Nevada has a Graduated Driver License program, or GDL, that will give you time to learn how to drive in a controlled way. There are three stages to this program, from no license to full license.
You can begin the Nevada GDL program at 15 years old. You’ll need to enroll in driver education and pass a written exam. Drive with your instruction permit for 6 months. Pass a road test for your minor’s license, drive with it until you turn 18, and you will qualify for your unrestricted license.
The steps below have the details you’ll need to know to get your full, unrestricted license.
You can start the process to get your Nevada instruction permit license at 15 years old by enrolling in a Nevada DMV approved driver’s education course. To get ready for driving, you can download the Nevada Official Driver Handbook and start reading through it.
Beginning drivers, under 18 years of age, must apply for Nevada DMV approved driver’s education. Your course will consist of 30 hours of instruction, either in classroom or online. If a driving education course is not offered within a 30-mile radius of your home, and you do not have internet access, you are allowed to substitute an extra 50 hours of supervised driving time for your driver’s education course.
When you’re ready for Nevada DMV approved driver education, find a driving school to get started.
Once you’re enrolled, you’ll want to find your local DMVNV location and get your documents in order. You’ll need to fill out a Driving Privileges or ID application and bring proof of identity and residency with you. These include your social security card, birth certificate, and at least two documents that establish your address.
You will also need to bring a certificate of attendance signed by your school, as well as proof of enrollment in a Nevada DMV approved driver’s education program.
With everything in hand it’s time to make the appointment for your written and vision tests. If you require corrective lenses, be sure to bring and wear them for the test. 20/40 vision is required to pass.
The written test consists of 25 multiple choice questions. A minimum score of 80% is required to pass.
There is a $25 dollar fee for the test and a $22.50 licensing fee for your Nevada instruction permit. Both are payable by cash, personal check, Visa, Mastercard, Discovery, or a money order. Check and money orders are made out to Department of Motor Vehicles and must be delivered in person.
If you don’t pass on your first attempt, don’t worry! You can take the test again the next day, though you will have to pay the testing fee each time you retake it.
After passing, you will be given an official paper which is your NV instruction permit which is valid for 1 year. You’ll need to have that with you every time you’re behind the wheel.
You must have your permit for at least 6 months before you can apply for a regular license. During that time, you’ll need to have 50 hours of driving practice with 10 of those being at night.
Your NV instruction permit only allows you to drive when accompanied by a licensed driver. They must be at least 21 years old, have had their license for one year, and be seated in the passenger seat beside you.
Once you’ve completed the required amount of instruction, you can apply for your Nevada minor’s license.
Receiving your minor’s license requires that you’ve completed certain requirements:
You’re going to need to bring several things with you on the day of the test. First and foremost, the vehicle you’ll be tested in. It needs to have valid insurance and registration, as well as be in good working order. You’ll also need:
Once your paperwork and vehicle and have been approved you will be required to pass a driving test with a Nevada DMV evaluator who will make sure you can perform basic driving tasks safely.
Before you take it, you should check out The Top 10 Automatic Fails on Driver Tests, so you’ll know what not to do on test day.
The application fee is $41.25 for an 8-year license.
Your shiny, new, Nevada minor’s license will be mailed to you and will have your photograph on it. They take your picture the day you pass your driving skills test. This license will come with the following restrictions:
At a certain point, the state feels that you’ve been able to receive enough supervised driving experience that you can go out on your own. Therefore, once you reach 16 and have had your restricted license for 6 months, you can get your full license.
This means that previous restrictions are lifted. However, you will not receive an updated license until that one expires. After you renew your license, you will receive your full, unrestricted license in the mail.
Whether you’ve just finished your Nevada graduated licensing process, or are just starting out, you might also want to consider a telematic companion application to better understand your driving habits, and how to improve them.
The best option is the DriverZ Virtual Coach. Download it today to sharpen your S.P.I.D.E.R.Senses™ to build the driving skills that will keep you safe for a lifetime, track your supervised driving hours, and access bespoke driver training based on your specific needs.
Here are answers to some common questions you might have as you start out on your NV graduated licensing journey.
Can I drive with an out of state learner’s permit in Nevada?
Yes. Driver’s with out of state learner’s permits are allowed to drive in the State of Nevada. If you’re under 18 you will still have to abide by all Nevada driving restrictions. You will also always need to always have a licensed driver over 21 years of in the passenger seat next to you.
Is my out of state driver education course valid in Nevada?
Your out of state driver education course might be accepted. It will require a signed affidavit from your course instructor, certifying that the course you’ve taken meets or exceeds Nevada DMV standards.
For comprehensive information on everything related to the New York graduated licensing program, visit the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. You can also call between 8am to 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, or 9am to 5 pm on Wednesdays.
Prepare for your license journey by reviewing the Nevada Official Driver Handbook, and taking a few practice tests.
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