Mississippi

Yes. Mississippi employs a graduated driver's license (GDL) program, which allocates restrictions and responsibilities over a period of time, until you earn your full license.

• If you're 14 years old: You can apply for a limited learner's permit. This ONLY allows you to drive during a Driver's Education course.
• If you're 15 years old: Your learner's permit will ONLY allow you to drive when accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
• If you're 16-17 years old: Your provisional license will ONLY permit you to drive unsupervised:
  • Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.
  • Between 6 a.m. and 11:30p.m., Friday and Saturday.
  • When traveling between home and work or school.

Once you turn 17, you'll be eligible for your full driver's license, which has no restrictions.

What happens after you pass your MS road test depends on your age:

• If you're younger than 17: You will be given your learner's permit.
• If you're 17 or older: You will receive your full driver's license.

While driving with your MS learner's permit, you can drive with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

Once you get your MS instruction permit, you will be able to drive with any fully-licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.

As long as you successfully pass the driving exam, sign the proper paperwork, and pay the fee, you'll be issued your license.

In Mississippi, you can apply for a driver's license at your nearest Driver Services Bureau office.

Appropriate documents depend on whether you're a:

• U.S. citizen.
• Immigrant/permanent resident.

Some common forms of ID include a:

• U.S. birth certificate or passport.
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Valid alien registration card.

More information can be found through the Mississippi DSB.

If you're over 18, you'll need to bring proof of your:

• Identity.
• Mississippi address.
• Social Security number.

To apply for your restricted license when you're under 17 in Mississippi, you'll need:

• Your valid permit.
• Your birth certificate (original or a certified copy).
• Your Social Security card.
• Proof of school enrollment.
• A completed Application for Mississippi Driver's License.

A parent or guardian must also be present to sign paperwork on your behalf.

To earn your intermediate driver's license in Mississippi, you must:

• Practice on your permit for at least one year.
  • If you apply for your permit when you're 16, you will be able to apply for your license once you turn 17, whether or not a year has passed.
• Present the following documents to the Driver Services Bureau:
  • Your valid learner's permit.
  • Your Social Security card.
  • Your certified birth certificate.
  • Proof of Mississippi residency.
• Pass the road test.
• Have a parent or legal guardian sign paperwork on your behalf.
• Pay the appropriate fee.

To get your driver's license in MS if you're 18 or older, you'll need to:

• Successfully pass a:
  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test.
  • Written exam.
• Provide proof of your:
  • Identity.
  • MS residency.
  • Social Security number.
• Complete an Application for Mississippi Driver's License.
• Pay the driver's license fee.

If you're under 17 years old, you'll have to practice on your learner's permit for at least one year, or until you turn 17, whichever happens first.

If you're 17 or older, there is no required waiting period.

Mississippi offers something called a hardship license, which will allow you to drive in certain situations while your license is suspended, if you can prove the need.

No. Once you pass the written exam, you'll be eligible to take the MS road test.

When you arrive for your Mississippi road test, an inspector will first check that you have the proper documents and your car meets all the proper requirements, including functioning:

• Lights.
• Horns.
• Brakes.

The inspector will then get in your car and ask you to leave the premise. While you're driving, he or she will ask you to:

• Make left- and right-hand turns.
• Make safe, smooth stops.
• Back up properly.
• Park and stop on a hill.
• Parallel park.
• Do a turn-about.

The examiner will also keep a close eye on:

• Your posture.
• Your use of signals and driving lanes.
• Your response to warning signs, stop signs, and traffic signs.
• Your attitude toward pedestrians and other drivers.

The examiner may also ask you to perform additional tasks.

You must arrive to your test with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old. If you don't, you will not be able to take the test.

You must also have/bring the following:

• Your valid learner's permit.
• Valid registration on the vehicle you're driving.
• Proof of valid liability insurance for the vehicle you're driving.
• Valid Mississippi license plates on the test vehicle.

Make sure that the car is clean, especially the driver's seat and passenger seat, where the examiner will be sitting.

You must be accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

The vehicle you take your MS road test in must meet all state vehicle safety standards, including fully functioning:

• Brakes.
• Lights, including:
  • Two headlights.
  • Two tail lights.
  • Turn signals.
  • Brake lights.
• License plate (properly mounted and displayed).
•  Windshield wipers.
• Horn.
• Muffler.
• Rearview mirror.
• Steering gear.
• Safety glass.
• Safety belts.

The vehicle must also have valid and up-to-date:

• Registration.
• Liability insurance.

You can take your road test at your local Mississippi Driver Services Bureau location.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Mississippi include:

• Learner's permit: $7.
• Regular driver's license: $24.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the MS Driver Services Bureau for the most up-to-date information.

The Mississippi Driver's Manual is available online. You can also purchase one from your local MS Driver Services Bureau office for $3.

If you're under 17 years old, you must practice on your learner's permit for at least one year before you can apply for your provisional license.

If you're 17 years old or older, there is no waiting period. You can take your driving test whenever you feel ready.

Currently, permit and licensing fees in Mississippi include:

• Learner's permit: $7.
• Regular driver's license: $24.

Fees are subject to change, so it's best to check directly with the MS Driver Services Bureau for the most up-to-date information.

No. There is no requirement to pass a drug test before being issued your Mississippi driving permit.

No. The Mississippi written exam is not open book, which is why it's especially important to study or take a practice test beforehand.

Yes. If you're 16 or younger, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form on your behalf before you can be issued your permit.

To get your learner's permit in MS, you'll need to bring in:

• Your Social Security card.
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Proof of Mississippi residence.
• Proof of school enrollment.
• The appropriate fee.

You'll also need a parent or legal guardian present, to sign a consent form on your behalf.

In Mississippi, you must be:

• 14 years old to apply for a limited learner's permit.
• At least 15 years old to apply for a learner's permit.

To get your Mississippi learner's permit, you'll have to pass:

• The state's written driving exam.
• An eye exam.

The tests are overseen by the MS DSB. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling.

At this appointment, make sure to bring:

• Your Social Security card.
• A completed Application for Mississippi Driver's License.
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
• Proof of Mississippi residence.
• Proof of school enrollment.
• The appropriate fee.

A parent or legal guardian will also have to be with you to sign a consent form on your behalf.

Once the tests are passed, the paperwork filed, and the fee paid, you'll be issued your Mississippi learner's permit.

The Mississippi written driver's exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. General topics include:

• Mississippi traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• The rights of other drivers and pedestrians.
• How to keep your vehicle in safe condition.

All questions will be sourced directly from the MS Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

No. There is no Driver's Ed requirement to earn a Mississippi driver's license.

However, if you're 14 years old and want to obtain a limited learner's permit, you will need to be enrolled in a Driver's Ed course.

Reading the Mississippi Driver's Manual is the best idea to learn the information.

You can also find a number of practice tests online.

Yes. You'll have to pass a vision test to earn your MS learner's permit.

No. A physical exam is not required for an Mississippi learner's permit or regular license.

If you're 16 or younger, you must show up with a parent or legal guardian who can sign a consent form on your behalf.

Otherwise, you must be accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can contact the Mississippi Driver Services Bureau by:

• Email.
• Phone.
• Regular mail.

Details can be found on the MS Driver Services Bureau's website.

In Mississippi, you'll need to be at least:

• 14 years old to apply for a limited learner's permit.
• 15 years old to apply for a regular learner's permit.

In Mississippi's graduated driver license system, the following restrictions apply:

• If you're 14 years old: You can apply for a limited learner's permit. This ONLY allows you to drive during a Driver's Education course.
• If you're 15 years old: Your learner's permit will ONLY allow you to drive when accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.
• If you're 16-17 years old: Your provisional license will ONLY permit you to drive unsupervised:
  • Between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.
  • Between 6 a.m. and 11:30p.m., Friday and Saturday.
  • When traveling between home and work or school.

Once you turn 17, you'll be eligible for your full driver's license, which has no restrictions.

While practicing with your MS learner's permit:

• If you're 14 years old: You will ONLY be able to drive during a Driver's Education course.
• If you're 15 years old: You will ONLY be allowed to drive when accompanied by a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

To get your Mississippi learner's permit, if you're under 17 years old, you'll need to fill out:

• An Application for Mississippi Driver License.
• A Certification of School Enrollment form.

If you're 17 or older, you will only need the Application for Mississippi Driver License.

To get your Mississippi driver's license, you'll have to pass:

• A vision exam.
• The written test.
• A driving skills test.

There are no Driver's Education requirements in Mississippi, UNLESS you want to get a limited learner's permit at age 14.

Before you can apply for your MS learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 14 years old, if you want a limited learner's permit.
• Be at least 15 years old, if you want a regular learner's permit.
• Complete a Certification of School Enrollment form.
• Complete an Application for Mississippi Driver License.

To be eligible for a limited learner's permit in Mississippi, you'll need to:

• Be at least 14 years old.
• Be enrolled in a state-approved Driver's Ed course.
• Pass a vision exam.
• Pass the state's written exam.

To earn a regular learner's permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old.
• Pass a:
  • Vision test.
  • Written knowledge exam.
• Bring in your:
  • Birth certificate (original or certified copy).
  • Social Security card.
  • Proof of Mississippi residency.
• Complete an Application for Mississippi Driver License.
• Complete a Certification of School Enrollment form.
• Pay the permit fee.

You will also need to have a parent or guardian with you to sign additional paperwork.

No. A vision screening is not required to renew your MS license.

Mississippi allows mail-in license renewals in certain cases, including:

• College students currently living out-of-state.
• Active military members who are out-of-state on duty.

Contact your local Driver Service Bureau for more information.

Yes. Mississippi allows most residents to renew their license online.

To renew your license in Mississippi, you'll need to provide proof of your:

• Identity.
• Mississippi residency.
• Social Security number.

You'll also need to bring your current license and pay the appropriate fee to complete the process.

You can renew your Mississippi driver's license:

• Online.
• In-person through the Mississippi Driver Services Bureau.

You can renew your license:

• Up to 6 months before it expires.
• Up to 1 year after it expires.

MS license renewals currently cost:

• $24 for a 4-year license.
• $47 for an 8-year license.

Fees are subject to change. It's best to check directly with the DSB for the most up-to-date information.

You will ONLY be allowed to have someone else in the car if you are:

• Hearing impaired.
• Non-English speaking.

In these scenarios, you will be allowed to have an interpreter with you.

Otherwise, it will just be you and the instructor. However, you'll have to arrive to the test with a fully-licensed passenger who's at least 21 years old.

You can take the Mississippi written test as many times as needed in order to pass.

However, if you fail, you'll have to wait one business day before you can try again. And if you fail 3 times, you'll have to wait at least 30 days before retesting.

Save yourself the time by studying with a free practice test!

Yes, every question on the test is multiple choice.

At the same appointment you take your written test, you'll also have to bring:

• Your birth certificate (original or a certified copy).
• Your Social Security card.
• Proof of your Mississippi address.
• Complete an Application for Mississippi Driver License.
• Complete a Certification of School Enrollment form, if applicable.
• The permit fee.

You'll also need a parent or legal guardian to sign the paperwork on your behalf.

The Mississippi written driver's exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. Major topics include:

• Mississippi traffic laws.
• Safe driving practices.
• The rights of other drivers and pedestrians.
• How to keep your vehicle in safe condition.

All questions will be sourced directly from the MS Driver's Manual, though you may also want to study with a free practice test.

Yes. You can schedule your appointment with the DSB online.

Some locations may be open on Saturdays. You'll have to check online when scheduling an appointment.

Your written knowledge exam will be administered on the computer at the Mississippi Driver Services Bureau office or at your home.

If you have special needs, you can arrange alternate formats with the MS DSB. Make sure the Mississippi Driver Services Bureau is aware of any additional help you may need when scheduling your appointment.

Most exams can be scheduled online.

After you pass the written knowledge test, you'll be issued your Mississippi learner's permit.

Permit tests are overseen by the Mississippi Driver Services Bureau.

If you failed your MS road test, you'll have the chance to reschedule and try again.

In the meantime don't panic, practice!

If you failed your Mississippi driving skills test, you'll have to wait 7 days before you can try again.

Yes. If you fail your written exam, you can retest as soon as the next business day. If you fail three times, however, you'll have to wait 30 days before retesting.

Save yourself some time and money by studying with a free practice test!

If you don't pass your written test in MS, you won't be issued your learner's permit. You'll have to take and pass the test in order to move on in the licensing process.

You'll have to wait at least one business day to retest after failing, or 30 days if you fail 3 times or more. But practicing with a free practice test can help you pass on the first try!

If you have no intention of permanently relocating to Mississippi, there's no limit on how long you can drive on your out-of-state license. This includes anyone in the state for:

• School.
• Active military duty.
• Seasonal housing.

If you do plan on relocating to Mississippi permanently, you have 60 days after establishing residency to transfer your license.

No. Mississippi does not accept out-of-state driver permits.

No. As long as your license is valid and in good standing, no additional driving tests are required for a transfer.

If you're moving to Mississippi, you have 60 days from establishing residency to transfer your out-of-state license.

The Mississippi written exam consists of 30 questions, and you must answer at least 24 of them correctly in order to pass.

There are 30 total questions on the MS permit exam, all of which are multiple choice.

The biggest mistake people make is taking the test for granted.

While it's not necessarily designed to be tricky, it can be difficult if you don't study the laws.

Make sure to give yourself enough time to study the MS Driver's Manual and take some free practice tests in order to give yourself the best chance possible for passing.

Mississippi's minimum auto insurance coverage requirements include:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability: $25,000.

The MS written knowledge exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. You will be able to get 6 questions wrong and still pass.

Studying with a free practice test may help ensure you get far more questions right than wrong!

The application process is a little different, depending on why your license was suspended and why you're applying for a hardship license.

For more specific information, you'll have to contact the DSB.