Drivers Permits in Mississippi

Getting Your Mississippi Learner's Permit

Are you aware that car accident rates among teen drivers in southern states rank among the highest in the country? Alarming facts like these are why Mississippi has started a graduated driver licensing (GDL) program where teen drivers must reach certain age- and experience-related milestone before they can get an unrestricted driver's license.

One of the first steps on your path to your Mississippi driver's license is to obtain your learner's permit. Below you will find everything you need to know, including information about Driver's Ed and how to pass your written test on your first try with the help of an online practice test.

You may also contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (601) 987-1212.

REAL ID Requirements in Mississippi

The Mississippi DPS complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, meaning it provides first-time driver license applicants with REAL ID-compliant driver licenses. REAL ID driver’s licenses meet the federal identification requirements required for tasks such as entering federal buildings and boarding domestic commercial flights. Without a REAL ID, you'll need to bring your passport or birth certificate for such activities after May 3, 2023.

New applicants will automatically receive a REAL ID. (Options differ for renewals and replacements.) For more details, visit the DPS' guide to REAL ID licensing.

New to Mississippi?

If you're new to Mississippi, be aware that the state does not transfer out-of-state learner's permits. If you have one from your previous state, you'll need to complete all the steps of the GDL program mentioned below.

How to Get a Mississippi Learner's Permit

Learner's permits must be applied for and acquired at a Department of Public Safety office. To save some time, it's a good idea to make an appointment.

The DPS has created different requirements for obtaining a learner's permit depending on your age. In Mississippi there are three types of learner's permits.

For help with choosing the right documents, see the DPS' guide to required proofs.

Limited Learner's Permit – Age 14

In order to get a limited learner's permit, you must be 14 years old and provide proof that you are enrolled in a Driver's Ed program administered by your school.

NOTE: The permit you can apply for at 14 years old is only valid in the driver's education vehicle with your driver's education instructor. Once you turn 15 years old, you must apply for a different permit (see below).

To apply for your 14-year-old permit, provide the following at your local DPS office:

  • A completed Application For Mississippi Driver's License (Form DL-4) from the Department of Public Safety.
  • The application needs to be signed by both parents and notarized.
  • A Social Security card or printout from the Social Security Administration. (Metal cards are not acceptable).
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • An original or certified birth certificate.
  • A signed Certification Of School Attendance Status from the school that you are attending (must be less than 30 days old).
  • 2 documents giving proof of Mississippi residency in your parent or legal guardian's name.
  • Payment for the $7 permit fee.

Learner's Permit – Age 15

To obtain this learner's permit, you must be at least 15 years old, and show proof that you are enrolled in a Driver's Education course provided by your school, in addition to the documents mentioned below.

NOTE: When you turn 17 years old, you will need to follow different application requirements (please see “Learner's Permit – Age 17 and Older" below).

You'll also need the following documents:

  • A completed Application For Mississippi Driver's License (Form DL-41).
  • A Social Security card or printout from the Social Security Administration (metal cards are not acceptable).
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • An original or certified U.S. birth certificate.
  • A signed Certification Of School Attendance Status from the school that you are attending, if you're under 18 years old. (The form is not valid if it's over 30 days old.)
  • 2 documents showing proof of your parent or legal guardian's MS residency.
  • Payment for the $7 permit fee.

You must hold your Mississippi learner's permit for 12 months before you may apply for an intermediate driver's license.

Mississippi Learner's Permit – Age 17 and Older

If you're 17 years old but under 18 years old, you're required to submit a different application form, and you must show proof that you are enrolled in a Driver's Education course at your school.

You'll also need the following documents:

  • A completed Application For Mississippi Driver's License (Form DL-41) (for applicants 17 years old).
  • A Social Security card or printout from the Social Security Administration (metal cards are not acceptable).
    • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
  • Original or certified birth certificate.
  • A signed Certification Of School Attendance Status from the school that you are attending (may not be dated over 30 days old).
  • 2 proofs of Mississippi residency in your parent or legal guardian's name if you're younger than 21 years old.
  • Payment for the $7 permit fee.

Drivers 17 years old and older are exempt from the learner's permit holding period, as well as the intermediate driver's license requirement (see our page on Teen Licensing in Mississippi for more information).

Note, however, that if you are under 18 years old and you do not have a high school diploma or GED, you will not be able to get a license until you turn 18 years old.

Taking the Written Permit Exam in Mississippi

The written permit test is based on information about Mississippi traffic laws, road signs and safe driving techniques discussed in the Mississippi Driver's Manual. In addition to taking and passing the permit test, you will also be required to pass a vision test.

Pass The Written Test On Your First Try

If you want to prepare for the written exam, the DPS has an app for that. In addition, we suggest preparing with an online practice test offered by approved partner. These tests are designed for your success.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements

With your learner's permit, you'll be required to complete the 6 hours of dual driving instruction that is part of your driver education course. You may also be required to complete additional behind-the-wheel practice hours, as instructed by your course director.

You can contact the Department of Public Safety at (601) 987-1212 for more information on behind-the-wheel driving requirements with your learner's permit in order to obtain a driver's license.

Replacing Your Learner's Permit in Mississippi

If you need to renew or replace your learner's permit, you'll need to appear at a DPS office and bring the documents that you submitted mentioned above. For more information on replacing your learner's permit, please refer to our Replacing a Lost License in MS page.

Your Next Step: Get Your Intermediate Driver's License

With a learner's permit in your possession, you're finally ready to experience life in the driver's seat. It's important that you use extreme caution and that you are conscious of your surroundings at all times.

The next step in the Mississippi GDL process is to get your intermediate driver's license. For more information, please refer to our MS Teen Driver's License page.

Forms

DL-4
Application for Mississippi Drivers License
Use this form to apply for a Mississippi driver's license if you're 15-16 years old. MUST be signed by your parents or legal guardian
DL-41
17 and Older Regular Application
Application for a Mississippi driver's license if you're 17 years old or older.
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