At what age can you apply for a learner’s permit in most states?

Explanation

Most states allow teenagers to get a learner’s permit around age 15 (sometimes 15 and a half). A few states let you start even earlier – for instance, in Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, etc., you can get a permit at 14 – while some states require you to be a bit older (like 16 in New York). For example, California offers learner’s permits at 15½, whereas New Jersey requires you to be 16. Generally, by 15 or 16 years old, teens can begin the graduated licensing process with a learner’s permit. With a learner’s permit, a young driver must always have a licensed adult (usually someone over 21) in the passenger seat while driving. The permit period is designed for practice under supervision. The exact age and requirements (such as passing a written test or completing a driver’s ed course first) vary by state, so it’s important to check your state’s DMV rules. In summary, around mid-teens is when most people can start learning to drive with a permit, under adult supervision and with certain restrictions.