How to get your first-time limited-term license - never licensed before

This page is for non-US citizens with a lawful presence, 21 years old and up
Go to different citizenship/age process>>

What you need to know

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Multiple steps required
Getting your first license involves several steps
Process times vary by age

Permit holding time and required training are different depending on your age if you take a driver education course

Learner permit first
You'll need a learner permit before you can start driving
Tests and practice
  1. 50-question written test to get permit
  2. An online test after you get permit
  3. Prove driving practice
  4. Behind-the-wheel driving test
Driver education may be required
  • Age 15-18, driver education is required
  • If you are 19 years old or older, if you do not take driver education, you must hold your permit for at least 3 months and prove you drove 40 hours (10 after dark)
  • Get driver education information
At least two appointments at DLD office required
  1. First appointment to get permit
  2. Second appointment to either take the behind-the-wheel driving test or, after testing at driver's ed or 3rd party tester, show results to get your limited term license

NOTE: additional appointments may be necessary if you fail tests, do not bring correct documents, or do not meet other requirements

What you need to do

  1. Get learner permit

    Make appointment for learner permit

  2. Take online Traffic Safety & Trends exam

    • Learner permit number required to register
    • Must pass with 100%
    Register and take exam

  3. Take driver education OR hold permit for 3 months and prove 40 hours of practice driving

    • 10 hours of the practice driving must be after sunset
    Get driver education information

  4. Take behind-the-wheel driving skills test

    • There are 3 options for taking this test
    Get driving test informationAnd appointment link