Each U.S. state establishes its own driving laws. These include speed limits, cell phone use, and seat belt laws. Despite these laws to promote road safety, some states still have the worst drivers. States have adopted graduated license programs to help teens learn and adapt to safe driving. Each state establishes its own driving laws, and ages can vary greatly.
Driver’s licenses are issued by each state, including the District of Columbia, rather than by the federal government. Drivers are required to obtain a license in their state of residence, but all states recognize each other’s licenses as valid forms of identification for non-resident age requirements.
States have specific ages for learner’s permits, restricted licenses, full licenses, and rental cars. Graduated license programs have been so effective that states are considering adopting similar programs for older teens (18 to 20-year-olds) who are becoming first-time drivers.
Once a teen is of age to get his/her learner’s permit, a set number of hours of professional instruction are typically required to receive the permit. Some states require every driver to attend some type of driver’s education before obtaining a learner’s permit.
Restricted licenses have regulations on drivers for a period of time after receiving their license, typically anywhere between the first six months to the first year and a half. Restricted licenses typically prohibit the driver from driving at night past a specific hour or having more than one passenger under a specific age in the car.
Once drivers reach the full license age, they are eligible for a full, unrestricted license. Some states require that the driver must not have been convicted of violating a traffic law with their restricted license to receive their full license. In some states, such as Oklahoma, the law requires drivers to have their restricted license for at least six months and then allows drivers to be eligible for a full license. Drivers must go to their state’s DMV to obtain a new license.
The youngest age in any state that a driver can obtain a learner’s permit is 14 years old, and the highest age is 16 years old. Restricted licenses can be obtained anywhere from 14.5 years to 17 years old, and full licenses are granted between 16 to 18 years old.
FAQs
You cannot get a full, legal driver's license at the age of 14 in any state. You can get a learner's permit at 14 in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
What states in the US let 14 year olds drive? ›
You cannot get a full, legal driver's license at the age of 14 in any state. You can get a learner's permit at 14 in Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Which state has the youngest driving age? ›
Introduction. In America, the minimum driving age varies from state to state. Alaska and Arkansas have the lowest minimum driving age, allowing individuals to start driving at 14 years old.
Can 14 year olds drive in Oklahoma? ›
OKLAHOMA CITY – A new law in Oklahoma allows teens as young as 14 who live or work on a family farm to be eligible for a driving permit to go directly to or from home, work or school. House Bill 1962, authored by state Rep. Carl Newton, R-Cherokee, was passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
Can you drive at 14 in Tennessee? ›
A hardship license (Class H) may be issued to a minor who is 14 years old to operate either a Class D passenger vehicle or Class M motorcycle or both. This license is only issued in cases of family hardship and are limited to specific needs.
Can you drive at 13 in America? ›
18 is the minimum age to drive in 78% of countries all over the world, however in the US, teenagers can hold a full license from just 16.
Can I drive at 14 in Florida? ›
Requirements for Teens Obtaining a Florida Learner's License
Must be at least 15 years old; If under 18 years old, must have a signed/notarized Parental Consent Form (step-parents may not sign unless they have legally adopted the minor child);
Can you drive at 15 in Texas? ›
Texas teen driving laws allow new drivers to get their learner license when they're 15, as long as they meet all the established license requirements. Drivers who have their learner license are only allowed to drive with a licensed adult who is 21 or older in the front seat.
Can you drive at 15 in California? ›
If you are at least 15 1/2 years old but under 18, you will need to apply for an instruction permit before you can hit the road.
What state can you drive the oldest? ›
New Jersey has the oldest with 17 years, and the majority of US states have the minimum driving age at 16.
Illinois' GDL Program does not increase the minimum age at which a teen can obtain a license. Provided the teen successfully completes an approved Driver Education Program and the Instruction Permit Phase, they may obtain a license at age 16.
Can you drive at 14 in Oregon? ›
The first level of license in Oregon is the Class C instruction permit that allows a driver who is at least 15 years old to operate vehicles, but with certain restrictions, most notably that the driver must be accompanied by a driver with a valid license who is at Page 2 Background Brief - Legislative Committee ...
Can I drive at 14 in NC? ›
To be eligible, an individual must be at least 15 years old and have received a Driving Eligibility Certificate and a Driver's Education Certificate from an approved driver education course.
Can you drive in Georgia at 15? ›
Step 1 – Learner's Permit (Class CP): a Georgia Learner's Permit is granted to applicants that are at least 15 years old and have successfully passed a knowledge test consisting of road rules and road signs. Drivers with a Learner's Permit must be accompanied by an individual that is at least 21 years old.
Can you drive at 15 in CT? ›
What is the legal age to obtain a learner's permit or driver's license in Connecticut? The legal age is 16 years old for both a learner's permit and a driver's license.
Can you drive at 14 in Michigan? ›
You must be at least 14 years, 9 months old to apply for the Level 1 License. There is no fee to get your Level 1 License. To get your Level 1 Driver's License, you must pass a vision test.
Can you drive at 14 in Washington state? ›
In Washington, your teen can receive their learner's permit when they turn 15 years old, if they have registered for a driver's education course.
Can you drive at 14 in Minnesota? ›
At what age can a teen get a permit? To qualify for an instruction permit you must be at least 15 years old, complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and be enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction, and pass a knowledge test.
Can you drive at 14 in Connecticut? ›
The legal age is 16 years old for both a learner's permit and a driver's license.
