Nevada Learners Permit: Age, Documents and How to Apply
A Nevada learners permit, which the DMV calls an instruction permit, lets you practice driving with a licensed adult beside you. Teens can apply at 15½, and for adults 18 and older it’s optional. You pass the vision and knowledge tests, show your documents and pay a $22.50 permit fee plus the $25 testing fee.
Written by the DMV Appointment Las Vegas team · Verified by Ryan Parker & Ethan Miller · Last updated: November 2026
Learners permit checker
Answer three questions to see if you need a permit, what to bring, what it costs and the rules once you have it.
Fees and rules from the Nevada DMV’s instruction permit and fee pages. Confirm at your appointment.
Who can get a learners permit in Nevada?
Any Nevada resident who is at least 15½ can apply for an instruction permit. Drivers under 18 must hold one before they can schedule a road test. For adults 18 and older the permit is optional, but it’s the only way to practice on the road and to book the drive test online.
- Prove school attendance with form DMV 301
- A parent or guardian signs the Minor Affidavit (DP-38) and the financial responsibility statement
- Hold the permit at least 6 months before the road test
- Most first-time drivers under 18 also need driver’s ed
- Skip the permit and go straight to the road test if you like
- With a permit, you can practice and book the drive test online
- Without one, the DMV schedules your drive test at the office after you pass the written test
- Moving here with a license from another state? You transfer it instead
What do you need to bring for a Nevada learners permit?
Bring one proof of identity, one proof of your Social Security number, two documents with your Nevada address and the DMV 002 application. Teens under 18 also bring the DMV 301 school form and the DP-38 Minor Affidavit, with a parent or guardian present to sign.
- Proof of identity
An original or certified document, such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport.
Everyone - Proof of Social Security
Your Social Security card or another document showing your full number.
Everyone - Two Nevada address proofs
Two documents showing your Nevada home address, dated within 60 days.
Everyone - Application (DMV 002)
The Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card, in English, Spanish or Tagalog.
Everyone - School attendance (DMV 301)
Completed by your school. It’s good for 60 days, so get it close to your appointment.
Under 18 - Minor Affidavit (DP-38)
Signed with a parent or guardian, who also signs the financial responsibility statement.
Under 18
Not sure which documents count? Our Real ID document checklist lists the identity and address papers the DMV accepts, and the same rules apply to permits. If you already hold a Nevada ID card, you don’t need to bring the identity documents again.
How do you get a learners permit in Nevada, step by step?
Gather your documents, book a free DMV appointment, pass the vision and knowledge tests and pay the fees. You get a paper permit the same day, and the permit card arrives by mail. You can start the application online first to save time at the counter.
- 1Start online (optional)
Use the DMV’s Quick Cards application to fill in your details at home. You still finish at an office.
- 2Book a DMV appointment
Pick a Las Vegas office on the DMV’s scheduler. Booking is free and opens one day out.
- 3Pass the vision and knowledge tests
You need 20/40 in at least one eye. The 25-question knowledge test can be taken online through KnowToDrive or at the office.
- 4Pay and get your paper permit
Pay the $22.50 permit fee and the $25 testing fee. You leave with a temporary paper permit, and the card is mailed within 10 business days.
Want to prepare for the knowledge test first? Our Nevada written test guide covers the online version, scoring and retakes.
How much does a learners permit cost in Nevada?
A Nevada instruction permit costs $22.50 ($17.50 at 65 and older), plus a $25 testing fee that covers the knowledge test and your first road test. Each retest is $10. Taking the knowledge test online through KnowToDrive adds $6.75 per attempt.
The DMV can waive license fees for applicants under 25 experiencing homelessness. Apply in person with the Declaration of Homeless Status (DMV 128).
What are the rules for driving with a learners permit?
With a Nevada learners permit you may drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21, with at least one year of experience, sits beside you. The permit is valid for one year and must be renewed in person.
- A licensed driver 21 or older beside you
They need at least 1 year of licensed driving experience in the type of vehicle you’re driving, and they must sit in the seat next to you.
- Good for 1 year
The permit lasts one year. Renew it in person at a DMV office; teens need a parent or guardian to sign a new financial responsibility statement.
- Carry it every time you drive
Keep the paper permit with you until the card arrives in the mail, then carry the card.
- Teens: hold it at least 6 months
Drivers under 18 keep the permit at least six months before the road test, with a clean driving record.
Learning to ride? Motorcycle permits have their own limits, like daylight riding and no passengers. See the Nevada motorcycle license guide.
From permit to license: what comes next?
Teens hold the permit for at least six months, log 50 hours of supervised driving and usually finish driver’s ed before the road test. Adults with a permit can book the road test online whenever they’re ready. Turning the permit into a license adds a $22.50 completion fee ($17.50 at 65 and older).
Teens
Six months with the permit, 50 practice hours (10 after dark), driver’s ed and a clean record for the last six months. Our Las Vegas drive test guide covers the full checklist.
Adults
Practice as long as you need, then book the drive test on the DMV’s scheduler with your permit number. The booking card below links to every office.
Book a DMV appointment for your learners permit
Permits are issued at DMV offices by appointment. Pick a Las Vegas office below and book on the DMV’s own scheduler for free, or switch tabs to view, reschedule or cancel a booking.
Book, view, reschedule or cancel
Check one office, then switch to the next. Each button opens that office’s official booking page.
East Sahara DMV
2621 E. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89104 · Mon–Fri 8–5, Sat 8–4
All official booking links
- East Sahara: general appointment · drive test
- West Flamingo: general appointment · drive test
- North Decatur: general appointment · drive test
- Silverado Ranch: general appointment · drive test
- Silverado CDL building: CDL line or knowledge test
- All offices on dmv.nv.gov
Nevada learners permit FAQ
Can I get my learners permit online in Nevada?
Partly. You can start the application online with Quick Cards and take the knowledge test online, but you still visit a DMV office to show documents, pay and have your photo taken.
Do I need driver’s ed before I get a learners permit?
No. In Nevada the permit comes first. Most first-time drivers under 18 then complete driver’s ed before the road test.
Can I renew a Nevada learners permit online?
No. Instruction permits must be renewed in person at a DMV office, and a teen’s parent or guardian signs a new financial responsibility statement. If the permit expired more than 30 days ago, you retake the knowledge test.
Does it cost anything to turn my permit into a license?
Yes. The DMV fee schedule lists $22.50 for completing an instruction permit, or $17.50 at 65 and older, separate from the testing fee.
Can a parent cancel a teen’s learners permit?
Yes. The parent or guardian who signed the financial responsibility statement can cancel it at any time by bringing a completed DP-38 to a DMV office and surrendering the permit.