Drivers Permits in Nevada

Driver's Permits in Nevada

If you're a new driver, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to first obtain your learner's permit (or instruction permit) before you can move on to your full driver's license.

If you're younger than 18 years old, you will also need to pass an approved driver's education program.

Continue reading to learn more about NV learner's permits.

Nevada REAL ID Driver's License

The Nevada DMV has begun issuing federally-compliant REAL ID driver’s licenses. As of May 7, 2025, the REAL ID will function as federal identification for domestic travel and entry into federal and military buildings—a standard license will not after this date.

You have the option to apply for a REAL ID-compliant or non-compliant license in Nevada, though the DMV highly encourages you to obtain a REAL ID. Application info for both credentials is outlined below. For further details, visit the DMV's guide to NV REAL IDs.

New to Nevada?

If you have an out-of-state driver's license or learner's permit, you must transfer it within 30 days of moving to Nevada.

If you have an out-of-state driver's license, the Nevada DMV does NOT require you to take a driver education course if you're less than 18 years old.

Teens with an out-of-state restricted or graduated driver's license or an instruction permit must complete a driver's education course and submit a completed Beginning Driver Experience Log (Form DLD130). For more details, please read our page about Driver's Ed in Nevada.

Continue reading below for details about the instruction permit application process.

NOTE: If you have an out-of-state learner's permit, you may drive in Nevada as long as a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old supervises you.

How to Get a Nevada Learner's Permit

You must be at least 15 1/2 years old to apply for a learner's permit in Nevada. First, decide whether you want your eventual license to be REAL ID-compliant or not. The application process will be almost identical, except that for a REAL ID license, there are specific proofs of identity that are accepted.

To apply, visit your local Nevada DMV office and:

  • Submit a completed Driver's License, Driver Authorization Card, or Identification Card Application (Form DMV 002E).
    • Your parent or guardian must sign the financial responsibility section on your application.
  • Show proof of your:
    • Identity.
    • Social Security number.
      • The agent may be able to verify your SSN electronically, but bring your documents just in case.
    • Residency (2 documents).
  • Have your completed Certification of Attendance (Form DMV 301). Required for any applicant under 18 years old.
  • Pass your vision test.
  • Pass the written permit test.
  • Pay the $22.25 licensing fee, plus the $25 testing fee.

The NV DMV will mail your learner's permit.

Want to ace your exam on the first try?

While you COULD spend hours studying the driver handbook, there's a better way to study. Utilize a free online practice test to prepare yourself for the actual format of your permit test. Plus, with rotating questions and answers, you can quiz yourself as many times as you want to make sure you pass on your first try.

Learner's Permit Restrictions

With your Nevada learner's permit, you can only drive while supervised by a driver 21 years old or older who has been driving for at least 1 year. The supervisor must be seated next to you while you are driving.

Taking the Written Permit Test

The written permit test is a requirement for every new driver in Nevada. The test will contain 25 questions in a multiple-choice format based on the NV driver manual. You must answer at least 80% correctly to pass.

To prepare yourself for your Nevada written permit test, be sure to read the Nevada Driver Manual. You can also take the the DMV online practice test. Our suggestion is to ensure passing on your first attempt with a comprehensive online practice test.

Behind-the-Wheel Requirements

Once you have your NV learner's permit, you're ready for supervised behind-the-wheel training. To be eligible for your NV driver's license, you must:

  • Complete 50 hours of driving practice, which includes 10 hours of driving practice at night.
  • Complete a Driver's Ed course OR 100 hours of driving practice (10 hours at night), if eligible (see note below).
  • Hold your learner's permit for at least 6 months.

NOTE: If there are no Driver's Ed providers within a radius of 30 miles of your address, you may complete the 100 hours of supervised driving experience (10 hours at night).

A driver who is at least 21 years old with 1 year of driving experience must accompany you.

The NV DMV requires you to maintain a written log of your driving experience in the Beginning Driver Experience Log (Form DLD130). Your parent or guardian must sign this form when you apply for your full driver's license.

Next Step: Your Nevada Driver's License

Once you have met the following requirements, you are eligible for your Nevada driver's license:

  • Successfully completed driver's education, if required (see “Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements" above).
  • Completed your behind-the-wheel driving experience (see “Behind-the-Wheel Driving Requirements" above).
  • Held your learner's permit for at least 6 months.
  • Have a clean driving record for the past 6 months, which includes:
    • NO accidents (your fault).
    • NO convictions related to moving violations.
    • NO alcohol or drug convictions.

For details on how to apply, visit our Applying for a New License (Teen Drivers) in Nevada page.

Forms

DLD130
Beginning Driver Experience Log
Log the number of supervised driving hours your teen driver has completed as part of earning their Nevada driver's license.
DMV 301
Certification of Attendance
Teen driver's license applicants must use this form to verify they're enrolled in school and have an approved attendance record OR to claim exemption from the DMV's attendance requirement. Must be signed by a school official.
DMV 002E
Application Driving Privileges or ID Card
Apply for an original, renewal, OR duplicate NV driver's license (Class C, M, A, or B), instructional permit, commercial endorsement, OR identification card.
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