How to Get Your Teen Drivers License in Nevada

Getting your drivers license in Nevada is no joke. Just as the state enforces strict local curfews in Las Vegas for minors (mind-boggling, right?), Nevada wants to keep their young drivers in line. But after following the proper steps, you’ll be cruising to Lake Tahoe with the windows down *cue country music* in no time.

safe-driving

Step One: Show proof of school attendance

That’s right, stay in school kids. If you’re under the age of 18, Nevada requires you to provide the DMV with proof that you meet the minimum school attendance requirements. You can submit this information via the Certificate of Attendance (DMV 301), but make sure you’ve asked the necessary authoritative figures (your school principal, parent or guardian) to sign off on it.

Step Two: Enroll in drivers education

Yep, more schooling. Once you turn 15, you can enroll in a driver’s education course which consists of about 30 hours of classroom instruction. Courses are offered at public and private high schools, DMV-licensed professional driving schools as well as state-approved online providers, like Aceable. While all professional schools (see full list here) give out a Certificate of Completion, not all high schools will. When applying for your license, you’ll need to provide proof of school completion; if you don’t have a certificate, a report card or official transcript will work as substitutes.

Step Three: Apply for your instruction permit

While drivers ed is not required before getting your permit, we recommend it so you’ll be able to pass the written test with flying colors #NerdAlert. When applying for your permit, you’ll need to show proof of identity and address, so make sure you bring along your birth certificate, social security card, and two forms showing your address, like a piece of mail (yes, real tangible snail mail still exists). Next, you’ll need to pay a couple fees: a testing fee of $26 that covers the vision and knowledge tests and a licensing fee of $23.25 for that beautiful piece of plastic you can’t wait to show off. In order to pass the vision test, you must have a minimum level of vision of 20/40 in one eye. To pass the written test (50 multiple choice questions), you need to make a minimum score of 80%. If you fail, any retakes will cost $11. Don’t. Let. Us. Down.

Step Four: Get in 50 hours behind the wheel

Once you’ve received your permit, it’s time to do some driving. Slow down kids, this does not mean you’re the next carpool ringleader of your friends. But, with a licensed driver OVER the age of 21 in the front seat, you can practice driving around town. Of the 50 hours required, make sure at least 10 of them are spent driving at nighttime so you can practice using your lights. Keep a written log of the dates and hours you’ve put in, and make sure to bring it along when you apply for your license. Use the DLD-130 form to keep your log organized. The one exception to the 50 hour rule is for students who can not find a drivers ed course within a 30-mile radius of their house (this is where online drivers ed is a good option). If you cannot find a course, drivers under 18 must complete 100 hours behind the wheel.

Step Five: Pass the driving skills test

Okay, time to make it final. Once you’ve had your permit for six months and completed driver’s ed and your required hours (without any mishaps!), you can apply for your real license at 16. Schedule online or call the DMV to set up an appointment for the test. Don’t forget to bring all the essentials: a parent or guardian, your permit, proof of identity, proof of driver’s ed completion, a completed driving log, the driver’s license application, and a vehicle with registration and insurance. Remembering these items is no easy feat, so glance over a checklist before you walk out the door!

Before you take the driving skills test, an examiner will perform a brief vehicle safety check- don’t worry, it’s just protocol. When it’s time to drive, take it slow, yield when necessary and keep your eyes on the road. You know what to do! If you fail, the instructor will let you know what you need to work on and you’ll be able to try again in 30 days. If you pass, your final step is to pay for the license (another $23.25 so make sure it’s a good hair day) and the license should be mailed to you within 10 days. Until then, you’ll receive a temporary paper document granting you driving privileges. Now that you’re official, you’ll need to call your insurance company and let them know to add you to your family’s list of drivers.

Before you rush off with your friends, remember there ARE a few restrictions until you turn 18. Since you’re new to the game, you’re not allowed to transport friends under the age of 16 for the first six months, and you need to stay off the roads between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Other than that, give yourself a big pat on the back! See ya on the road!

*For more information and links to important documents, click here.