Mississippi DPS Permit Test FAQ

80% or better is required to pass any Mississippi DPS knowledge exam. The Mississippi Driver's License Manual states: "You must correctly answer 80 percent of these questions to receive a passing score." On a 30-question test, that means about 24 correct (you can miss up to 6). Mississippi uses 80% — the same standard as most states.

If you fail the knowledge test, you may reschedule at your local Mississippi DPS office. Contact the DPS at 601-987-1212 or visit www.dps.ms.gov to schedule an appointment (Chapter 1).

You must be at least 15 years old and have completed the classroom phase of a driver education course to apply for a Mississippi Learner Permit. A hardship license may be issued at age 15 under special circumstances (illness, economic hardship, vocational enrollment, or court order). Applicants 18 and older who want to legally practice driving are issued a Class R license with learner restrictions (Chapter 1).

During the Learner Permit stage, Mississippi does not specify passenger or nighttime curfew restrictions in the manual. A licensed driver 21+ must be in the seat next to the permit holder at all times. All Mississippi drivers are prohibited from texting on a hand-held device. A hands-free device is permitted (Chapter 3).

Mississippi Zero Tolerance sets the under-21 BAC limit at 0.02%. Driving with a BAC of 0.02% or more triggers a 120-day suspension on a first Zero Tolerance offense (Chapter 9).

For drivers 21 and older, the legal BAC limit is 0.08%. A person is also considered legally intoxicated if they have lost the normal use of their mental or physical faculties due to alcohol or drugs, regardless of BAC. For drivers under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or more is illegal under Mississippi Zero Tolerance law. A first Zero Tolerance offense results in a 120-day suspension (Chapter 9).

Mississippi speed limits: interstate 70 mph, 4-lane hwy 65 mph, 2-lane hwy 55 mph, Natchez Trace 50 mph, school zone 15 mph. School buses max 45 mph on regular routes. Speed limits in residential and business areas are posted — always obey the sign. Reduced speeds required near schools, playgrounds, and work zones (Chapter 6).

Do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. Other restricted distances: 20 feet from a crosswalk, 30 feet from any traffic control device (stop sign, yield sign, signal, flashing beacon), 15 feet from a railroad crossing, 20 feet from a fire station driveway (same side), and 75 feet from a fire station on the opposite side of the street (Chapter 5).

1st DUI: fine up to $1,000, up to 6 months jail, 120-day suspension. 2nd DUI (within 5 yrs): $600–$1,500 fine, 5 days–6 months jail, 1-year suspension. 3rd DUI (Felony, within 5 yrs): 1–5 years MDOC, $2,000–$5,000, 3-yr interlock. 4th+ DUI: 2–10 years, $3,000–$10,000, 10-yr interlock. Refusal: 90-day suspension (1st) (Chapter 9).

Mississippi law requires all vehicles driven on public highways to carry liability insurance. You can be cited and fined if you cannot provide proof of insurance during a traffic stop or accident. You may provide proof electronically on a cellular phone. Mississippi requires minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage.

Yes — but only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. After coming to a complete stop, you may turn left at a red light from a one-way onto a one-way, unless prohibited by a sign. You may always turn right on red (after stopping) unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to all pedestrians and traffic (Chapter 5).

A Mississippi driver license must be renewed every 4 or 8 years. You may renew online, by mail, or by phone at 601-987-1212 (DPS) if eligible. All licensees must appear in person at a DPS office periodically to update their photo and pass a vision exam. Notify DPS of any address change within 10 days (Chapter 1).

While holding a Learner Permit, a licensed adult at least 21 years of age, or a licensed sibling at least 18 years of age, must occupy the seat beside you. There is no experience requirement. This person cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or otherwise unable to observe and respond to your driving (Chapter 1).