How Many Hours Of Supervised Driving Practice Is Required To Get Your License?

From the age of 15, most American teenagers can start thinking about getting a driving license. It's a process that starts with a learner's permit, advances to an intermediate/restricted license, and culminates with a full and unrestricted license.

During this process, young drivers are required to complete driver's ed and obtain some practical driving experience.

Required Supervised Driving Practice in Every State

All states require young drivers to gain experience before they obtain their full license. In many cases, they will need to complete between 30 and 50 hours of general supervised driving as well as 10 hours of nighttime driving.

Typically, the "supervisor" is the parent or legal guardian, but this role can also be performed by a professional driving instructor.

The list below shows the total hours required of young drivers. For more information, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Alabama: Supervised Driving Hours = 50
Alaska: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 10
Arizona: Supervised Driving Hours = 30; Night Driving = 10
Arkansas: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 10
California: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Colorado: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Connecticut: Supervised Driving Hours = 40
Delaware: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
District of Columbia: Supervised Driving Hours = 40
Florida: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Georgia: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 6
Hawaii: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Idaho: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Illinois: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Indiana: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Iowa: Supervised Driving Hours = 20
Kansas: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Kentucky: Supervised Driving Hours = 60; Night Driving = 10
Louisiana: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 15
Maine: Supervised Driving Hours = 70; Night Driving = 10
Maryland: Supervised Driving Hours = 60; Night Driving = 10
Massachusetts: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Advanced Driver Training = 30
Michigan: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Minnesota: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 15 (40 + 15 if parent/guardian completes a course)
Mississippi: Supervised Driving Hours = 50
Missouri: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 10
Montana: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Nebraska: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Nevada: Supervised Driving Hours = 100; Night Driving = 10
New Hampshire: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 10
New Jersey: 6 Months of Supervised Practice Driving
New Mexico: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
New York: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
North Carolina: Supervised Driving Hours = 60; Night Driving = 10
North Dakota: Supervised Driving Hours = 50
Ohio: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Oklahoma: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Oregon: Supervised Driving Hours = 50 or 100 without driver's ed
Pennsylvania: Supervised Driving Hours = 65; Night Driving = 10; Inclement Weather Driving = 5
Rhode Island: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
South Carolina: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 10
South Dakota: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10; Inclement Weather Driving = 10
Tennessee: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Texas: Supervised Driving Hours = 30; Night Driving = 10
Utah: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 10
Vermont: Supervised Driving Hours = 40; Night Driving = 10
Virginia: Supervised Driving Hours = 45; Night Driving = 15
Washington: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
West Virginia: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10
Wisconsin: Supervised Driving Hours = 30; Night Driving = 10
Wyoming: Supervised Driving Hours = 50; Night Driving = 10

FAQs About Supervised Practice Driving Hours for Teens

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about supervised practice driving and behind-the-wheel training in the United States:

How Many Hours Do You Need To Get Your License In NY?

In the state of New York, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night. Young drivers can apply for a learner's permit aged 16 and after holding a permit for at least 6 months and completing the necessary requirements, they can advance to a restricted license.

This license prohibits them from driving with passengers under the age of 21 unless they are family. They are also forbidden from driving between the hours of 9 PM and 5 AM.

In New York, it is possible to get a full driver's license aged 17 with driver's ed.

Can You Take The NYS 5-Hour Course Online?

Yes, you can complete the New York 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course online. It costs $50 and is available through Zoom for drivers aged 16 and over.

How Many Hours Behind The Wheel Do You Need In California?

In California, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night. Driver's ed is also required and the learner's permit must be held for at least 6 months.

Once you advance to the intermediate stage, you’re prohibited from nighttime driving for the first 12 months and must not carry passengers aged 20 or older unless accompanied by an adult.

You can become a fully licensed driver aged 18 in California.

How Many Hours Of Supervised Driving Do You Need To Get Your License In Indiana?

50 hours of supervised driving and 10 hours of nighttime driving are needed in Indiana.

Young drivers can get a learner's permit aged 15 (with driver's ed) and advance to a restricted license in their 16th year.

What are the Requirements to be a Supervised Driver?

The requirements may differ from state to state, but a supervised driver is usually someone who holds a full state driver's license and is at least 21 years old. They must also have several years of driving experience.

Typically, young drivers will be supervised by a parent or guardian, but state laws may allow for other supervision.

Can Parents Teach You to Drive?

Although parents and guardians can teach you to drive (assuming they meet your state's legal requirements), it's often best to get assistance from a licensed driving instructor first. Your parents might know how to drive, but it's unlikely that they can teach you as quickly or as well as a professional driving instructor.

Of course, you can always supplement your education with parental lessons. It will give you more experience on the road and is a more cost-effective option.