How To Get Your Learners Permit

Most people dream of having the freedom of movement that a driver’s license provides, the first step to getting one is a learners permit. Having a learner’s permit is a stepping stone to getting your license and it doesn’t require you to have a car or even access to a car. There will be restrictions on your ability to drive but it is worth getting in the long run. You have to learn how to walk before you can run, so let’s start walking!

What is a Learner’s Permit?

A learner’s permit is essentially a restricted driver’s license. Its main usage is for you to get use to the road by learning to drive. When you get your learner’s permit, the goal is to take some driving classes or be taught by someone in your life (who has a driver’s license).

Learner permits have restrictions that are typically based on the state you’re in. Generally speaking it will restrict you from driving during different times (usually depending on your age and the amount of time you’ve had your permit) and it will require you to be in the car with a driver over the age of 21.

Steps To Take To Get Your Permit

Step One: Figure out your state requirements.

Depending on the state you’re in, the only test or class you have to pass is your permit test/driver’s ed class. In some states all you have to do is pass the test and theirs no driver’s ed course required. In other states you might have to take a substance abuse and traffic law class before you can take your permit test.

America is a huge country and I wish I could give you a specific requirement that carries you across the board but that’s not possible. Google your specific state and put learners permit next to it ( ex: Alabama learner’s permit requirements).

Whatever classes or tests you have to take need to be approved or accredited in your state. Make sure that any courses you sign up for or give your money to is reputable or that’s just money down the drain for you.

How To Study For Your Tests

Most states have a drivers handbook or drivers manual available on their state government site. It can be a helpful tool to read through but in all honesty the best way to prepare (or at least what worked for me) is to do practice tests online or through an app.

I’m not here to sell or promote any specific app or site, whatever you can find that has the drivers laws for your state works. Just make sure you go for state specific guides because what might be legal in one state might not be in yours.

Studying really comes down to your personal preference, if you’re a reader or writer, go through the driver’s manual’s and laws. If you’re a visual or physical learner look at YouTube videos of drivers ed teachers for your state. You can even ask someone who drives to explain what they do or how things work on the road ( I wouldn’t recommend this, just because someone drives like they do doesn’t necessarily means it’s right or legal lol).

Taking Your Test And Getting Your Permit

You’re more than likely going to take your knowledge test at a dmv or tax collector office ( you can also take it online in some states). It’ll be pretty straight forward you have a certain amount of questions to get right and you can only miss a few or you’ll have to redo the test. You’re typically allowed three tries before any restrictions on you taking the test is applied ( ex. In California after three failings you’d have to reapply to take it again).

Another test you’ll usually have to take is your standard hearing and visual test.

There is a fee associated with getting your learner’s permit but that varies from state to state too. You might have to take documents with you in order to get your permit like a birth certificate/social security card. You might also be asked to show proof of where you live.

What Comes Next?

After getting your learners permit, I would encourage driving classes next. Look into defensive driving courses and also classes that offer certificates that gives you a discount on insurance for your future car (insurance can be expensive especially for a new or young driver).

I encourage you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Getting a permit is no easy task and it took work to get there. I hope you remain safe on these roads out here, just remember to take your time and focus on your surroundings!

Thank You For Reading!

As always thank you for reading and please feel free to offer me any feedback in the comments section below.

We’re going to make it!

– Dove