Mississippi Driver’s License: Step-by-Step

A young driver behind the wheel
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The Mississippi Department of Public Safety oversees the state’s graduated licensing program. This program helps first-time drivers learn driving basics through testing, behind-the-wheel practice, and real-world experience under the supervision of a licensed adult.

Mississippi’s GDL program begins at 14 years old and requires a driver’s education course (if under 18).

Getting a Learner’s Permit in Mississippi

Let’s begin with a brief overview of the Mississippi learner’s permit stage:

  • Begins at age 14
  • Offers three varieties: limited, learner’s, and 17+
  • School attendance is mandatory
  • Requires a driver’s education course (anyone under 18)

The GDL program begins with a little learner’s permit. This limited permit turns into a standard learner’s permit by the time they turn 15. Mississippi has a permit for those 17 but under 18, too.

Before long, and by meeting requirements, teens will upgrade their learners into a provisional license giving them more freedom when driving before becoming an adult. Once they’re an adult, they can upgrade to a full charge with unrestricted driving freedoms.

Note: Teens 17 and older are exempt from the GDL’s holding period and intermediate license. A high school diploma or GED are required until the adult turns 18.

This guide shares how you’ll get a license in Mississippi, starting with a learner’s permit. The focus then covers what’s required to get a provisional license. Finally, it shares the requirements to get a license as an adult or come from out-of-state.

You will visit a Mississippi DMV throughout each of licensing applications.

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:

  1. Enroll in a driver’s education program
  2. Visit a local MS DMV office
  3. File the Application for Mississippi Driver’s License (DL-4)
    1. Signed by parents/guardians and notarized
  4. Provide a Social Security Card (or print-out)
  5. Submit an original or certified birth certificate
  6. Submit a signed Certificate of School Attendance Status
    1. Note: Must be less than 30 days old
  7. Provide (2) proof of MS residency
    1. Letter: In the parent’s/guardian’s name
  8. Pay the $7 permit fee

Applying for Your Limited Learner’s Permit (Age 15)

A learner’s permit is available after completing the following:

  1. Enroll in a driver’s education program
  2. Visit a local MS DMV office
  3. File the Application for Mississippi Driver’s License (DL-41)
  4. Provide a Social Security Card (or print-out)
  5. Submit an original or certified birth certificate
  6. Submit a signed Certificate of School Attendance Status
    1. Note: Must be less than 30 days old
  7. Provide (2) proof of MS residency
    1. Note: In the parent’s/guardian’s name
  8. 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:

  1. Enroll in a driver’s education program
  2. Visit a local MS DMV office
  3. File the Application for Mississippi Driver’s License (DL-41)
  4. Provide a Social Security Card (or print-out)
  5. Submit an original or certified birth certificate
  6. Submit a signed Certificate of School Attendance Status
    1. Note: Must be less than 30 days old
  7. Provide (2) proof of MS residency
    1. Note: In parent’s/guardian’s name if under 21
  8. 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.

Written Test Mississippi

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 using 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 of 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.

Getting a Provisional (Restricted) Driver’s License

The provisional license is available to teens 15 or 16 years old. Out-of-state teens, 15 or 16 can submit a notarized application for their age-appropriate permit along with personal info (see above).

Driver’s education no longer becomes a requirement if you’re applying for a provisional license at age 15 and older. The teen, 15 an older, can skip the limited learner’s permit requirements. The provisional provides more freedom until the teen turns 18 and gets their unrestricted license.

A learner’s permit is held for one year before applying for a provisional license.

Meet this requirement and then complete the following:

  1. Visit a local revenue office
  2. Turn in your learner’s permit
  3. File your application
  4. Provide proofs:
    1. SSN
    2. Identity
    3. Residency/legal presence
  5. Submit school attendance or a notarized Application Supplement Under 17 (if under 18)
  6. Pass the driving test
  7. Pay the $11 licensing fee

The driving test grades how well you can operate the vehicle. You will be tested on all areas at the location. You may retake this test up to 3 times before waiting for 30-days if you’ve failed too many.

The provisional license lets you drive unsupervised but has a curfew:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday to Saturday: 6 AM to 11:30 PM

You can drive at any time if you go to and from work. Otherwise, a licensed adult must be present (in the passenger seat) if you’re driving outside the normal hours of the curfew.

Follow these rules, and you’ll soon have an unrestricted license!

Getting an Unrestricted License in Mississippi

Those with a provisional can upgrade to a basic or enhanced license when they meet the criteria.

Licensing criteria include:

  • Turn 17 years old
  • Held the provisional license for 6 months
  • Have no traffic violations within the 6 months before the application

Every Mississippi resident must hold a learner’s permit before getting an unrestricted license.

If you’re over 15 and want to get a license, see the learner’s permit section (above). You do get to skip the learner’s permit holding period but must still pass the basic criteria before applying.

The steps required to get an unrestricted Mississippi license includes:

  1. Visit a state police office
  2. Complete the Application for Mississippi Driver’s License
    1. If 17 and older: 17 and Older Regular Application (DL-41)
  3. Turn in your provisional license
  4. Provide proof of ID/residency:
    1. Social Security Card
    2. Birth Certificate (original or certified)
    3. Mississippi residency proof
  5. Pass any applicable tests:
    1. Written
    2. Vision
    3. Driving
  6. Pay the licensing fee:
    1. 4 years: $24
    2. 8 years: $47

Passing the driving test upgrades your provisional to an unrestricted license.

Congratulations!

You’ve completed your journey in getting a Mississippi driver’s license.

What’s next? Consider registering a vehicle in your name.

You’ll want auto insurance during the registration and throughout your time on the road. Check with local insurance providers or use our MS insurance guides for full details!