Last Updated 17th of March, 2010

Do I have to take a drivers ed test and a drivers permit test?

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Mostly that depends on where you live. Some states require applicants to take drivers ed before getting a learners permit, and other states allow applicants to get a permit before taking drivers ed.

Mixing it up even more, some states don’t require drivers ed – period. An applicant in one of those states can get a drivers permit or a full drivers license without having any formal education or training.

Take a look at the grid below and note that:

  • If your state doesn’t require drivers ed at all, you can move on. (If you fall in this category, it’s especially important for you to take a practice permit test.)
  • If your state requires drivers ed before you can get your learners permit, you may or may not have to take both a drivers ed test and a drivers permit test (sometimes called a written or knowledge test). We’ve made such notes next to those states.
  • If your state requires drivers ed but not before getting your permit, chances are you’ll have to take both tests. You’ll already have your permit (which required a test) and it’s unlikely your drivers ed instructor will let you go without giving you a test or two.
Drivers Ed Before Permit Drivers Ed After Permit Drivers Ed Not Required
Alabama
x
Alaska
x
Arizona
x
Arkansas
x
California
x
The state specifically lists passing the written traffic laws exam as a requirement for obtaining a permit.
Colorado
x
Taking a permit test might depend on which permit you're getting.
Connecticut
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Delaware
x
You'll only have to take a vision test.
Florida
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Georgia
x
Hawaii
x
Idaho
x
You don't have to take a written test to obtain your driver training permit (the first permit you'll get).
Illinois
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Indiana
x
You won't have to take the knowledge test to get your Driver Education Learner Permit, but you will have to take it later to get your regular learners permit.
Iowa
x
Kansas
x
Kentucky
x
Louisiana
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Maine
x
You'll receive testing and your permit from the approved driver education school.
Maryland
x
Massachusetts
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Michigan
x
To obtain your Level 1 permit, you must complete Segement 1 of driver education, which includes the written test.
Minnesota
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Mississippi
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Missouri
x
Montana
x
x
You can get your permit before turning 16 if you take drivers ed.
Nebraska
x
You must take the written test to get your School Learner's Permit, but not to later get your School Permit.
Nevada
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
New Hampshire Learners permits aren't required.
New Jersey
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too, no matter which permit you're applying for.
New Mexico
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
New York
x
North Carolina
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
North Dakota
x
Ohio
x
Oklahoma
x
x
If you want to apply for your permit at 15 years and 6 months old, take drivers ed.
Oregon
x
Pennsylvania
x
Rhode Island
x
x
Yes for applicants younger than 18; no for applicants 18 and older.
South Carolina
x
South Dakota
x
Tennessee
x
Texas
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Utah
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Vermont
x
Virginia
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Washington
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
West Virginia
x
Wisconsin
x
You'll most likely have to take the permit test, too.
Wyoming
x
Washington DC
x

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