You may be wondering if you are able to drive with a temporary driver’s license. Different states have different rules when it comes to driving with a temporary license, but most states will allow you to drive under certain circumstances. If you are passing your licensing exam and will only have your learner’s permit for a limited time, then you can drive as long as you are accompanied by another adult who is also licensed and has at least one year of experience as an operator. However, if your test results didn’t come back in time or you failed the exam, then there are other guidelines that may apply. This article covers the general rules for whether or not you can drive with a temporary license.
Can You Drive with a Temporary License?
In some states, it is possible to get a temporary driver’s license. If you are applying for a license that is valid for up to three days, you should be able to get one without having to pass the written test. If you are applying for a license that is valid for more than three days, you must pass the written test before getting a temporary license. If you are applying for a license that is valid for more than three days and you do not pass the written test, then your temporary driver’s license will be canceled and you will have to take the road test.
What Is A Temporary License?
A temporary driver’s license is a special permit that allows you to drive so long as you have passed your verbal and written exams. While a temporary license is valid, you may only drive if accompanied by a licensed adult who has at least one year of driving experience. A temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be extended up to six months. After your temporary license expires, you will need to pass the written exam again in order to receive a new temporary license.
When You Can Drive With A Temporary License
- In some states, you can get a temporary driver’s license if your driver’s license is valid for less than three days. If you are applying for a license that is valid for up to three days, you should be able to get one without having to pass the written test. If you are applying for a license that is valid for more than three days, you must pass the written test before getting a temporary license.
- You should expect to wait anywhere from six weeks to several months depending on where you live and how long it takes your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) to process your application.
- You should also expect to get your temporary driver’s license in the mail within a few days of applying.
- If you are under the age of 18, then you will need to wait until you turn 18 years old before getting your driver’s license. You can get a provisional license that is valid for 120 days after turning 18 years old. Once you receive your provisional license, you should be able to take your written and driving test and receive a new temporary driver’s license within two weeks.
- If you are between 16 and 18 years old, then it may be a good idea for you to wait until after your 16th birthday before getting a temporary driver’s license so that it is valid for at least one year.
- If you are over the age of 18, then you must wait until you have completed your driver’s education course and have passed your written exam before getting a temporary license.
- You may also be able to get a temporary driver’s license in some states if you need to drive for work or school purposes.
- If you fail your driving test three times in a row, then your temporary license will expire after 12 months or less, depending on the state. You can reapply for a new temporary license by passing the driving test again and paying the fee required by your state’s DMV.
- When applying for a temporary driver’s license, it is important that you make sure that all of the information on your application is accurate and complete including your name and date of birth, where you live, what type of vehicle(s) you drive (car or motorcycle), any points that are on your driving record and any restrictions that apply to your driving privileges (such as no more than one passenger under 21 years old).
- If possible, it is better to apply for your temporary driver’s license at least two weeks before it expires so that there will be enough time for it to be processed before it expires.
- Before taking the written exam with a DMV examiner, make sure that everything on the application form is correct so that there are no mistakes when they check them against your record.
- If you are under the age of 18 years old, then it is important that you bring a parent or legal guardian with you to the DMV when you take your written and driving test.
Final Words
Driving with a temporary license is fairly common, and most states will allow you to drive with a temporary license as long as you have passed the written and verbal exams. However, you may only drive if accompanied by an adult who is also licensed and has at least one year of experience as an operator. Driving with a temporary license is different than driving with a suspended license, so make sure to pay close attention to your state’s rules and regulations.
