Many people who want to drive in another state need to obtain a special permit. This allows them to do so while staying within the borders of that state. In most cases, this means traveling outside of their home state and getting a driving license from the state they are visiting, even if it is for just a few hours or days at a time. A special driving permit isn’t necessary if you already have an active driver’s license in that state. It is also not advisable to drive with a different state’s license than what you have at home. You may get into trouble with law enforcement or traffic authorities and give the impression that you might be able to drive in more states than what is really the case.
Can you drive out of state with a permit?
Yes, you can drive out of state with a permit. In most cases, it will not cost you anything to get one. You just need to show your ID and the permit when you are asked for it.
How to Apply for a Special License in Your State
- In most states, you must apply for a special driver’s license through the DMV. This can be done in person or by mail. You will need to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements of your state and that you have a valid driver’s license from your home state as well as proof of residency in that state as well as proof of insurance (be sure to bring a copy with you when going to the DMV).
- You will need to provide proof of your physical presence in the state. This could be a copy of a utility bill or other such document with your name, address, and phone number on it. You may also be asked to provide proof that you are not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time you are applying for the special license.
- You may also be asked for an out-of-state driving record if you have one available (ask if this is required in your state). You may be asked to provide proof that you have a minimum of two years of driving experience or a high school diploma or GED.
- You may also be required to pass a vision test, road test, and/or written test before getting your special license, so make sure you show up prepared with all the necessary materials to pass the written and road tests.
When Can You Drive with a Permit?
- For some states, you can drive with a permit only during certain months of the year (such as summer in some states or school vacation periods).
- In some states, you may be able to keep your permit even after you have had your license for a couple of years. Your permit will be valid for a certain period of time (usually either one or two years) and after that, you must get a full driver’s license before you can drive again.
- If a state has a graduated driver’s license (GDL) system, you can drive with a permit and then be allowed to drive on your unrestricted license at the end of your permit period.
- In addition, if you meet the requirements of your state, instead of getting a driver’s license at the first opportunity as most other people do, you may be able to go through a type of intermediate stage of driver’s education and test which will enable you to get your permit sooner and then keep that permit longer.
- In some states, instead of having a special driver’s license (DDL) your parents can apply for an unrestricted or regular driver’s license for you and have the same privileges and restrictions that they have on their own licenses. This is called “restricted” or “unrestricted” licensing.
Should You Apply for a Special License in Your State?
- If you live in a state that has graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) or a restricted (limited) license, you may want to consider applying for a regular driver’s license right away and then getting your permit when or if you become eligible.
- If you have been driving on your permit for a few years, you probably are ready to go through the driver’s education and testing state requirements and be tested on your driving skills before getting your full driver’s license.
- Also, if your state offers GDL or restricted licensing, it is always best to get training and experience with adult drivers first before going through the licensing stage so that after you graduate from driving school and pass the skill test for your unrestricted license, there will be no surprises about what kind of situations will happen with new drivers in the real world.
- If you do not want to get your permit until you have enough driving experience with other drivers and the traffic rules, then it is best to avoid getting your permit (no matter where) until you are at least twenty-one.
- If you want to wait until you are 21 or older to get your driver’s license and then apply for a restricted or GDL, then it is best if you try out driving with no state safety course first before applying for a special restricted license. You will learn more about this at the free Basic Driver’s Course page.
- If you decide that you want a special driver’s license after graduating from driving school and passing the required tests but have not yet acquired sufficient experience driving, then by all means go for it! Learning how to drive can be a fun and exciting adventure!
What States Have Special Permits for Drivers?
- The states that have a special permit to drive without training first are Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Louisiana, Maryland
- The states that offer a special driver’s license but you will need to do additional safety education and driving lessons before applying for an unrestricted license are Arizona and Arizona
- If the state you live in has a graduated driver’s license (GDL), it is best to get your initial driver’s license as soon as possible so that you can be ready when you are older and have time to complete your GDL driving requirements before applying for an unrestricted license.
- If you have already obtained your GDL, then going through a special driver’s course is not necessary. You will learn more about this at the free Basic Driver’s Course page.
- If you are visiting another state and want a permit to drive there, you will need to meet the requirements of that state first before getting a permit in your home state.
Summing Up
Driving in another state is often easier said than done. You will likely need to take a driving test, get a special license, and prove your identity, among other steps. If you are unsure where to start, it is best to apply in your home state. To drive in another state, you will need to: – Obtain a driver’s license from the state you plan to drive in.- Pass a written knowledge test, and pay a fee.- Prove your identity by showing your valid state-issued photo ID or by providing a valid Government-issued ID with your photo.- Keep your driver’s license active and current, and keep it in a safe place.- Avoid driving with a different state’s license then you have at home.- Be aware of the demerit point system that applies in the state where you plan to drive.
