Obtaining a learner's permit is generally the first step that a beginner driver takes toward becoming a fully licensed driver in Mississippi. You are eligible to apply for a learner's permit if you are at least 15 years old and:

• you have never been licensed to operate a vehicle, or
• you are a new resident of Mississippi who has been licensed in another state, but your driver's license has been expired for longer than six months

You can get a learner's license at 14½ years if you can provide proof of enrollment in a driver education program from your school. With this limited permit you can only operate a driver education vehicle accompanied by the instructor. You need to get a regular learner's license and hold it for six months before you can take the road test.

HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL LEARNER'S PERMIT

1. Get a hard copy of the Mississippi Driver's Manual by visiting a local Driver License Center.
2. If you are under 17 years of age, you must obtain notarized signatures of both parents or guardians on the application. If parents are divorced the one with custody must sign.
3. If you are under 18 years of age, you must provide proof of school enrollment by obtaining a school attendance form from your school. This form is valid for 30 days only. This form is not required if you are married but you will need a marriage certificate.
4. Visit your local Driver License Center to submit the application. You must bring with you:
5. The completed application form.
6. Certified copy of state issued birth certificate and if over 18 years of age domicile proof. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
7. Your Social Security card.
8. Cash for $3 towards permit fee.
9. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the Driver License Center. If you pass these tests, you will be issued a learner's permit, which is valid for one year.

When driving with a learner's permit you must be accompanied by a licensed driver age of 21 or older. This person must sit beside you.

THE INTERMEDIATE LICENSE

You can apply for an intermediate license once you have held your learner's permit for at least six months. You need to provide all the documents you did to get the learner's permit and pass the road test. Once you pass the road test, you will be issued an intermediate license. With an intermediate driver's license you can drive unsupervised from 6 am to 10 pm. At other times you need to be accompanied by a licensed driver over 21 years of age.

THE REGULAR LICENSE

A full, unrestricted Class R license may be issued when you have held your learner's permit for at least six months. If you are under 18, you need provide all the documents you did to get the learner's permit.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• For more information, see our Beginner Drivers section.
• See also Applying for a Drivers License.
• See also Driver's Education, Driving Schools and Practice Tests.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Mississippi, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.