Learning to drive is one of the most exciting parts of being a teenager.You have to pass a written test and meet certain legal criteria in order to get a learner's permit.Before you can learn to operate a car on your own, you will have to learn the rules of the road and basic functions of an automobile.You will find yourself behind the wheel in no time if you take the right steps, have the necessary materials in order, and study hard to pass the test.
Step 1: You should study the requirements in your jurisdiction.
The process of obtaining a driving permit in most countries is the same, but the laws will be different in different countries.Make sure you understand the requirements for applying and testing for a driving permit in your area.The article deals with how to get a learner's permit in the United States.You can find information about driver testing in your area on the website of the department of motor vehicles.
Step 2: You can find the headquarters of the Department of Motor Vehicles in your area.
You can find a Department of Motor Vehicles office near you where you can apply for a permit, pay the necessary fees and take your written driving theory test.It's easier to get a permit in most states.You can find the office closest to you on the internet.You can find out where all the offices are on the official website of the Department of Motor Vehicles.The lines can be long.If you have to wait, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time.
Step 3: You have to submit an application to get a driving permit.
You have to inform the state of your intent to get your permit before you can take the test.You can fill out a permit application with your personal information.You'll get your study materials once you've taken care of the application process.Basic information for the permit application will include your full legal name, date of birth, home address, hair color and eye color.You can apply for your permit online to save yourself a trip to the office.
Step 4: Proof of identity is required.
The social security card is one of the forms of personal ID you will be asked to provide.Many different ID forms are accepted, but this usually means a birth certificate, social security card, passport or other recognized form of photo ID.If you provide identification, you will be able to confirm that you meet the minimum age requirement to test for your permit.You have to be at least 15 years old to get a driving permit in most states.Only a few states, including Alaska, Arkansas and North and South Dakota, give permits to people as young as 14.You should bring your original birth certificate, passport, and social security card with you to the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state if they don't accept photocopies.You will need 2 pieces of mail to verify your address.
Step 5: You should take an eyesight exam.
When you apply for a learner's permit, you'll be asked to take a brief eyesight exam.The exact nature of the exam will vary, but you might be instructed to read letters of different sizes off a chart or identify smaller shapes and details from a distance.The eye exam will let the officials know that you are good enough to drive a vehicle.You might have to get corrective eyewear if you don't do well on your eye exam.There will be a note on your permit that says you have to wear this eyewear.
Step 6: Any associated fees should be paid.
If you have to pay for testing or certification, go ahead and do it.There are separate fees for taking an eyesight exam, taking a written test, and submitting an application.After all fees have been paid, you will be able to schedule a date and time to take your test and receive your study materials.Testing requirements may be different for each state.It's not cheap to get a permit.You won't have to pay to take the test again if you pass it the first time.
Step 7: You should study your driver's handbook.
The handbook for teen drivers from the Department of Motor Vehicles contains up-to-date listings and explanations of their state's driving laws.Try to memorize as much as you can while looking over the handbook.The different signs and symbols on the road mean different things to different people.You will be expected to know this information on the written test.You can learn the contents of the handbook one section at a time.
Step 8: You should know the parts and functions of the vehicle.
If you can, take a parent or other licensed driver with you to see the different parts of the car.They will be able to explain how the car works and what each component does, as well as important features that you'll be tested on, like the headlights, turn signals, parking brake, and windshield wipers.When it comes time to take your test, studying the workings of a vehicle yourself will give you some practical, firsthand knowledge that will be useful.Questions about how to operate a vehicle are included in the written test.Before you put it in gear, you need to learn a lot about operating a car.
Step 9: You have to take a driver's ed course.
Enroll in a driver's ed course at your school to learn how to drive.Students who are nearing the age where they can receive their driving permit can take special classes in public schools.You'll learn more about traffic laws, how cars work and safe driving techniques in these classes.You will be able to practice parking and handling in driver's ed.If you pass the comprehensive exam at the end of the driver's ed course, you can take the theory test.Most of the US requires some form of driver's education, except for Alaska, Arkansas, Missouri, Oregon and Tennessee.
Step 10: Pass the test if you take it.
Make sure you have enough time to arrive on the day of the test.It is possible that you will be asked to present an ID once more or pay your fees on the day of the test.Don't let your nerves get the better of you.Give it your best shot and remember everything you've learned.Try to answer the questions correctly.It is wise to bring a number 2 pencil and/or black ink pen if you are testing on a computer.Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test and get plenty of sleep the night before.You'll be ready to go.
Step 11: If you fail the test, take it again.
Some people don't pass the learner's permit test the first time around.The exam contains a lot of information.Don't worry.Schedule a new testing date if you don't make a passing grade.You can take the driving permit test multiple times.On the same day, you may not be able to take your test again.You don't want to forget what you've learned when you schedule a new date.It's important to pass the test the first time.California gives you a limited number of chances to sit for the exam.
Step 12: Wait for your permit to arrive.
The staff at the Department of Motor Vehicles will take your picture and send it to you with your permit information.It can take anywhere from a few days to a week for you to receive a physical copy of your permit.You're free to learn how to drive once it's in your possession.Your driving permit will look like an actual driver's license, with your photo, personal information and any special notes displayed on it beside your state seal.It's important to keep your permit close at hand so you don't lose it.
Step 13: You have to log the number of driving hours.
In addition to passing a written exam, some states require new drivers to record the number of hours they've spent driving under the supervision of another licensed driver.You can start immediately if this is a requirement in your state.Try to drive a few hours a week.You will have plenty of time to practice if you keep your permit for six months to a year.A minimum number of road hours is required of beginners before they can take the driver's license test.It's possible that a lot of driving hours have to be recorded at night.State to state, the number of mandatory driving hours varies.Kansas only requires you to log 25 hours behind the wheel after you receive your permit, whereas in Delaware it is a minimum of 50 hours.
Step 14: If your permit expires, apply again.
Your permit will only be valid for a certain amount of time.The date on which you received your permit will affect the expiration date.If your permit expires before you get your driver's license, you will need to fill out another application, pay associated fees and take the written exam again.In New York, driving permits can be valid for up to 5 years, while in other states they can only last a year.You will usually have to hold your permit for at least 6 months before you can get a driver's license.
Step 15: The guidelines for the permit in your state can be followed.
You don't have to burn rubber on the streets just because you've earned your driving permit.Depending on where you live, you may still have to log a certain number of hours of supervised driving before you can drive on your own.Laws in your state may limit some privileges, like driving at night or with unlicensed individuals in the vehicle.When the time comes for you to test for your full license, make sure you practice safely and go by the book.
Step 16: Prepare for the driver's license test.
You'll be able to test for your full driver's license after you've held your permit for a specified amount of time.The test consists of a written exam and a practical portion where you drive a car with a testing official present.Take everything you've learned and apply it to your permit test.You should have enough experience to help you pass the hands-on portion of the test if you've been logging driving hours.There are different requirements for obtaining a driver's license.Know what paperwork you need to complete, what ID you're expected to present, and so on before you schedule a testing date.California requires that you fulfill multiple levels of driver certification before you can get an unrestricted license.