Virtually every teenager will do it; take a drivers education
course to obtain their learners permit and eventually an
unrestricted drivers license. Most states have requirements that
must be met for a teen to get their learners permit.
What is a learners permit?
A learners permit is a special permit issued by a State
Department of Motor Vehicles (often referred to as DMV, but some
states have varying titles) office for teenagers to begin
"behind the wheel" drivers education training. For many states,
the average age you can apply for a learners permit is 15.
However, there are a few states where you can apply as early as
14 and as late as 16 years of age. Different states have
different requirements. For example, there are a few states that
have no formal requirements, where as most require initial
written testing of driving basics. Six to eight hours of
classroom (or approved home training course) is typically
required.
Drivers Education Training
Once you've achieved your initial learners permit, you can
expect to continue your classroom study, but can typically begin
your "behind the wheel" training with an adult; usually a
drivers education instructor or parent. During this time, most
states require a certain number of hours of "behind the wheel"
experience. You'll learn many of the basics, such as: stopping,
watching for traffic around you, turning, identifying various
traffic signs, how to parallel park and more. Don't take these
for granted! Your initial drivers education training can set an
important track for your driving record.
The trip to your local DMV
Once you've completed an approved drivers education course,
you'll be issued a license. This varies from state to state.
Some allow you to complete a drivers education course while 15,
but must wait until you are 16 years of age to obtain a license.
Still others impose conditions for a new driver, such as limited
hours of driving, driving with an adult of a certain age, etc.
Your local DMV office will let you know any special
provisions.
Before you get your license, there are some things you should
know about that will be necessary to receive your drivers
license. DMV offices are very strict about documentation you
must present to get your license. You should always check with
them first and even get a checklist. Typical items you will need
to bring to your local DMV office to obtain your drivers
license:
Your original birth certificate, or a certified
copy of your birth certificate with a state seal. Be prepared!
Simply taking a photocopied certificate will not work for most
states. You should be prepared for this very early on in your
drivers education training. If need by, contact the state where
you were born to obtain a certified copy if you do not have one,
or your original certificate.
Social Security Card. Make sure you have your
social security card. Most metropolitans have a local Social
Security Office where you can quickly go and obtain an SSN card
if you've lost your original. Again, make sure you have this
early on.
Glasses or contacts. You will be required to take
an eye exam when applying for your drivers license. Be sure to
bring your glasses or wear your contacts to the DMV office.
Proof of completion of a state approved drivers education
course. If you are taking a local classroom drivers
education course, they should provide you with a certificate.
You should always be sure they are certified by the state, if
your state requires such certification. If you have taken a
state approved home study course, such as a parent taught course
issued by some states, or a third party software training
course, they will provide you with a certificate of
completion.
Proof of insurance. Check with your local DMV.
Some states require this, some states may not. You should have
the minimum insurance required for your state, usually liability
insurance. Be prepared to present proof of insurance to the DMV
clerk.
Proof of enrollment in High School. Many states
require that you be enrolled in school and have proof of
enrollment to obtain a drivers license under the age of 18. Your
school will have the necessary form and can provide it for you
to take to the DMV office. In cases where you may no longer be
in school, and have opted for a GED, make sure you bring your
GED certificate with you.
These are the typical things you will need to take to your local
DMV office when applying for your drivers license. Of course,
each state can vary and you can visit your State's DMV website
for more specific information.
Drivers Education Software
More and more states are offering modern alternatives to the
typical classroom drivers education courses. Some states offer a
parent taught drivers education where students can study and
test at home, as well as "behind the wheel" with a parent or
legal guardian. Many states are now allowing students to take an
approved CD ROM based or online course.
About the author:
Wesley Smith is the Product Manager for the Drivers Education web
site and helps teens with state driving requirements to obtain
their learners permit and drivers license.
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