State Permit Requirements (2026)
Requirement finder
Find your learner permit requirements by state
Use this state-by-state snapshot to check the permit test format, passing score, retake note, and official source before your DMV visit. For states with a full US Permit Prep guide, use the guide link for study steps and practice options.
| State | Questions | Passing score | Retake note | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Retesting is allowed after a failed knowledge test; confirm any local wait or fee with ALEA. | |
| Alaska | 20 | 16 correct / 80% | Retesting rules and fees can vary by testing location; confirm with Alaska DMV before retesting. | |
| Arizona | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Arizona commonly allows retesting after a failed knowledge test, but appointment and fee rules can vary. | |
| Arkansas | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Confirm retest timing and testing-site rules with Arkansas State Police or DFA before retesting. | |
| California | 36 for many Class C knowledge tests; some applicant paths can use a different count | 80% required | California allows multiple attempts, but wait times, fees, and application limits can apply; verify on DMV pages. | |
| Colorado | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Retesting is available after a failed knowledge test; verify appointment and fee rules with Colorado DMV. | |
| Connecticut | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | A new appointment or retest fee may be required after failing; confirm with Connecticut DMV. | |
| Delaware | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Retesting is available, but timing and fees should be confirmed with Delaware DMV. | |
| Florida | 50 | 40 correct / 80% | Retakes are allowed; Florida may charge retest fees and require official testing procedures. | |
| Georgia | 40 total: 20 road signs and 20 road rules | 15 correct in each section / 75% each | Georgia requires separate passing in both sections; failed retakes may require waiting or fees. | |
| Hawaii | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Retake procedures are handled by county driver licensing offices; confirm locally. | |
| Idaho | 40 | 34 correct / 85% | Retesting is available; confirm the current wait, fee, and testing location process with Idaho DMV. | |
| Illinois | 35 | 28 correct / 80% | Illinois retake rules can depend on attempt limits and office procedure; confirm with Secretary of State. | |
| Indiana | 50 | 42 correct / 84% | Indiana may require a waiting period after failed knowledge attempts; confirm with BMV. | |
| Iowa | 35 | 28 correct / 80% | Retest timing and appointment rules should be confirmed with Iowa DOT. | |
| Kansas | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Confirm retake rules, fees, and local testing process with Kansas Driver Solutions. | |
| Kentucky | 40 | 32 correct / 80% | Kentucky retest timing and scheduling can vary; confirm with Kentucky State Police/drive.ky.gov. | |
| Louisiana | 40 | 32 correct / 80% | Retesting is available through OMV/testing providers; verify fees and appointment rules. | |
| Maine | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Retake scheduling and fees should be verified with Maine BMV. | |
| Maryland | 25 | 22 correct / 88% | Maryland applies attempt/wait rules after failures; confirm current retest timing with MVA. | |
| Massachusetts | 25 | 18 correct / 72% | Retakes require following RMV scheduling and fee rules; verify before retesting. | |
| Michigan | 50 | 40 correct / 80% | Retake rules depend on teen/adult path and testing provider; confirm with Michigan SOS. | |
| Minnesota | 40 | 32 correct / 80% | Retesting can require a new appointment and may involve attempt limits or fees. | |
| Mississippi | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Confirm retest timing and office rules with the Mississippi Driver Service Bureau. | |
| Missouri | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Retesting is available; confirm any local process, fees, and attempt rules with Missouri DOR/MSHP. | |
| Montana | 33 | 27 correct / about 82% | Retest timing and fees should be confirmed with Montana MVD. | |
| Nebraska | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Retesting is available; verify current retake timing and fees with Nebraska DMV. | |
| Nevada | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Retakes may require a fee and new appointment; confirm with Nevada DMV. | |
| New Hampshire | 40 | 32 correct / 80% | Confirm failed-test retake timing and scheduling with New Hampshire DMV. | |
| New Jersey | 50 | 40 correct / 80% | New Jersey retakes require following MVC testing center rules; verify before retesting. | |
| New Mexico | 25 | 18 correct / 72% | Retesting and fee rules should be checked with New Mexico MVD. | |
| New York | 20 | 14 correct / 70%, including at least 2 road sign questions | Retesting is allowed if you fail; confirm appointment and online/in-office rules with NY DMV. | |
| North Carolina | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Retest timing and fees should be verified with NCDMV before retesting. | |
| North Dakota | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Confirm retake timing and appointment rules with North Dakota DOT. | |
| Ohio | 40 | 30 correct / 75% | Ohio failed knowledge tests generally require waiting before retesting; verify current timing with BMV. | |
| Oklahoma | 50 | 40 correct / 80% | Retesting is available; confirm Service Oklahoma appointment and fee rules. | |
| Oregon | 35 | 28 correct / 80% | Oregon retakes may require a waiting period and fee; verify current DMV rules. | |
| Pennsylvania | 18 | 15 correct / about 83% | Pennsylvania retesting is available; confirm timing and center rules with PennDOT. | |
| Rhode Island | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Retesting rules should be confirmed through Rhode Island DMV/testing provider. | |
| South Carolina | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Retakes may require waiting or fee steps; confirm with SCDMV before retesting. | |
| South Dakota | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Confirm retake timing and fees with South Dakota Driver Licensing. | |
| Tennessee | 30 | 24 correct / 80% | Tennessee may require a waiting period after failed tests; verify with Driver Services. | |
| Texas | 30 | 21 correct / 70% | Texas retesting depends on test provider, driver education path, and DPS rules; verify before retesting. | |
| Utah | 50 | 40 correct / 80% | Utah failed-test retake timing and fees should be verified with DLD. | |
| Vermont | 20 | 16 correct / 80% | Retakes are available; confirm scheduling and fee rules with Vermont DMV. | |
| Virginia | 35 total: 10 signs and 25 general knowledge | All 10 signs plus 20 of 25 general questions | Virginia applies specific retest rules after failed attempts; confirm timing with DMV. | |
| Washington | 40 | 32 correct / 80% | Retake timing and fees can depend on the testing location; verify with Washington DOL. | |
| West Virginia | 25 | 19 correct / 76% | Retesting is available, but timing and fees should be confirmed with WV DMV. | |
| Wisconsin | 50 | 40 correct / 80% | Wisconsin retakes may require a new appointment or fee; confirm through WisDOT DMV. | |
| Wyoming | 25 | 20 correct / 80% | Confirm failed-test retake procedures with Wyoming Driver Services. |
Requirements can change. Always verify age, documents, fees, appointments, and retake rules with the official state DMV or licensing agency before your visit. Last source check: June 2026.
Page summary
State Learner Permit Requirements
Permit rules are state-specific. This page is a starting point for checking what matters before you schedule or visit the DMV: age rules, testing steps, documents, fees, vision screening, driver education, parent or guardian rules, and official source links. Use it to organize your plan, then verify the final details with your state licensing agency.
- What Requirements Can Vary: States can differ on minimum age, test length, passing score, appointment rules, accepted identity documents, proof of residency, Social Security number rules, vision screening, fees, retake waiting periods, and whether driver education is required. Even when two states test similar road rules, the application process can be different.
- Teen vs Adult Applicants: Teen applicants may have graduated driver licensing rules, parent or guardian consent, supervised driving requirements, school enrollment requirements, or driver education steps. Adult applicants may have a shorter licensing path but still need to pass knowledge, vision, and document checks. Always read the state section that matches your age group.
- Documents And Fee Notes: Most permit visits require proof of identity, proof of state residency, a Social Security number or approved alternative, and payment for the permit or testing fee. Some states require originals, certified copies, or specific REAL ID documents. Checking this early helps avoid a failed DMV visit.
Study guidance
How to get more from this tool
Permit rules are state-specific. This page is a starting point for checking what matters before you schedule or visit the DMV: age rules, testing steps, documents, fees, vision screening, driver education, parent or guardian rules, and official source links. Use it to organize your plan, then verify the final details with your state licensing agency.
Choose your state guide when it is available.
Check the minimum age, exam type, and passing score snapshot.
Open the official DMV source link before making an appointment.
What Requirements Can Vary
States can differ on minimum age, test length, passing score, appointment rules, accepted identity documents, proof of residency, Social Security number rules, vision screening, fees, retake waiting periods, and whether driver education is required. Even when two states test similar road rules, the application process can be different.
Teen vs Adult Applicants
Teen applicants may have graduated driver licensing rules, parent or guardian consent, supervised driving requirements, school enrollment requirements, or driver education steps. Adult applicants may have a shorter licensing path but still need to pass knowledge, vision, and document checks. Always read the state section that matches your age group.
Documents And Fee Notes
Most permit visits require proof of identity, proof of state residency, a Social Security number or approved alternative, and payment for the permit or testing fee. Some states require originals, certified copies, or specific REAL ID documents. Checking this early helps avoid a failed DMV visit.
Test Format And Passing Score
Some states publish the number of questions and the number you must answer correctly, while others describe the passing score as a percentage. Use the score calculator after practice, but use your official DMV source for the current passing rule and any retake policy.
Why Requirements Need A Source Check
DMV rules can change. A practice website can help organize the information, but your final decision should come from the official state DMV or licensing agency. That is why our state pages are built around official source links, last-updated notes, and reminders to confirm details before making an appointment.
What To Confirm Before You Go
Before a DMV visit, confirm your documents, appointment rules, fee, vision-test requirement, test language options, retake rules, and whether your state requires driver education. If you are under 18, also confirm who must come with you and what signatures are required.
Quick Answers
Are permit requirements the same in every state?
No. Age rules, test formats, passing scores, document rules, and retake policies can differ by state.
Can I rely only on a practice website?
No. Use this site to prepare and organize your study, then verify final requirements with the official DMV source.
Do teens and adults follow the same process?
Not always. Many states have graduated licensing rules for younger drivers.
What should I check before my DMV appointment?
Check identity documents, residency documents, fees, test rules, vision screening, and appointment instructions.
What documents do I usually need for a permit?
Common items include proof of identity, proof of residency, a Social Security number or accepted alternative, and payment. Exact document rules vary by state.
Do I need an appointment for the permit test?
Some states or offices require appointments, while others allow walk-ins. Check the official DMV page for your state and local office.
Can permit fees change?
Yes. Fees can change and may vary by test, permit type, or county. Use the state guide as a starting point and confirm fees before your visit.
Where should I start if my state guide is not finished yet?
Start with the general practice test, road signs quiz, and document checklist, then use your official state DMV website for exact requirements.