Nevada DMV · Learner's Permit 2026

How to Get Your Nevada Learner's Permit

A step-by-step guide to getting your Nevada Learner License and moving through the GDL program to a full driver's license.

📋 Nevada GDL Program Overview

Nevada's teen licensing program has two pre-license phases: an instruction permit at 15½, and a Class C driver license at 16 with restrictions until age 18. There's no separate "provisional license" credential — the restrictions ride on the standard Class C license under NRS 483.2523.

Phase 1 — Instruction Permit

Minimum age: 15½. Hold for at least 6 months (if under 18) before Phase 2. Fee: $22.25.

Phase 2 — Class C License (restricted)

Age 16. 10 PM–5 AM curfew and first-6-months passenger restriction until age 18. Fee: $41.25 (under 65).

Full License

At age 18. All GDL restrictions lifted. Valid for 8 years (under 65) or 4 years (65+). Fee: $41.25 (under 65).

🪪 Phase 1 — Getting Your Learner License

Verify Eligibility & Driver Education

Be at least 15½. If under 18, complete driver education at a DMV-approved school (or 100 hrs behind-the-wheel if no school is within 30 miles). Remain free of at-fault crashes, moving violations, and any drug/alcohol conviction for 6 months prior.

Visit a Full-Service DMV Office

Apply in person at any Nevada full-service DMV office (Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Reno, Elko, and other locations). Schedule appointments at dmv.nv.gov to skip the line. Office hours: Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM.

Gather Your Documents

Bring originals or certified copies (no photocopies):

Proof of full legal name & date of birth (state-issued birth certificate or U.S. passport)
Proof of Social Security Number (SSN card, W-2, IRS 1099, or paystub with full SSN)
Two documents proving Nevada residential address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, etc.)
Under 18: parent/guardian co-signer + DMV-301 (school attendance) signed within 60 days

Pass the Vision Exam & Knowledge Test

A vision exam will be given. Pass the knowledge test with at least 80% (40 correct out of 50 questions). The test covers signs, signals, road rules, safe driving, and Nevada-specific laws. Oral exams and Spanish-language tests are available.

Pay the Fee

The instruction permit fee is $22.25. The initial knowledge and skills test fee is $25; each retest is $10. Address change only: $3.25.

📜 Phase 1 Driving Rules (Learner License)

While Holding a Nevada Learner License

Drive only with a licensed driver who is 21+ with at least 1 year of driving experience, seated beside you (NRS 483.280)
All Nevada drivers banned from handheld phone calls (unless hands-free) and from texting/email/internet use while driving. Cell phone use during your road test = automatic failure.
The instruction permit allows daylight and nighttime driving with the qualified supervisor. Once licensed, drivers under 18 face a 10 PM–5 AM curfew unless driving to/from a scheduled event.
Hold the permit at least 6 months (if under 18). Complete 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel driving (10 at night) and document on the official DMV log (DLD-130).

🚗 Phase 2 — Getting Your Provisional License

Meet Phase 1 Requirements

Be at least 16 years old. Hold the instruction permit at least 6 months (if under 18). Submit completed Beginning Driver Experience Log (DLD-130) showing 50 hours BTW (10 at night) within 30 miles of an approved school.

Driver Education Certificate

Submit a Certificate of Completion of a DMV-approved driver education course (or 100 hrs BTW if more than 30 miles from an approved school). Remain free of at-fault crashes, moving violations, and any drug/alcohol conviction for 6 months prior.

Pass the Driving Exam at DMV

The road test evaluates preparing to drive, vehicle control, entering traffic, lane use, speed control, turns, parking, backing up, stopping, passing, and attention to traffic. The vehicle must be in safe operating condition. Cell phone use during the test = automatic failure. Passengers and animals are not allowed.

📋 Phase 2 Restrictions (Provisional License)

While Holding a Nevada Provisional License (Phase 2)

First 6 months — no passengers under 18 except immediate family members (NRS 483.2523)
Curfew until age 18: no driving 10 PM to 5 AM unless driving to or from a scheduled event
All Nevada drivers banned from handheld phone calls (unless hands-free) and texting/email/internet use while driving
Cell phone use during the road test = automatic failure. Use of certain safety features (parking assist, cruise control) is also disallowed during the test.

🗓️ After Age 18 — Full License

Full Driver License — Unrestricted

All teen passenger and curfew restrictions are lifted at age 18
Standard Class C license fee: $41.25 (under 65), valid for 8 years (4 years for age 65+)
Adult applicants 18+ are not required to take driver education. New residents must apply for a Nevada license within 30 days of establishing residency.
Notify the DMV of address or name changes within 30 days. Address changes can be done online at dmv.nv.gov; name changes must be in person.

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