This resource will act like a Cliff’s Notes for the Nevada Department of Vehicles’ teen driver’s licensure process. It lists all the useful links that are strewn over the DMV website and explains how to use them, and it explains what teens need to do in order to obtain their driver’s license.
How to Obtain the Instruction Permit
Teens must be at least 15 years and six months old to be able to get the Instruction Permit. In addition, they must have studied the Nevada Driver’s Manual, so that they can pass the knowledge test to qualify for the Permit. They also need to pass the vision test and to have a parent or guardian who will take financial responsibility for the driver’s actions on the road. To prepare for the written test, read the driver’s manual carefully. Once you think you are ready, take the pop quiz to prepare prospective drivers for the written test.
Once they are prepared for the written test, teen drivers should gather the appropriate documents to prove their identity. Most people bring in a birth certificate and a social security card; however, there are other documents that the DMV will accept. A list of appropriate documentation can be found on the DMV Residency and Proof of Identity page. Once you have all the documents and knowledge, find the DMV location that is most convenient for you and schedule a time to go in with a parent. Take the tests and get your Instruction Permit.
From Instruction Permit to Driver’s License
Almost all residents in the state of Nevada will be required to take a driver’s education course of some kind. Either drivers can take a course at their school or state-approved private driver course, or they can take an online course. Either way, they must supplement classroom experience with real-world driving. The only exception to this rule is for individuals who are not within a 30-mile radius of a driving course.
With the instruction permit, new drivers are given a time sheet. They are then expected to keep track of when, under what conditions, and for how long they have driven while under the supervision of the appointed parent or instructor. If this sheet is lost for some reason, it can be printed out.
In order to apply for a license, individuals must be at least 16 years old. In addition, they need to have completed the requisite number of hours of driving experience. For individuals with driver education course credit, the requirement is 40 hours of supervised daytime driving and 10 hours of nighttime driving. For individuals too far from a driver education course, the requirement is double that.
At the DMV, drivers will be required to take a road-skills test. The vehicle you drive in will be used as the test vehicle, and it must have updated registration and insurance. You can schedule the driving test online.
It is not necessary to schedule tests ahead of time, but scheduling ahead often reduces the waiting period. Be sure you know all the operations that will be covered on the test and can perform them perfectly. Plenty of people fail the driving test on the first run. When you go to the DMV, be sure to bring the following items:
- Parent or guardian who supervised driving training
- Instruction Permit
- Birth Certificate and Social Security Card, or other acceptable forms of identification
- Beginning Driver Experience Log, filled out
- Vehicle, with insurance and registration