Beginning Drivers 18 & Older
Welcome to Nevada!
If you are under 18, see Nevada Teen Driving. If you are currently licensed in the U.S. and are moving to Nevada, see our New Resident Guide.
You must provide proof of identity and take all three tests - vision, knowledge and skills - if you have never been licensed in the U.S. or if your prior U.S. license has been expired, suspended or revoked for more than one year. See Testing for details.
Apply for an Instruction Permit first. if granted, you will then be eligible to schedule a driving skills test and obtain a full license.
Driver education is not required for beginning drivers 18 and older. If you desire instruction, see Professional Drive Schools.
To apply for an original Nevada Instruction Permit, you must:
- Provide acceptable proof of your identity.
- Be a resident of Nevada and provide a Nevada street address.
- Present any existing U.S. license, instruction permit or ID card.
- Apply in person at a DMV office (we do not make appointments).
- Complete a Driver License Application (DMV 002).
- Pay the required licensing and testing fees.
- Pass the vision and knowledge tests. See Driver License Testing.
- Have your picture taken.
The licensing fee is $22 or $17 if you are 65 or older. A $25 testing fee will be charged prior to the written test and covers both the written test and the initial skills test. A $10 retest fee will apply to all retakes.
Any existing ID you may have will be hole-punched and returned to you. You will be issued an interim paper document that certifies your driving privilege. The actual Instruction Permit will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
You may drive only with a licensed driver, 21 years or older, with at least one year of driving experience seated next to you at all times.
Once you have obtained a Nevada Instruction Permit, you may schedule a driving skills test to obtain your full Driver License. You will be issued an interim document after successful completion of the skills test for a fee of $3. The license will then be mailed to you within 10 business days. See Driver License Testing.
If you meet the proof of identity requirements but fail the test or other requirements, you may be issued an Identification Card.
Suspensions and Revocations
If your driving privilege is suspended or revoked in Nevada or another U.S. state, you must follow that state's reinstatement requirements. The DMV checks the national Problem Driver Pointer System, Social Security Online Verification and the validity of your address. See Driver License Suspensions - Out of State Issues and Answers.
Non U.S. Citizens
Nevada does not issue licenses or ID cards to tourists. Other Non U.S. citizens may, or may not, be eligible depending on their specific immigration status.
Email or call your local DMV office before applying for a license. Please include the Status Code issued by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The type of license or ID issued is determined by immigration status.
You must have one of the immigration documents listed above under Proof of Identity. Nevada does not accept foreign driver licenses, foreign birth certificates, matricula consular cards, border crossing cards or foreign passports without an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record.
Non U.S. Citizens who have applied for, but not received, a Social Security number may attest to this on the driver license application. They are not required to provide proof of a Social Security number.
Resources
| Driver Handbooks (PDF Format) |
|---|
| English | Spanish | Motorcycle |
| Beginning Driver Training Guide |
| English | Spanish |
| Use the Driver Handbook to study for the written test. The Beginning Driver guide is for practical training. |
| Non-Commercial Study Guide |
| Class A & B, J Endorsement |
| Commercial |
| Full Handbook | Hazardous Materials |
Sample Knowledge Test
Laws
Traffic Law Summary & Education Campaigns
Driver Licenses - NRS Chapter 483
Motorcycle Licenses - NRS Chapter 486