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How old do I have to be to obtain a permit?
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That depends on your state, which permit you want to obtain (some states include more than one kind of drivers permit in their GDL programs) and, in some cases, whether you’ve taken drivers education.
The grid below will tell you how old you must be to obtain the first learners permit (unless otherwise stated) in your state; if your state’s GDL program requires you to obtain another kind of drivers permit between the initial permit and your full drivers license, that required age will be older than the one you see in the grid (but younger than 18 or, in some cases, 21).
Your state’s DMV or driver licensing Web site and driver handbook are two good places to find out more information about your state’s GDL program. They’re also great resources for learning more about preparing to obtain your learners permit such as studying for your permit test and taking a practice permit test.
The grid below will tell you how old you must be to obtain the first learners permit (unless otherwise stated) in your state; if your state’s GDL program requires you to obtain another kind of drivers permit between the initial permit and your full drivers license, that required age will be older than the one you see in the grid (but younger than 18 or, in some cases, 21).
Your state’s DMV or driver licensing Web site and driver handbook are two good places to find out more information about your state’s GDL program. They’re also great resources for learning more about preparing to obtain your learners permit such as studying for your permit test and taking a practice permit test.
| Alabama | 15 |
| Alaska | 14 |
| Arizona | 15 1/2 |
| Arkansas | 14 |
| California | 15 1/2 |
| Colorado | 15-15 1/2 (for the Driver Education Permit, if you complete an Affidavit of Completion of a Driver Education Classroom Course or Behind-the-Wheel Training); 15 1/2-16 (for the Driver Awareness Permit, if you complete an approved four-hour driver awareness program); 16-21 (for the Minor Instruction Permit) |
| Connecticut | 16 |
| Delaware | 16 |
| Florida | 15 |
| Georgia | 15 |
| Hawaii | 15 1/2 |
| Idaho | 14 1/2 |
| Illinois | 15 |
| Indiana | 15 1/2 (for the Driver Education Learner Permit); 16 (for the regular learners permit) |
| Iowa | 14 |
| Kansas | 14 |
| Kentucky | 16 |
| Louisiana | 15 |
| Maine | 15 |
| Maryland | 15 and 9 months |
| Massachusetts | 15 |
| Michigan | 14 and 9 months |
| Minnesota | 15 |
| Mississippi | 15 |
| Missouri | 15 |
| Montana | 14 1/2 |
| Nebraska | 14 1/2 |
| Nevada | 15 1/2 |
| New Hampshire | 15 1/2 |
| New Jersey | 16 |
| New Mexico | 15 |
| New York | 16 |
| North Carolina | 15 |
| North Dakota | 14 |
| Ohio | 15 1/2 |
| Oklahoma | 15 1/2 (with drivers ed); 16 (without drivers ed) |
| Oregon | 15 |
| Pennsylvania | 16 |
| Rhode Island | 16 |
| South Carolina | 15 |
| South Dakota | 14 |
| Tennessee | 15 |
| Texas | 15 |
| Utah | 15 |
| Vermont | 15 |
| Virginia | 15 1/2 |
| Washington | 15 |
| West Virginia | 15 |
| Wisconsin | 15 |
| Wyoming | 15 |
| Washington DC | 16 |
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