Oklahoma teens can now take the first step toward driving independence six months earlier. Effective immediately, HB1854 lowers the minimum age for learner’s permits from 15 ½ to 15 years old. To qualify for a learner's permit at 15, you must be actively enrolled in an approved Oklahoma Driver Education course and successfully pass the Oklahoma Written Exam. Once you have your permit, you’re allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. under the supervision of an experienced adult driver aged 21 or older.
This new law applies to learner’s permits only. You’ll still need to be 16 before you can get your driver’s license. However, the change creates some significant benefits for both teens and their parents.
More Time to Prepare, More Confidence on the Road
Getting your permit six months earlier means you’ll have more time to gain valuable driving experience and prepare for the road test. More driving hours means more experience handling various conditions and situations, helping you become more confident and skilled behind the wheel. The increased practice time can help you smoothly transition when you're ready to graduate to your Intermediate Driver's License.
Helping Parents Navigate the Process
Learning to drive is a significant milestone for teens, but it can also be a stressful time for parents. They're often responsible for making sure teen drivers get their required 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training.
This new age reduction for learner's permits offers some welcome relief. With an extra six months to work with, parents can more easily fit driving practice into their busy schedules, helping to reduce the pressure and anxiety of teaching a teen to drive. Parents can also take comfort in knowing their children have had ample time to study the rules of the road and practice their skills under supervision. This can lead to increased peace of mind when teens eventually take the wheel on their own.
Important Timelines for the Oklahoma Teen Driver’s License
Getting your driver’s license in Oklahoma is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you’ll need to take if you’re under 16.
Enroll in a driver’s education course: You’ll need to show proof of enrollment or completion when you take your written exam. Enrolling early can help ensure you have plenty of time to study before you turn 15.
Pass your written exam: Under the new law, you can take your exam and get your learner’s permit as early as your 15th birthday.
Complete your driver’s license requirements: You'll need to complete the required behind-the-wheel training and the Oklahoma Work Zone Safe course.
Schedule and pass your driving test: You can take your road test as soon as you turn 16, as long as you’ve had your permit for at least 180 days. Oklahoma’s Sweet Sixteen Guarantee allows you to sign up ahead of time to ensure you can take your driving test on your 16th birthday or the first day of eligibility.
Getting Started with Oklahoma’s Parent-Taught Drivers Ed
If you're a teen excited about getting your learner's permit or a parent ready to guide your child through the learning process, Aceable’s Parent-Taught Driver's Ed program is here to help. This comprehensive program provides all the resources and support teens need to become safe, responsible licensed drivers. Earn your permit from any device, anywhere, with interactive lessons designed to improve retention.