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PermitPath Learner’s permits, state by state
All 50 states

PermitPath · Teen driver guide

Your learner’s permit, state by state

Minimum ages, supervised driving hours, holding periods, and what to bring — for every US state, with a link to the official source so you can double-check before you go.

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Find your state

Type to filter, or browse by region. Every guide covers eligibility age, the knowledge test, required practice hours, and how long you’ll hold the permit.

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The fast lane & the long haul

We scored every state on starting age, practice hours, and waiting time. Where does yours land? See the full 50-state ranking →

🏁 Easiest five

  1. #1 Arkansas 83
  2. #2 Alaska 63
  3. #3 Nebraska 60
  4. #4 Wyoming 59
  5. #5 New Hampshire 58

🚧 Toughest five

  1. #50 Maryland 18
  2. #49 Pennsylvania 20
  3. #48 Kentucky 23
  4. #47 Florida 26
  5. #46 Colorado 26

Free tools, no sign-up

⏳ Count down to your permit date · ⚔️ Compare two states · 🚦 Take the Road Ready quiz · 📝 Log your practice hours

Permit age in every state, at a glance

Minimum age to apply for a learner’s permit (some states require driver education enrollment at the youngest age — see each state’s guide).

State Minimum permit age Supervised hours Minimum holding period
Alabama 15 50 hours 6 months
Alaska 14 40 hours 6 months
Arizona 15½ 30 hours 6 months
Arkansas 14 See state guide 6 months violation-free
California 15½ 50 hours 6 months
Colorado 15 50 hours 12 months
Connecticut 16 40 hours 120 days with commercial driver training, or 180 days with home training
Delaware 16 50 hours 6 months of supervised driving before unsupervised driving is allowed
Florida 15 50 hours 12 months
Georgia 15 40 hours 12 months and 1 day
Hawaii 15½ 50 hours 180 days
Idaho 14½ 50 hours 6 months
Illinois 15 50 hours 9 months
Indiana 15 50 hours 180 days
Iowa 14 20 hours 12 months
Kansas 14 25 hours before a restricted license at 15; 50 total hours 12 months
Kentucky 16 60 hours 180 days
Louisiana 15 50 hours 180 days
Maine 15 70 hours 6 months
Maryland 15 years, 9 months 60 hours 9 months
Massachusetts 16 40 hours (30 if the teen completes an approved skills development program) 6 months
Michigan 14 years, 8 months 50 hours 6 months on Level 1
Minnesota 15 50 hours 6 months
Mississippi 15 See state guide 12 months
Missouri 15 40 hours 182 days
Montana 14½ 50 hours 6 months
Nebraska 15 50 hours See state guide
Nevada 15½ 50 hours 6 months
New Hampshire 15½ 40 hours See state guide
New Jersey 16 50 hours 6 months of supervised practice
New Mexico 15 50 hours 6 months
New York 16 50 hours 6 months
North Carolina 15 60 hours 9 months
North Dakota 14 50 hours (for applicants under 16) 12 months or until age 16, whichever comes first
Ohio 15½ 50 hours 6 months
Oklahoma 15½ 55 hours 6 months
Oregon 15 50 hours with an approved driver education course 6 months
Pennsylvania 16 65 hours 6 months
Rhode Island 16 50 hours 6 months
South Carolina 15 40 hours 180 days
South Dakota 14 50 hours 275 days
Tennessee 15 50 hours 180 days
Texas 15 30 hours 6 months
Utah 15 40 hours 6 months
Vermont 15 40 hours 12 months
Virginia 15½ 45 hours 9 months
Washington 15 50 hours 6 months
West Virginia 15 50 hours 180 days
Wisconsin 15½ 30 hours 6 months
Wyoming 15 50 hours 10 days

How getting a permit works, in most states

  1. Meet your state’s minimum age. It ranges from 14 (Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota) to 16 (states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania).
  2. Gather documents. Typically proof of identity (birth certificate or passport), Social Security number, proof of state residency, and a parent or guardian’s signature if you’re under 18. Many states also require proof of school enrollment.
  3. Enroll in driver education if required. Some states require it before the permit; others before the license; a few not at all.
  4. Pass the knowledge test and vision screening. The written test covers your state’s road rules and signs — study the official driver manual, which every state publishes free.
  5. Practice with a licensed adult. Most states require 30–70 logged hours, including night driving, with a supervising driver who meets age and licensing rules.
  6. Hold the permit for the required period — usually 6 months, up to 12 in some states — then take the road test for your next license stage.