Mississippi Learner’s Permit: A Teen Driver Guide
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety oversees the state’s graduated licensing program. This program helps teens and new drivers learn driving rules and basics through education, testing, and driving experience.
Teens can apply for their learner’s permit at 14 years old.
Application for the learner’s permit requires teens to enroll in a driver’s education program if they’re under 18 years old. This guide shares the step-by-step process.
Getting a Learner’s Permit in Mississippi
Let’s begin with a brief overview of the Mississippi learner’s permit stage:
- Must be at least 14 years old
- Offers three varieties: limited, learner’s, and 17+
- School attendance is mandatory
- Requires a driver’s education course (anyone under 18)
Teens coming from out-of-state cannot transfer their learner’s permit. They will need to apply for one using the same steps detailed below.
Here are the requirements for the various stages of getting a learner’s permit in Mississippi.
Applying for Your Limited Learner’s Permit (Age 14)
A limited learner’s permit is available after completing the following:
- Enroll in a driver’s education program
- Visit a local MS DMV office
- File the Application for Mississippi Driver’s License (DL-4)
- Signed by parents/guardians and notarized
- Provide a Social Security Card (or print-out)
- Submit an original or certified birth certificate
- Submit a signed Certificate of School Attendance Status
- Note: Must be less than 30 days old
- Provide (2) proof of MS residency
- Note: In parent’s/guardian’s name
- Pay the $7 permit fee
Applying for Your Limited Learner’s Permit (Age 15)
A learner’s permit is available after completing the following:
- Enroll in a driver’s education program
- Visit a local MS DMV office
- File the Application for Mississippi Driver’s License (DL-41)
- Provide a Social Security Card (or print-out)
- Submit an original or certified birth certificate
- Submit a signed Certificate of School Attendance Status
- Note: Must be less than 30 days old
- Provide (2) proof of MS residency
- Note: In parent’s/guardian’s name
- Pay the $7 permit fee
Applying for Your Limited Learner’s Permit (Age 17+)
An (adult) learner’s permit is available after completing the following:
- Enroll in a driver’s education program
- Visit a local MS DMV office
- File the Application for Mississippi Driver’s License (DL-41)
- Provide a Social Security Card (or print-out)
- Submit an original or certified birth certificate
- Submit a signed Certificate of School Attendance Status
- Note: Must be less than 30 days old
- Provide (2) proof of MS residency
- Note: In parent’s/guardian’s name if under 21
- Pay the $7 permit fee
This is ultimately the same as applying at 15 but applicants are exempt from the holding period and intermediate license requirements. You will apply for this as part of getting your adult license.
About the Written Test
You will take a knowledge test during the application. This test examines your ability to acknowledge and answer road safety questions. We recommend reviewing your MS driver’s manual or use online practice tests from approved third-parties to improve your passing chances.
Pass these requirements and you can drive with a qualified parent, guardian, or driving trainer. This will let you gain the valuable behind-the-wheel experience needed when upgrading to a provisional.
Behind-the-Wheel Requirements
Mississippi has a minimum 6-hours of dual driving experience.
Your driver’s education course should have provided ample driving experience. Yet, the state requires additional practice hours. You may choose to do this with a licensed adult or continue with another driver course to meet the criteria.
Next: Upgrading a Provisional License
A provisional license offers greater driving freedom. This becomes available to leaner’s permit holders once they turn 15 or 16. The provisional license is held until the teen turns 18 to which it becomes an unrestricted license.
Want to know how to get this intermediate license? See our Mississippi Provisional Licensing Guide for the step-by-step process and details.
Conclusion:
The Mississippi learner’s permit is an important step for all teen drivers. Not only will it serve as an introduction to the road but it will also help teens become more aware of their own safety and that of other drivers on the road. With proper planning and dedication, the process to obtain a Mississippi learner’s permit can be relatively straightforward and stress-free. Before submitting your application, don’t forget double-check everything and ensure you fulfill all the necessary requirements.
