How to apply for a driving license in USA

Driver Licensing in the USA is managed by States generally under State Departments of Motor Vehicle or departments of Public Safety. There are different scenarios, requirements and processes depending on whether one is seeking to obtain a driving license for the first time, moving from one state to another, or moving to the US from a different country.

Generally, when one is seeking to obtain a driving license for the first time in the USA, there is an age limitation varies from state to state. Even though 18 years is the typical legal age where one can obtain a driver’s license, in most states in the US from 16 years, one can obtain a restricted driver’s license that allows him/her to drive.

The process starts by taking a learner permit test administered by the Department of Motor Vehicle in the state of residence. Upon passing the lean permit test depending on the age, one is required to wait for a probation period typically 6 to 9 months depending on the state, after which one can then take the driving test.

On another hand, a lot of time it is possible to transfer a driver license from one state to another provided the process is initiated within the set timeframe, which typically is about 6 months, but varies from state to state. Our recommendation is that upon moving to a different state, engaging the transfer as soon as possible.

Finally when one moves to the US from a different country with a valid driver license, sometimes, depending on the license whether international or local, there is a limbo time where one can drive, but after a set fixed time, one is required to apply for a new driver’s license from afresh. Motor Vehicle Departments of the state being can give guidance in this case, especially when one has an international driving license.

Information about individual states can be obtained on our website: edrivingschool.org/usa/state, replacing state with respective full name of the state.