Learners permit - it may also be called instructional permit, learner license or drivers permit - is one of key steps on obtaining a drivers license in the United States and many other countries. Learners permit allows drivers to be slowly submerged into the new experience - driving, and is designed to allow people prepare for their future on-road experience.
Learners Permit - What Is It?
Instructional learners permit is your first step in the Graduated Drivers License (GDL) process, the step towards obtaining a full unrestricted drivers license. The permit allows you to operate a motor vehicle while being supervised by an experienced licensed driver. The driver who supervises you must be occupying the front passenger seat and usually has to be over the certain age, usually 21 or 23 years old for most states. You have to remember that the learners permit itself does not give you the right to drive, you must observe all restrictions that are posed to you by possession of the instructional drivers permit.
In order for you to get a driver's permit, you will need to take a permit test at one of the DMV offices. You may wish to prepare for the exam by studying the drivers handbook and taking some practice tests.
Drivers Permit Restriction
Common learners permit restrictions may include:
- no driving between certain hours (usually a curfew for night hours)
- no driving on highways
- no driving in certain areas
- restrictions of the number of passengers that can be carried in the vehicle
- restrictions of passenger age
- “family members only” restriction, when only family members are allowed to be in the vehicle operated by learners permit holder
- no traffic offense convictions
Some or all of these driving restrictions may apply, depending on the state where you obtained your driving permit. You must observe all the restrictions, otherwise your permit might be withdrawn and you may be refused the drivers license.
Learners Permit for Teens and Drivers Permit for Adults
Are there any differences between learners permit for teenagers and instructional permits for adults? There are some differences, but they are usually very minor. One of the main differences is that drivers license applicants who are over 18 years old or over 21 years old usually do not have any minimum holding periods, meaning that they can apply for a drivers license almost immediately after received the learners permit. On the contrary, teenagers must hold a learners permit for a period of 6 to 12 months, depending on the state of issuance.
Can I Transfer My Learners Permit to a Different State?
In most cases - no, you may not. This has to do with the fact that different states have different drivers education and age requirements for obtaining a permit and thus you might not satisfy the requirements of the state you are transferring to. However, it is always best to check with the local DMV office for details regarding such transfer.
