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

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

[edit] HOW TO OBTAIN AN ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION PERMIT

1. Download a copy of the Nevada Driver's Manual, or get a hard copy by visiting a local DMV Office.
2. If you are under 18 years of age, you must obtain a Minor Affidavit and Information Sheet (DLD-38), and have it completed and signed by your parent or guardian. This ensures that the beginning driver and the parent/guardian understand the laws regarding minor drivers. They must also sign the financial responsibility section on the application.
3. If you are under 18, you must complete a Driver Training Course unless your permanent residence is more than 30 miles from an approved instructor.
4. Visit your local DMV Office to submit the Driver License Application (DLD1). You must bring with you:
5. Proof of Identity and Nevada residency. If you have changed your name, you must bring documents that support and clearly indicate your current name.
6. Your Social Security card.
7. The fee of $21.25.
8. You will be given a written knowledge test and an eye screening at the DMV Office. If you pass these tests, you will be issued an instruction permit, which is valid for one year. An instruction permit may be renewed within 30 days of expiry to avoid testing requirements.

While you get an interim paper document that allows you to drive, the actual permit is only mailed within 10 business days. When you drive with a permit, you must have a licensed driver 21 years or older riding in the passenger seat next to you. While this driver does not have to be a parent/guardian, they need to be carrying a valid license which is more than one year old. You cannot drive between 10 pm and 5 am if you are under 18. You must also complete at least 50 hours of driving practice, always accompanied by the licensed driver 21 years or older. Ten of those hours must be driven at night. You'll need to record your hours on a Beginning Driver's Log provided by the State, and submit the completed form when you apply for your regular license. The DMV provided Beginning Driver Training Guide helps parents and first time drivers get acquainted with specific skills and practice along with Nevada traffic laws.

[edit] THE UNRESTRICTED LICENSE

A full, unrestricted license may be issued when you are at least 18 years old. Though you can apply for a full license once you turn 16, you will have to operate the under the restrictions laid out for drivers under 18. These restrictions will only be removed when you turn 18. An instruction permit may be changed to a regular, non-commercial driver's license, provided you meet all of the following requirements:

1. You have not been convicted of any violation of the Vehicle Code.
2. You have not been in any accident in which you were partially or fully responsible.
3. If you are under 18, you have completed a Driver Training Course.

[edit] 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.
• Learn more about Nevada's Licensing Requirements for Young Drivers.
• Bear in mind that in order to drive legally in the state of Nevada, you must have valid auto insurance. See our Auto Insurance section for more information, or to obtain a competitive quote on car insurance.