Your Instruction Permit Top ↑
Young drivers can obtain an instruction (learner's) permit at age 15½. You must present proof of your identity and Nevada residential address. This is typically a certified, U.S. issued Birth Certificate, your Social Security Card and two documents to prove your address.
Proof of Identity & Address
Nevada has three sets of requirements for proof of identity. Most motorists will apply for a Real ID driver's license or a standard Nevada license.
Those who cannot meet the requirements for a Real ID or standard license may apply for a Driver Authorization Card (DAC), which is not valid for identification.
See Residency and Proof of Identity and choose the card that is right for you.
You must bring original proof of identity and address documents when you apply. An existing ID card or out-of-state license or permit is not adequate proof unless it is Real-ID compliant.
How to Apply
Make an appointment at our metropolitan offices. You must pass the vision and written tests and have a parent/guardian sign the financial responsibility section on the application. The licensing fee is $22.25.
A $25 testing fee will be charged prior to the written test and covers both the written test and the initial skills test. An $10 retest fee will apply to all retakes. Written testing closes early - one-half hour or up to one hour before the DMV office closes.
You will receive an interim paper document that allows you to drive. The actual instruction permit will be mailed within 10 business days. You may drive only with a licensed driver, 21 years or older, with at least one year of driving experience seated next to you at all times.
- Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002):
English | Spanish | Tagalog - Minor Affidavit and Information Sheet (DP-38)
This ensures the beginning driver and the parent/guardian understand certain laws regarding minor drivers. It is also used to request cancellation of the minor's permit or license. - Certification of Attendance (DMV 301)
Vision Test
The minimum level of acceptable vision is 20/40 in one eye. If a driver must wear glasses or contact lenses to meet this standard, Restriction B will be placed on the license or permit.
Knowledge (Written) Test
The knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions based on the Nevada Drivers Handbook. Passing score is 80%.
Knowledge Test Sample Quiz!!
Homeless Youth Fee Exemption
The Department is authorized to waive the fee for homeless persons under 25 years of age to obtain an original, renewal or duplicate driver license or ID card. This is a one-time exemption and you must apply in person at DMV office and complete the declaration form.
Declaration of Homeless Status (DMV 128)
Expiration, Renewal and Cancellation Top ↑
Instruction Permits are valid for one year. If your permit has expired, you must apply for renewal in person at a DMV office, a parent/guardian must sign another Financial Responsibility Statement.
The parent/guardian who signed the Financial Responsibility Statement when the minor applied for the permit can request its cancellation at any time by completing the Minor Affidavit (DP-38) form and presenting it in person at a DMV office. Nevada law requires the permit itself to be surrendered to the DMV.
The department can require testing, cancel a permit or deny the renewal if the applicant has been convicted of traffic violations or other offenses listed under License Suspensions and Revocations.
Behind The Wheel Experience Top ↑
Young drivers are required to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience. You must have a licensed driver, who is 21 or older and has been licensed for at least one year, seated next to you at all times. 10 hours of the experience must be completed in darkness. The darkness requirement does not apply to motorcycle licenses. Motorcycle experience should be completed in daylight only.
If driver education is not offered within a 30-mile radius of your residential address and you do not wish to complete an online course, you must complete 100 hours of supervised experience, 10 hours of which must be in darkness.
You must keep a written log of the dates and times of this experience and submit it when taking your driving skills test. Time spent behind-the-wheel with a professional driving instructor counts toward the required hours.
The Parents Supervised Driving Program
The Nevada DMV offers the printed Parents Supervised Driving Guide and the RoadReady app from the Safe Roads Alliance.
The Driving Guide contains detailed lessons and tips to help beginning drivers learn needed skills and become safe drivers. Download it below or ask for it at the DMV when you complete the knowledge test.
The RoadReady app easily and accurately logs the dates and times of driving experience on your iPhone. The RoadReady log can be downloaded and printed to present to the DMV as proof of the required 50 hours of experience.
Parents Supervised Driving Guide (PDF, 52 pages)
RoadReady: Android | iPhone | Info
You may also log the driving experience on the official DMV forms:
Beginning Driver Experience Log (DLD 130) | Additional Time Sheets
Fill in the DLD-130 form after each driving session and have it fully completed before your skills test.
You must complete the log on either the RoadReady app or the DLD-130 form. Other logs are not accepted. Your parent or guardian must sign the first page of a DLD-130 form even if you use the RoadReady app as your log.
Permit Time Limits & Restrictions Top ↑
You must be 16 years old to apply for a full license. You must also:
- hold a valid instruction permit for at least six months prior to applying
- have no at-fault crashes in the six months prior to applying
- have no moving violation convictions in the six months prior to applying
- have no alcohol or drug convictions of any kind in the six months prior to applying
Driving Skills Test Top ↑
Use online scheduling or call the DMV to schedule a driving skills test when you have met the requirements for Driver Education, Behind The Wheel Experience and Time Limits and Restrictions. If someone else schedules the test for you, they must have your instruction permit number or Social Security Number.
You must call to cancel a test. Tests may not be canceled online.
| Online Scheduling | |
| Las Vegas area | (702) 486-4368 |
| Reno/Sparks/Carson City | (775) 684-4368 |
Bring the following with you:
- Parent/Guardian (must sign a Financial Responsibility Statement and Affidavit for Minor to be Licensed)
- Instruction Permit
- Proof of Identity
- Drivers Education Certificate of Completion or high school report card/official school transcript
- Completed Beginning Driver Experience Log (DLD 130) or RoadReady log printout
- Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card (DMV 002):
English | Spanish | Tagalog - Vehicle with Registration and Insurance
You can take the skills test in any passenger car or truck which is properly registered and insured except a rental car. The examiner will perform a vehicle safety inspection and check the Certificate of Registration and Evidence of Insurance.
The examiner will give you instructions on where to drive for the test. Serious traffic violations such as speeding or failure to yield will result in automatic failure. Examiners use a point system to grade other aspects of performance. If you fail the test, the examiner will explain why and instruct you on how to re-take it. A 30-day time limit can be imposed.
Your Driver License Top ↑
Once you have passed the Driving Skills test, you return to the DMV to have your new license processed. The fee is $22.25 We will punch a hole on your instruction permit and return it to you along with an interim paper document that certifies your driving privilege. The actual license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
Nevada minor licenses feature distinctive designs to help retailers identify underage customers. They contain the same special markings for Real ID or other types of cards as adult licenses.
The license is printed in a vertical format. The date the bearer will turn 18 is printed in red type.
Nevada introduced a new license design in July and August, 2021. See Driver License Designs for more information.
Insurance: Contact your agent after you pass the skills test. All licensed drivers in your household must be disclosed to your insurance company.
Driving Restrictions Top ↑
Passenger Restrictions
Young drivers may not transport any passenger under the age of 18, except for immediate family members, for the first six months after the license was issued. Penalties for violations include extending the restriction for six months or more and fines for repeated violations.
Statewide Driving Curfew
Drivers under 18 may not drive between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless they are traveling to or from a scheduled event such as school events or work. Law enforcement may ask for satisfactory evidence of the event. This applies to all drivers under the age of 18 until they turn 18.
Local Curfews
Although local curfews are not related to driving, minors must know and obey the local laws.
Las Vegas Strip and Downtown
9 p.m., unless accompanied by an adult.
Elsewhere in Las Vegas
10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday
Midnight on Friday and Saturday
Las Vegas Metro Police (702) 229-3535
Reno Downtown Gaming District
9 p.m., unless accompanied by an adult.
Elsewhere in Reno
Midnight all weekdays
Reno Police Department (775) 334-2677
Curfews in other Nevada cities vary. Call the local police department.
Other Restrictions
Nevada has a .02 blood alcohol limit for drivers under 21.
Drivers can also be arrested for any detectable amount of a controlled or prohibited substance.
Minor driver licenses can be suspended for any of the same reasons as adult licenses and also for non-driving alcohol/drug convictions, firearms violations or habitual truancy. See License Suspensions.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities Top ↑
The parent/guardian who signed the Financial Responsibility Statement can request cancellation of the license at any time until the driver turns 18. Complete the Minor Affidavit (DP-38) form and present it and the license in person at a DMV office. The license must be surrendered.
Parents/guardians who knowingly and willfully allow an underage driver to drive without a license or drive in violation of any of the minor driver laws are held responsible for any fines and/or restitution imposed following a citation or accident.
Any adult who knowingly serves, sells or furnishes alcohol to a minor, or allows the minor to consume alcohol on his property, can be held liable in a civil action for any damages caused as a result of the alcohol consumption. This also applies to the use of controlled substances by persons of any age.
Out of State Issues and Answers Top ↑
Visitors
Nevada honors out-of-state instruction permits. If the permit is valid in your home state, you can drive in Nevada with a licensed driver 21 years or older seated next to you. Nevada also honors out of state driver licenses, but you must follow Nevada's restrictions.
New Residents
Drivers education is not required for any applicant age 18 or older, or for a driver under 18 who has received a license with full driving privileges issued by another state. All applicants under 21, however, must take vision and written tests. See our New Resident Guide.
Applicants with restricted or graduated licenses or those with out-of-state instruction permits must complete drivers education unless they live in an area of Nevada which is exempt. The Beginning Driver Experience Log also must be completed.
Out-of-state drivers education classes are accepted if the course instructor completes an affidavit that the school's curriculum meets or exceeds Nevada's standards. The form and curriculum requirements are listed below.
Affidavit of Completion of Out-of-State Driver Education Course (DP-289)
Nevada Residents
Whether you are moving to another state or just visiting, you should be able to drive with a Nevada Instruction Permit as long as you follow the laws of the other state as they pertain to having a licensed driver with you, curfews, etc. Check with law enforcement or state DMV in each area where you will be traveling. If you are moving permanently, contact your new state's DMV for information on driver education and other requirements to obtain your license.