Several states make laws that they strictly adhere to when it comes to driving. In most states, you must have a learner’s permit or a driver’s license before driving. Can you drive in other states with a permit? That depends on your state laws. This document indicates that you’re eligible and mature enough to understand road signs and take responsibility for any fault.
Again, learner’s permit can be called different names like provisional license, driver’s permit, provisional instruction permit, or learner’s license. Please don’t get confused when you hear a different name elsewhere; they’re all the same.
Before being issued a learner’s permit, you must have attained the learner’s permit age of your state of residence. That enables you to move about within your state. Also, you’re not expected to drive alone; you must have an adult supervisor with a license to guide you while driving.
Furthermore, in acquiring a learning permit, there are some requirements you’re expected to present before obtaining it. Also, you may have to undergo some tests before you can be qualified to get a learner’s permit.
In this article, we will be discussing the meaning of a learner’s permit and how to get it? And one of the commonest questions is can you drive in other states with a permit? You’ll get answers to the questions as you read on.
A learner’s permit or learner’s license is a limited provisional license issued to someone learning how to drive. Also, such one has not completed the driver’s license requirement. You can only use this document under some specific conditions that allow you until you get to the age requirement of obtaining a driver’s license.
Before applying for a driver’s license, you must have undergone and passed a driving examination. All paper documents, including the driver’s permit, are also required to get a driver’s license.
Many teens practicing how to drive ask: can you drive in other states with a permit? Note that different states have different age requirements for issuing driver’s permits.
Possessing a driver’s license means you’re already an adult with the freedom to make independent decisions. To some, it symbolizes independence and a sense of transitioning into adulthood. Although, you must have practiced with a permit before getting a driver’s license. There are some benefits of using a learner’s permit.
What is a learner’s permit? A learner’s permit is a document that only allows you to drive with an adult or a licensed instructor. This individual must sit on the passenger’s side with a seat belt. That is because you don’t have the legal right to drive alone as a trainee. At the same time, a driver’s license gives you complete authority to drive without being accompanied by a supervisor or an adult.
A learner’s permit is one of the prerequisites for obtaining a driver’s license, and most times, they drive on streets and have fewer traffic avenues. In contrast, a driver’s license holder can drive alone on public roads and highways.
A learner’s permit does not allow you to drive certain vehicles as a trainee. In contrast, a driver’s license gives you the full right to drive more than one type of vehicle on the highway.
A learning permit may not allow you to drive outside your state of residence until you reach a certain age. In contrast, a driver’s license holder can drive in any state of choice without restriction.
A learner’s permit is issued when you’re still learning how to drive and yet to complete your training, while a driver’s license is handed out to someone who has finalized or passed a driving test.
This requirement mostly depends on the law made by each state on the age bracket for obtaining a learner’s permit. Generally, the minimum age for obtaining a learner’s permit is 14 to 18.
Every state has different learner’s permit age limits for issuing a learner’s permit, restricted license, and full license.
State | Learner’s Permit (years) | Restricted License (years) | Full License (years) |
Alabama | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Alaska | 14 | 16 | 16 (And 5 months) |
Arizona | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
Arkansas | 14 | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
California | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 17 |
Colorado | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Connecticut | 16 | 16 (And 4 months) | 18 |
Delaware | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) | 17 |
District of Columbia | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) | 18 |
Florida | 15 | 16 | 18 |
Georgia | 15 | 16 | 18 |
Hawaii | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 17 |
Idaho | 14 (And 6 months) | 15 | 16 |
Illinois | 15 | 16 | 18 |
Indiana | 15 | 16 (And 6 months) | 18 |
Iowa | 14 | 16 | 17 |
Kansas | 14 | 16 | 16 (And 5 months) |
Kentucky | 16 | 16 (And 5 months) | 17 |
Louisiana | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Maine | 15 | 16 | 16 (And 5 months) |
Maryland | 15 (And 9 months) | 16 (And 6 months) | 18 |
Massachusetts | 16 | 16 (And 5 months) | 18 |
Michigan | 14 (And 9 months) | 16 | 17 |
Minnesota | 15 | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
Mississippi | 15 | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
Missouri | 15 | 16 | 18 |
Montana | 14 (And 6 months) | 15 | 16 |
Nebraska | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Nevada | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 18 |
New Hampshire | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 17 (And 1 month) |
New Jersey | 16 | 17 | 18 |
New Mexico | 15 | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 (And 6 months) |
New York | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) | 1718 |
North Carolina | 15 | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
North Dakota | 14 | 15 | 16 |
Ohio | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 18 |
Oklahoma | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
Oregon | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Pennsylvania | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) | 1718 |
Rhode Island | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) | 17 (And 6 months) |
South Carolina | 15 | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 (And 6 months) |
South Dakota | 14 | 14 (And 6 months) | 16 |
Tennessee | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Texas | 15 | 16 | 18 |
Utah | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Vermont | 15 | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
Virginia | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 (And 3 months) | 18 |
Washington | 15 | 16 | 17 |
West Virginia | 15 | 16 | 17 |
Wisconsin | 15 (And 6 months) | 16 | 16 (And 9 months) |
Wyoming | 15 | 16 | 16 (And 6 months) |
Many states have different rules or laws guiding their learner’s permits for trainees. Most times, the answer can you drive in other states with a permit? It is usually no. The learner’s permit has restrictions, some of which hinder you from driving alone or outside your state.
Furthermore, age is a determinant factor to consider. For example, your state might allow teens 14 years to get a learner’s permit, whereas a neighboring state might be from 15 years upwards. That is because there is variation in age among the states for issuing a learner’s permit.
Furthermore, considering Florida as a neighboring state to Georgia. Teens in Florida can obtain a provisional license at the age of 15. Teens in Georgia can also get a permit at the same age. That means that the laws of both states are the same. So, a 15 years old teen from Florida can drive to Georgia and vice versa.
In contrast, you may fly from Tennessee as a 15-year-old to Kentucky on a visit to your 21-year-old cousin. If you’re allowed to drive with your learning permit, you may not consider that because you’d be violating the rules of Kentucky. Though in Tennessee, you can drive with your permit at the age of 15, in Kentucky, you must be 16 to drive around.
This document contains various restrictions the bearer must adhere to for a smooth and safe drive. Below are some of them.
It is unavoidable to drive without an adult as a trainee. Most states require driving with a professional supervisor or a licensed adult. That fellow must sit close to you, preferably on the passenger seat, and the age bracket of such an adult should be from 21 years and above.
However, the age bracket differs by state, and some states can allow a young licensed adult of 19 years to drive with you.
You’re not expected to be on call while driving. You need to have maximum concentration. Do not text or call with one hand while driving because you might run into an oncoming vehicle. Also, wear your seat belt regularly while driving, including your supervisor.
Again, have your learner’s permit with you at all times. If possible, have a safe place to keep it inside your car; it could be in the pigeonhole or wherever you desire.
Most states allow you to drive from 9 am to 5 or 6 pm, and you must have a licensed adult with you while driving. You may be allowed to drive on the public road or highways depending on the law of your state.
Also, every state has different laws regarding where you can drive with a learner’s permit, so do well to find out more about that for your state. You can always drive on less busy streets or around your vicinity.
The only individual you’re expected to drive with is your guardian or your parents, who must be licensed. Most states frown upon picking passengers on the way; some may never allow that. A learner’s permit comes with several restrictions.
If you’re driving without your learner’s permit, you’re infringing the restrictions, which may attract charges and punishments if caught.
Also, your learner’s permit might be retrieved and suspended, which might warrant you reapplying for a new one. On the other hand, your permit could stay longer with you by way of an extension for breaking the rule. That means it’ll take longer to get an authentic driver’s license.
As a license permit holder, can you drive in other states with a permit? That’s the right question to ask if you are planning on interstate travel. Understand that most states have different laws governing this idea. Your state might permit you, whereas the state you may want to drive to forbids you from entering with a permit. Verify the laws governing your state’s license permit and the laws of other states.
With your learner’s permit, you can only drive from morning till evening (6 am to 6 pm) for a couple of months. Your driving time could be extended from 6 am to 10 pm as soon as you record a significant improvement.
Different states have different methods of processing their provisional license, but there’s a general format for obtaining it. Here’s how to get your hands on a limited provisional license:
Before getting a permit, you’ll need to present some genuine documents required by your state. The requirements below are what you’re expected to present if you’re a teen in Texas. Here are some of the documents that you’ll need with you:
It’s important to have this checklist with you so that it’ll assist you in not missing any documents. Also, you’ll be able to know the accurate document to present for the application for your learner’s permit.
Note that your identification certificate must bear your exact name and date of birth to avoid discrepancies. But perhaps your names are not corresponding; you might be required to present a marriage certificate, change of name evidence issued by a court, or a divorce paper. Furthermore, endeavor to follow the guidelines for each section and present the required documents during the application.
The application venue may differ for each state; some prefer physical presence at the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV). Others may opt for an online application through their website.
A learner’s permit can last from 2 to 5 years before expiration, depending on your state of residence. Every state has a maximum time set for the expiration of their learner’s permit.
Once your permit expires, you can renew it, but most states allow you to renew it just once. Follow your state’s renewal guidelines, and you may also be charged a certain amount to renew your permit.
Again, as much as possible, renew your permit before it expires. You don’t need to wait till it expires. Because, an expired permit may require you to start a new application, which may take longer.
To obtain a learning permit, you must undergo some tests, such as online-based or a physical exam (handwritten). This test is to verify your assimilation of all the road signs and safety rules in driving. Hence, you’d be qualified to get a permit once you pass the written test. Also, this connotes that you’ll drive safely and responsibly.
For online, only 3 trials would be available for you; if you fail 3 times, you’d have to go for a physical test. Note that you’ll pay for the second and third attempts.
Study your driver’s manual regularly until you become familiar with everything inside. Practice what you’ve read periodically by solving test questions. That will help you evaluate your knowledge. Also, your level of success will determine how well you’d pass the real exam.
Every state sets its test questions differently because the laws vary among them. For example, Florida sets 50 questions, road rules 45, and road signs 5 questions. Time allowed 60 minutes. You’re expected to pass 80% of the questions, 40 out of 50.
The cost of writing a learner’s permit test also varies among states. In Florida, you’re expected to pay $48 with your driver’s license inclusive. Alabama charges $5 for the test, and some states can charge up to $100.
There are two basic tests that you must pass before you can get a learner’s permit. First is a vision test, aiming to certify that you have a good and sound vision to drive on the road. Nevertheless, you can use contact lenses or medicated glasses if you cannot see clearly.
The second test is the hearing test, which is to ensure that you can hear properly. However, you can wear hearing aids if you’re experiencing hearing difficulty.
With a limited provisional license, you can become an experienced driver and apply for a driving license after completing the requirements. Can you drive in other states with a permit? Of course, you can if you meet the age requirements of that state. Also, you must drive with a licensed instructor and always have your seat belt on for a safe drive.
Here are some popular FAQs:
Can you drive in other states with a permit? The answer is usually no. Considering that different states have different rules or laws guiding their learner’s permit for trainees. Also, the learner’s permit has some restrictions, which can hinder you from driving alone or outside your state. For example, your state might allow teens 15 years to get a learner’s permit, whereas a neighboring state might be from 16 years upwards. That is because every state’s age for issuing a permit varies.
A licensed adult or supervisor with a driver’s license is only allowed to be in the car with a permitted driver. They should be 21 years old and above, although some states permit a 19-year-old with a driver’s license.
You’re not allowed to drive with a permit; if caught, you may be penalized or face some charges. You’re only allowed on one condition: driving with a licensed adult or your supervisor seated close to you.
The answer to this question, more than occasionally, is no. Why? Because each state has rules governing the use of a learner’s permit. The age differences for every state are another determinant factor to consider
Florida allows teens from 16 years upwards to apply for driver’s licenses. At this stage, you can drive alone without being supervised by an adult. Note that you must have driven for 50 hours minimum under supervision before you can apply for a license.
From age 15, you can take an online driver education course or parent-taught driver education. Once you complete module 1 for both courses, you’ll take an online-based exam. A certificate will be issued to you, which you’ll present before applying for your learner’s permit at the DPS.
A driver’s license cannot be transferred online. But some states can allow an online appointment schedule to transfer your license. Also, if you’re moving to a new state, you may be required to start a fresh application.
You can drive at 14 in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, and North and South Dakota. Idaho and Montana allow for 14 years 6 months, while Michigan allows 14 years 9 months.
Yes, some states like Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, and many others allow their teens to drive from 15 years.
No, a permit holder is restricted from driving at night, and you can only drive from 8 am to 5 pm.
You can only drive to work with a guardian or a licensed adult who sits in the front seat with you. Otherwise, you’re not allowed to drive to work with a permit.
In most developed countries, practicing on public roads without a permit is illegal. However, you may be allowed to practice on a private driveway.