The process of obtaining a driver’s license for teens typically involves three stages: the learner’s permit, the intermediate (or provisional) license, and the full driver’s license. These stages are crucial for teen driving safety, ensuring that new drivers develop the necessary skills and experience to drive confidently and safely.
Driver’s License Stages
Learner’s Permit
Begin with a parent-taught driver education program, pass the written test, and get your learner’s permit. Start your supervised driving practice and use a driving log app for teens to track your required hours. Show me the requirements for this stage…
Provisional Driver’s License
Congratulations on passing your driving test! You can now start driving with restrictions. These restrictions vary by state, so be sure to consult your state’s driving guide for teens.
Full Driver’s License
This license comes with no limitations, but there is a minimum age and period required before obtaining a fully privileged license. Understanding the rules at each stage is key to a successful journey through the teen driver training process.

Each stage is designed to gradually introduce teens to the responsibilities of driving, helping ensure they develop the necessary skills and experience for safe driving. It’s important for teens and parents to familiarize themselves with their state’s graduated driver licensing (GDL) program to stay informed about the specific requirements and restrictions.
Here’s an overview of each stage:
Learner’s Permit Requirements
Age: Typically, teens must be at least 15 or 16 years old, depending on the state.
Written Test: Teens must pass a written knowledge test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.
Supervised Driving: Permit holders must drive only under the supervision of a licensed adult, usually 21 years or older.
Practice Hours: Many states require a certain number of supervised driving hours, including both daytime and nighttime driving.
Provisional License Requirements
Age: Typically, teens must be at least 16 or 17 years old.
Learner’s Permit: Teens must have held a learner’s permit for a specified period, often six months to a year.
Driving Test: Teens must pass a road test demonstrating their driving skills.
Restricted Driving: Intermediate license holders often face restrictions, such as:
– Passenger Limits: Limited number of passengers, usually excluding family members.
– Curfew: Prohibited from driving during late-night hours, typically between 10 PM and 5 AM.
– Cell Phone Use: Restrictions on using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving.
Full License Requirements
Age: Typically, teens must be at least 18 years old, though some states allow it at 17.
Intermediate License: Teens must have held an intermediate license for a specified period, often 12 months, without any serious traffic violations.
Completion of Driver’s Ed: In some states, completing a driver’s education course may be required.
Safe Driving Record: A clean driving record with no major traffic offenses or accidents.
Help me complete my driving requirements, log my driving hours and get tips and resources!
Provisional Driving License
Requirements by State
Alabama
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 6 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Alaska
Full License Minimum Age: | 161/2 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 21 (First 6 Months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 1 am – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Arizona
Full License Minimum Age: | 16 1/2 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 18 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Arkansas
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 21 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 4 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
California
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 20 (unless accompanied by a licensed parent, instructor or licensed driver 25 years or older) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Colorado
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (first 6 months) Max 1 (second 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Connecticut
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Only parents or instructor (first 6 months) Immediate family (second 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 / 4 months |
Delaware
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 6 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
District of Columbia
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (first 6 months) Max 2 under 21 (after 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 6 am (Sep – Jun, except Fri-Sat) Midnight – 6 am (Sep – Jun and Fri-Sat) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
Florida
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | None |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 6 am (16 years) 1 am – 5 am (17 years) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Georgia
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (first 6 months) Max 1 under 21 (second 6 months) Max 3 passengers (after) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Hawaii
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 18 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Idaho
Full License Minimum Age: | 16 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 17 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 15 |
Illinois
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 20 (first 12 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 6 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Indiana
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 5 am (first 6 months) 11 pm – 5 am (after 6 months, Sun-Thurs or 1 am – 5 am Fri-Sat) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 / 3 months with drivers ed |
Iowa
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 18 (parents may waive) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 12:30 am – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Kansas
Full License Minimum Age: | 161/2 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 non-sibling (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 9 pm – 5 am (first 6 months) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 or 15 to work or school |
Kentucky
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 20 (unless supervised by instructor) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 6 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
Louisiana
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 21 (between 6 pm – 5 am) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Maine
Full License Minimum Age: | 16 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (first 270 days) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Maryland
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 18 (first 5 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
Massachusetts
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 18 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
Michigan
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 21 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Minnesota
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 20 (first 6 months) Max 3 under 20 (second 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Mississippi
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | None |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 6 am (Sun-Thurs) 11:30 pm – 6 am (Fri-Sat) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: License: | 16 |
Missouri
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 19 (first 6 months) Max 3 under 19 (after 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 1 am – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Montana
Full License Minimum Age: | 16 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 18 (first 6 months) Max 3 under 18 (after 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 15 |
Nebraska
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 19 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 6 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Nevada
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 18 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
New Hampshire
Full License Minimum Age: | 17/1 Month |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 25 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 1 am – 4 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
New Jersey
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 17 |
New Mexico
Full License Minimum Age: | 161/2 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 21 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 151/2 |
New York
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 21 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 9 pm – 5 am (except with proof of driving to work or school) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
North Carolina
Full License Minimum Age: | 161/2 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 21 (Max 1 under 21 if family member) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 9 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
North Dakota
Full License Minimum Age: | 16 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | None |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Sunset or 9 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Ohio
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 (first 12 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 6 am (16 years) 1 am – 5 am (17 years) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Oklahoma
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Oregon
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 20 (first 6 months) Max 3 under 20 (second 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Pennsylvania
Full License Minimum Age: | 16 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 6 Months |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 65 (10 at night)+ 5 in adverse weather |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
Rhode Island
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 21 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 1 am – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 161/2 |
South Carolina
Full License Minimum Age: | 161/2 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 2 under 21 (unless to/from school) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 6 pm – 6 am (EST) 8 pm – 6 am (EDT) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 151/2 |
South Dakota
Full License Minimum Age: | 16 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (first 6 months, except inside household) No more than 1 (after 6 months, outside of household) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 10 pm – 6 am (exception driving to school, work or church. Driving agricultural machinery) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 141/2 |
Tennessee
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 6 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Texas
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 21 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Utah
Full License Minimum Age:: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (first 6 months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Vermont
Full License Minimum Age: | 161/2 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 (First 3 Months) Only Family (Second 3 Months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | None |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Virginia
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | Max 1 under 20 (First 12 Months) Max 3 under 20 (remainder) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 4 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16/3 Months |
Washington
Full License Minimum Age: | 18 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 20 (First 6 Months) Max 3 under 20 (remainder) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 1 am – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
West Virginia
Full License Minimum Age: | 17 |
*Passenger Restrictions: | 0 under 20 (First 6 Months) Max 1 under 20 (Second 6 Months) |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 50 (10 at night) |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Wisconsin
Full License Minimum Age: | 15/9 Months |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | Midnight – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
Wyoming
Full License Minimum Age: | 16/6 Months |
*Passenger Restrictions: | No more than 1 under 18 |
Night Time Driving Restrictions: | 11 pm – 5 am |
Minimum Age for Provisional Driver’s License: | 16 |
* Except Family (unless noted)
Master the Supervised Driving Stage
Follow our supervised driving practice guide, log your driving hours, have fun, and earn rewards with GUIDE2Safeti!