Types of Driver Licenses

There are 3 types of Licenses that a new driver must know.

Learner Permit, Junior Operator and Operator

Learner Permit –

After passing a written test, you may drive with an instructor for the purpose of learning how to drive. Many states have restrictions defining who qualifies as an instructor, time of day you may drive and restricted roads. Example: Unless you are accompanied by a supervising driver at least age 21 who has a license valid for operating the vehicle you are driving. For example, only a person with a motorcycle license may supervise a motorcycle learner.

To find the rules for your state click here.

Junior or Intermediate License –

This is the license you receive after passing the written test. This type of license has restrictions mainly based on age, (under the age of 18). The restrictions define where and under which circumstances you may drive.

To find the rules for your state click here.


Operator or Full License –

Your Junior or Intermediate License will become a full license upon turning 18 in most states. You can upgrade it sooner with an accredited Driver Education course and/or other conditions.

Student Drivers visiting Other States – If you are under age 18 and hold a learner permit, junior permit or junior driver license from your State, you must obey the restrictions of the state you will be driving in, in addition to those from your home state.
If you are under age 16, you may not drive in other states that have a minimum age requirement not equal to your own state.

General Rules for All Drivers with Learner Permits

No matter what age you are, if you hold a learner permit, you may not drive:
• Unless you are accompanied by a supervising driver at least age 21 who has a license valid for operating the vehicle you are driving. For example, only a person with a motorcycle license may supervise a motorcycle learner.
• In a DMV road test area.
• Certain Roads and Highways (i.e. bridges and tunnels)

Definitions of terms you may find.
“PROPERLY LICENSED” means the supervising driver has a license valid for driving the type of vehicle being driver by the learner or junior driver.
“GUARDIAN” means a person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of a parent and is discharging parental duties as the result of the death, disability or absence of the natural parent.
“IN LOCO PARENTIS” means a person who has, on a regular and extended basis, assumed the character of a parent and is discharging parental duties as the result of the death, disability or absence of the natural parent.
“SCHOOL COURSE” means instruction, education or training that is licensed or approved by a state agency or department, or training conducted by the U.S. armed forces. The term “school course” does not include extra-curricular activities, sports or social events for which no scholastic credits are given.
“EMPLOYMENT” means a place of business at which you are paid to work regularly scheduled basis. You may NOT drive during work or as part of your work duties, such as for deliveries.
“WORK STUDY PROGRAM” means a state-approved cooperative work-study program. For example, a Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) course for which academic credit is granted for work experience.
“MEDICAL APPOINTMENT” means medical treatment that is necessary for you or a member of your household.
“DAYCARE” applies to travel to and from a child’s daycare if the child’s attendance is necessary for a family member to maintain employment and/or attend a school course.

You must know;
AGE
PARENTAL CONSENT
VERIFICATION OF ADDRESS
EYE TEST
KNOWLEDGE TEST
LEARNERS PERMIT RULES
ROAD TEST
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS FOR
TEST
APPOINTMENTS
FEES

Your State link.

 

Age Requirements

FIRST TIME LICENSE FOR 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS
In some states a 15 year old may obtain a Learners Permit.

In most states –
Applicants under 18, must obtain a learner’s permit.
unless the applicant has held the permit for 180 days, 20 days if completing a driver training course.

  • What are the rules in your State?
  • YOU can check your state’s rules hereTOP – NEXT

    PARENTAL CONSENT

    PARENTAL CONSENT IS REQUIRED. Some state allow a notarized form to be presented and somestates allow the person who signed the consent form to withdraw consent.What are the rules in your State?

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    VERIFICATION OF ADDRESS

    VERIFICATION OF ADDRESS

    Verification may be in the form of a
    piece of mail (cards, magazines, letters, etc.).
    YOU WILL ALSO NEED
    Two forms of ID , at least one must contain your date of birth
    Common forms of ID could be:
    Parent or parental consent form.
    US passport
    Major  credit card
    School photo ID with transcript or report card

    Social Security Card
    What is accepted in your State?
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    EYE TEST

    EYE TEST
    The eye test evaluates
    (1)  (how clearly you see),
    (2) (how far you can see to either side while looking straight ahead)
    (3) (depth and color perception).

    • What are the vision requirements in your State?

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    KNOWLEDGE TEST

    LAW (KNOWLEDGE) TEST (S)
    Written Examinations vary from state to state on the number of questions .
    Some state require only one written test others require an additional test at the time of the road test.
    This site has compiled 90 of the most common questions.
    If you Study your handbook along with this site you will not have a problem.
    Sample Quiz Questions
    The law test for the learner’s permit consists of
    10 QUESTIONS
    The law test for the license is based on the same manual, consists of
    16 QUESTIONS

    • What are the rules in your State?

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    LEARNERS PERMIT RULES
    States vary on the restrictions that apply to the Learners Permit.
    These restrictions may include the age of the licensed driver accompanying you, The hours in which you are able to practice, and even the types of highways you are allowed to practice on.

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    The permit
    You Must be with another licensed driver who is at least 20 years old and held a license for a least four years.
    You  are not allowed on a limited access highway until 60 days from the
    date of issue of the permit.

    ROAD TEST

    ROAD TEST (BEHIND-THE-WHEEL-EVALUATION)

    The road test generally takes 15 to 20 minutes.

    If you fail you can retake the test after a waiting period from the date of the failure.

    During the road test your examiner will be judging your driving skills. to see what they will be looking for click here

    • What are the rules for a re-test in your State? Is there an additional fee?..

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    VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS FOR TEST

    A driver’s test may be given in any vehicle which is currently registered, is currently covered by  insurance, and has no obvious equipment violation that would create an unsafe condition during the test.

    • What are the rules in your State?

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    APPOINTMENTS
    The rule for appointment varies from state to state.  Some States allow walk-ins and other require appointments

    • What are the rules in your State?

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    FEES
    Fees are required for the learners permit and then for the driver license.
    Fees vary from state to state.
    Most state have a retest fee if you do not pass the first time, so study well.

    $6.00 for the learner’s permit (either cash or check).
    You must make an appointment for the second part. The fee is $36.00.

  Official Links 

  Linking to this site

  High School Links

Keeping Your License

Driving is a privilege.
If you commit a serious traffic violations or several less serious one, you may lose that privilege through  suspension or revocation.

Suspensions means your license is taken away for a period of time.

Revocation means your license is canceled completely.

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Probation Period

You  will be on probation after you pass your road test, or getting a new license after a revocation.

Your license will be suspended for additional time if you are found guilty of any two moving violations during the probation period.

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Mandatory Suspension or Revocation

Mandatory  suspension or revocation can occur for:
Drug and Alcohol violations.

Younger Drivers Beware
              Some States will revoke your driving privileges for one year or up until you are 21 years old if you are convicted of any drug or alcohol violation. 
(So think twice before opening that beer.)
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The Points System
Points are assigned for moving violations.  If a certain number of points is  reached within a prescribed amount of time, your driving privilege may be suspended of revoked.

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Accidents
If your are involved in an accident in which another person was killed.

Fees and Civil Penalties

The DMV may charge fees for processing re-application fees above and  beyond any fines or surcharges you may pay.

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Driving While Suspended or Revoked
This is criminal offense and you could pay fines ranging from $200 – $5000 and imprisonment.

Continue to Keeping Your License by clicking here

The next section covers

Keeping Your License 
     Probation Period 
     Mandatory Suspension or Revocation 
     The Points System 
     Accidents 
     Fees and Civil Penalties 
     Driving While Suspended or Revoked