Driving age laws vary significantly across the United States, often creating confusion for families, new drivers, and even legal professionals. These disparities in requirements for learner’s permits and licenses can have important implications, especially in the event of a car accident. Understanding these regulations is crucial when addressing issues involving underage or inexperienced drivers.
Car accidents involving young or inexperienced drivers are very common. 16 - 19-year-olds account for 8.7% of drivers in all crashes, according to the NSC. These kinds of crashes can result in unique legal challenges that require skilled representation. MAS Law, a trusted team of car accident attorneys, is here to guide you through these complexities.
Driving Age Requirements in Each State
Alabama
Teens can apply for a learner’s permit at 15 and a restricted license at 16. Full privileges are granted at 17 with a clean record.
Alaska
Residents can get a learner’s permit at 14 and a provisional license at 16. An unrestricted license is available at 18 or earlier with safe driving history.
Arizona
At 15½, teens can apply for a learner’s permit. A graduated license is available at 16, and full driving privileges are granted at 18.
Arkansas
Learner’s permits are issued at 14, with intermediate licenses at 16. Unrestricted licenses begin at 18.
California
Teens may apply for a learner’s permit at 15½, a provisional license at 16, and a full license at 18.
Colorado
Learner’s permits are available at 15 with driver’s ed. A minor license can be obtained at 16, with full privileges at 18.
Connecticut
Learners can start at 16. A full license is available at 18 after meeting training and experience requirements.
Delaware
Teens can get a Level One Learner’s Permit at 16, progressing to full licensing at 17, pending safe driving.
Florida
A learner’s permit is available at 15. A restricted license begins at 16, and full privileges start at 18.
Georgia
Drivers can begin learning at 15, obtain an intermediate license at 16, and earn full privileges at 18 with no violations.
Hawaii
The minimum age for a learner’s permit is 15½. A provisional license is available at 16, with a full license at 17.
Idaho
Learner’s permits start at 14½, with intermediate licensing at 16. Full privileges are given at 18.
Illinois
Teens can apply for a learner’s permit at 15. A graduated license is available at 16, with full privileges at 18.
Indiana
At 15, teens with driver’s ed can apply for a learner’s permit. Licenses are issued at 16½ (with education) or 18.
Iowa
Learner’s permits are available at 14. An intermediate license starts at 16, and full privileges are granted at 17.
Kansas
The learner’s permit is available at 14, a restricted license at 15, and a full license at 16½ or 17.
Kentucky
Teens can apply for a permit at 16 and a restricted license at 16½. A full license is granted at 17 with a clean record.
Louisiana
The permit age is 15, a provisional license is available at 16, and full privileges are granted at 17.
Maine
At 15, teens can begin learning. A provisional license is issued at 16, and full privileges come at 18.
Maryland
Learners can begin at 15¾, with a provisional license at 16½. Full licensing requires 18 months of violation-free driving.
Massachusetts
A learner’s permit is available at 16. A junior operator license can be obtained at 16½, with a full license at 18.
Michigan
Teens can start driving education at 14 years and 8 months. A Level 1 license is issued at 15, with full privileges at 17.
Minnesota
The learner’s permit starts at 15. A provisional license is issued at 16, and a full license is available at 18.
Mississippi
A learner’s permit is available at 15, a restricted license at 16, and a full license at 18.
Missouri
Learner’s permits are available at 15, intermediate licenses at 16, and full licenses at 18.
Montana
Teens may apply for a learner’s license at 14½ (with driver’s ed). Full privileges are available at 16 or 18, depending on experience.
Nebraska
At 15, a school permit or learner’s permit is available. An intermediate license starts at 16, and full privileges at 17.
Nevada
The learner’s permit age is 15½, with full driving privileges at 18.
New Hampshire
Teens may begin supervised driving at 15½ without a permit. A youth operator license is available at 16, with full privileges at 18.
New Jersey
The minimum age for a learner’s permit is 16. Full driving privileges begin at 18 following a graduated program.
New Mexico
Learner’s permits are issued at 15. A provisional license is available at 15½, and a full license at 18.
New York
A learner’s permit is available at 16. A junior license follows, with full privileges at 18 or 17 with driver’s ed.
North Carolina
Learner’s permits start at 15, with a limited provisional license at 16 and full privileges at 18.
North Dakota
Learner’s permits are available at 14. Restricted licenses begin at 15, and full licensing is available at 16.
Ohio
Teens can get a learner’s permit at 15½. A probationary license is issued at 16, with full privileges at 18.
Oklahoma
Learner’s permits start at 15½ (with education). A provisional license is available at 16, and full licensing at 17.
Oregon
At 15, teens can apply for a learner’s permit. A provisional license is issued at 16, with full privileges at 18.
Pennsylvania
The minimum permit age is 16. A junior license follows, and a full license is issued at 18.
Rhode Island
Learner’s permits are available at 16. A limited provisional license is granted at 16½, with full privileges at 18.
South Carolina
Teens can get a beginner’s permit at 15. A conditional license is available at 15½, and a regular license at 17.
South Dakota
Learner’s permits are available at 14. Restricted licenses are issued at 14½, and full licensing is possible at 16.
Tennessee
Learner’s permits start at 15. An intermediate license is available at 16, and unrestricted licenses at 18.
Texas
Teens may apply for a learner’s license at 15, a provisional license at 16, and a full license at 18.
Utah
A learner’s permit is available at 15. Provisional licensing begins at 16, and unrestricted licensing at 18.
Vermont
Learner’s permits are issued at 15. A junior license starts at 16, and a full license at 18.
Virginia
Teens can apply for a learner’s permit at 15½. A provisional license follows at 16 years and 3 months, with full privileges at 18.
Washington
The minimum age for a learner’s permit is 15. Intermediate licensing begins at 16, and full privileges at 18.
West Virginia
Learner’s permits are issued at 15. Intermediate licenses follow at 16, and full privileges at 17 with a clean record.
Wisconsin
Teens can get a learner’s permit at 15½. A probationary license is available at 16, and a full license at 18.
Wyoming
A learner’s permit is available at 15. Intermediate licensing begins at 16, and full licensing at 17.
Why These Laws Matter After an Accident
The age and experience level of a driver can significantly impact liability and insurance outcomes after an accident. In just 2022, there were 180,353 young drivers injured in traffic crashes. Young drivers, particularly those with learner’s permits, are often considered higher risk, which can complicate claims and lawsuits. Understanding these laws is essential in determining fault and navigating insurance disputes.
Working with a knowledgeable car accident attorney, like those at MAS Law, is vital in these cases. Our team provides expert legal representation to families dealing with complex accidents involving young or inexperienced drivers.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
There are times when consulting an attorney is not just helpful but essential. Whether you’ve suffered injuries, the at-fault driver is a minor, or you’re facing disputes with insurance companies, having expert legal guidance can make all the difference. At MAS Law, we are dedicated to supporting our clients through the challenges that follow car accidents, ensuring they receive the experienced assistance they deserve.
Understanding each state’s legal driving age is crucial for promoting road safety and addressing potential legal complexities when accidents occur. MAS Law serves as a trusted ally for families, offering expert advice and advocacy in personal injury and car accident cases.
Contact us online or call (972) 460-9339 today to get in touch with us.
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