMV practice test.
Who Can Get an Instruction Permit
To apply for an instruction permit in Nevada, you must be at least 15 years and 6 months old.
If you're under 18, you must go through Nevada's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which includes driver education, supervised driving practice, and an intermediate license with restrictions before you can get your full license.
Adults 18+: If you're 18 or older, you can apply directly for a driver's license without an instruction permit, though you'll still need to pass the knowledge and driving tests.
Driver Education Requirements
Nevada requires driver education for all applicants under 18. The course must be completed at a licensed driver training school and includes:
Classroom instruction
30 hours of classroom instruction covering traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving.
Behind-the-wheel training
6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with a certified driving instructor.
Observation time
6 hours of in-car observation while another student drives.
Adults 18+: Driver education is not required if you're 18 or older, but taking a course can help you prepare and may qualify you for insurance discounts.
Fees and What You Pay For
The total cost for a Nevada instruction permit is $48.25, which includes:
Driver education costs: The driving school course is a separate expense and varies by school. Expect to pay $200 to $400 for the full program.
Retakes: If you fail the knowledge test, there is a $10 retest fee for each additional attempt.
Documents You Need
To get your instruction permit, you'll need to bring:
1. Proof of identity
A certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, or other approved identity document.
2. Social Security card or proof of SSN
Your Social Security card, W-2, or other document showing your SSN.
3. Proof of Nevada residency
Two documents showing your Nevada address: utility bill, bank statement, school enrollment document, etc.
4. Parental consent (if under 18)
A parent or legal guardian must accompany you and sign the application.
The Knowledge Test
The Nevada knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questionscovering:
Nevada traffic laws and regulations
Road signs, signals, and pavement markings
Safe driving practices and defensive driving
Right-of-way rules
Sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists
Alcohol and drug laws (zero tolerance for under 21)
You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 5 questions.
The test is available in English and Spanish. Interpreters may be available for other languages at DMV offices.
Where to Take the Test
Nevada offers multiple options for taking the knowledge test:
Option 1: Online (KnowToDrive Nevada)
Take the test online through KnowToDrive Nevada. This is convenient and can be done from home using a computer with a webcam.
Option 2: DMV Office
Visit any Nevada DMV office to take the test on a touch-screen computer. No appointment is needed for the knowledge test.
Option 3: AAA Office
Some AAA offices in Nevada also offer knowledge testing services.
Note: If you take the test online, you'll still need to visit a DMV office to complete your application and receive your permit.
Passing Score and Results
Nevada Knowledge Test
25 questions
You must answer at least 20 correctly (80%) to pass. You can miss up to 5 questions.
When you finish the test, you'll receive your score immediately. If you pass and took the test at a DMV office, you can proceed with your permit application right away.
Nevada does not have a separate road signs test — sign questions are mixed into the main 25-question exam.
If You Don't Pass
If you fail the knowledge test, you must wait at least 1 day before retaking it. There is a $10 retest fee for each additional attempt.
Use the Nevada Driver's Handbook and practice tests to review before your next attempt.
After You Pass the Test
Once you pass the knowledge test and vision screening, you can get your instruction permit at the DMV:
Step 1: Complete the application
Fill out the driver's license application form. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must sign.
Step 2: Provide documents
Submit your proof of identity, Social Security number, and Nevada residency.
Step 3: Pay the fee
Pay the $23.25 permit fee (if you haven't already paid with the testing fee).
Step 4: Take your photo
Your photo will be taken for your permit.
Your instruction permit is valid for 1 year and can be renewed once.
Instruction Permit Restrictions
While driving with a Nevada instruction permit:
Supervision required: You must have a licensed driver at least 21 years old in the front passenger seat at all times.
Seat belts: All passengers must wear seat belts.
No cell phones: All handheld device use is prohibited while driving.
Zero tolerance: Any detectable alcohol or drugs will result in immediate suspension (under 21).
You must hold your instruction permit for at least 6 months before you can take the road test for your intermediate license.
Getting Your Intermediate License
After holding your instruction permit for at least 6 months and completing all requirements, you can take the road test for your intermediate license(if under 18).
Requirements:
Be at least 16 years old
Have held instruction permit for at least 6 months
Complete driver education (30 hrs classroom + 6 hrs BTW)
Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 at night)
Pass the behind-the-wheel driving skills test
Have no traffic violations for 6 months before test date
Intermediate License Restrictions
Nighttime curfew
No driving between 10 PM and 5 AM unless accompanied by a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat, or driving to/from work, school, or a medical emergency.
Passenger restriction (first 6 months)
No passengers under 18 (except immediate family members) for the first 6 months of your intermediate license.
Cell phone ban
All handheld device use is prohibited while driving.
Seat belts
Driver and all passengers must wear seat belts.
Penalties: Traffic violations while on an intermediate license can result in a longer restricted period or license suspension.
Getting Your Full License
You can get your full, unrestricted driver's license when you turn 18 years old, provided you have no violations.
If you're under 18 and have held your intermediate license for at least 12 months with no violations, some restrictions may be lifted early — check with your local DMV.
Once you turn 18, all GDL restrictions (curfew, passenger limits) are lifted, and you have full driving privileges.
The Driver's Handbook
The Nevada Driver's Handbook is the official study guide for the knowledge test. It's available online on the Nevada DMV website.
The handbook covers Nevada traffic laws, road signs and signals, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, and special situations. All test questions are based on this material.
The handbook is available in English and Spanish. Focus especially on road signs, right-of-way rules, and Nevada-specific laws.
Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is an effective way to prepare. With an 80% passing threshold and only 25 questions, each question matters — you can only miss 5.
DMV Question Bank: For thorough preparation, take Nevada DMV practice tests on DMV Question Bank. Practice until you're consistently scoring above 90% to ensure a comfortable margin.
Study strategy: Read the handbook, take practice tests, identify weak areas, review those sections, and test again until you're confident.
Supervised Driving Requirements
Before taking the road test for your intermediate license, you must complete:
50 hours of supervised driving practice (in addition to driver ed)
At least 10 hours must be at night
Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old and licensed.
Keep a driving log to document your practice hours. Your parent or guardian will need to certify completion when you apply for your intermediate license.
Quick Reference
| Minimum permit age | 15 years and 6 months |
| Testing fee | $25.00 |
| Permit fee | $23.25 |
| Total cost | $48.25 |
| Permit validity | 1 year (renewable once) |
| Knowledge test questions | 25 |
| Passing score | 20 correct (80%) |
| Online test available | Yes (KnowToDrive) |
| Test languages | English, Spanish |
| Wait after failure | 1 day |
| Retest fee | $10 |
| Min. holding period | 6 months |
| Supervised driving hours | 50 total |
| Night driving hours | 10 hours minimum |
| Supervising driver age | 21+ |
| Driver's ed required | Yes, if under 18 |
| Driver's ed classroom | 30 hours |
| Driver's ed BTW | 6 hours |
| Curfew | 10pm–5am |
| Passenger restriction | No under-18 passengers (6 mo) |
| Cell phone use | Prohibited |
| Full license | At age 18 |