Mississippi DPS · Learner's Permit 2026

How to Get Your Mississippi Learner's Permit

A step-by-step guide to getting your Mississippi Learner Permit and moving through the GDL program to a full Class R license.

📋 Mississippi GDL Program Overview

Mississippi uses a Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for applicants under 18. The Learner Permit stage is followed by eligibility for a full Class R License. The program eases teens into driving by phasing in privileges and minimizing exposure to high-risk situations (Chapter 1, Mississippi Driver's License Manual (Revised December 2024).

Learner Permit Stage — Learner Permit

Minimum age: 15. Hold for at least 1 year (or until turning 17). Fee: $7.00.

Class R License (Full License)

Eligible at age 16 after 1-yr permit, or at age 17+ regardless. Fee: $24.00 (4-yr) or $47.00 (8-yr).

Full Class R License

At age 16 (after 1-yr permit) or age 17+. Valid for 4 or 8 years. Fee: $24.00 (4-yr) or $47.00 (8-yr).

🪪 Learner Permit Stage — Getting Your Learner Permit

Complete the Driver Education Classroom Phase

Applicants under 25 must complete an approved driver education course. The classroom portion (Part 1) must be completed before applying for a Learner Permit. Upon successful completion of some courses, the DPS knowledge exam at the office may be waived. For more info, visit www.dps.ms.gov.

Schedule an Appointment

All Mississippi DPS driver license services require a scheduled appointment. Book online at www.dps.ms.gov. Appointments can be made up to 6 months in advance.

Gather Your Documents

You must bring:

Full legal name and proof of date of birth (e.g., birth certificate)
Proof of residential address in Mississippi
Social Security number
U.S. citizenship or lawful presence documentation
Proof of driver education completion (driver education certificate)
Parent or guardian must sign the application under oath (under-18 applicants)

Pass the Vision Exam & Knowledge Test

A vision exam is given at the office. If required, pass the Class R knowledge test with at least 80% (about 24 correct out of 30 questions). The knowledge exam may be waived if you completed an approved driver ed course. Your picture will be taken and you'll be given a payment receipt.

Pay the Fee

The Learner Permit fee is $7.00. Fees must be paid before any exams are given. The Learner Permit is valid for 2 years.

📜 Learner Permit Stage Driving Rules (Learner Permit)

While Holding a Mississippi Learner Permit

A licensed driver at least 21 years of age (no experience requirement) must be in the seat beside you at all times
The supervising driver must not be intoxicated, asleep, or otherwise unable to observe and respond to your actions
The Learner Permit will say "Learner Permit" on the front of the card
No texting or hand-held device use while driving
You must hold the Learner Permit for at least 1 year (or until turning 17) before applying for a Class R license

🚗 Getting Your Class R License

Meet Age & Permit Requirements

You must be at least 16 years old and have held a valid Learner Permit for at least 1 year. OR you must be 17 or older (regardless of previous permits). If your permit was suspended, the 1-year hold period extends by the days of suspension.

Provide Driving Affidavit (under 17)

If you are under 17, a parent, teacher, or guardian must provide an affidavit certifying they have witnessed you operate a motor vehicle for at least 50 hours and attesting to your proficiency in safe vehicle operation. You must also submit a School Attendance Affidavit.

Pass the Exams at DPS

You must pass the Computerized Exam (based on this manual) and the Vision Exam. If you passed the Computerized Exam for your Learner Permit within the last 2 years, you do not need to retake it. Beginning July 1, 2027, you must also provide documentation of a certified Driver's Education course.

📋 Class R License — What to Know

While Holding a Mississippi Class R License

Mississippi does not specify a nighttime driving curfew in the manual
Mississippi does not specify passenger restrictions in the manual
No hand-held texting for any driver; hands-free permitted
You must always have your driver's license in your possession while operating a motor vehicle
All standard Mississippi traffic laws apply

🗓️ Full Class R License

Class R Driver License — Full Privileges

All GDL restrictions are lifted at age 17
Standard Class R license fee: $24.00 (4-year) or $47.00 (8-year), valid for 4 or 8 years
Applicants age 18 or older who have not entered the GDL program may obtain a full Class R license. Beginning July 1, 2027, completion of a certified driver education course will be required
Must appear in person at a DPS office periodically for vision exam and photo/signature update
Notify DPS of any address change within 10 days

Prepare for Your Knowledge Test

530+ questions based on the official Mississippi Driver's License Manual. Free, no signup required.

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