Oklahoma Learner’s Permit: A First-Time Driver Guide

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Oklahoma uses a graduated driver’s licensing program to help teens and new drivers understand the rules of the road through testing and practice.

The GDL program starts new drivers with a learner’s permit. In time, and with patience and respect of road rules, they can upgrade to a provisional license. Further patience will turn the provisional into an unrestricted license.

This post shares what items teens need to present and how the steps required for earning their learner’s permit.

Applying for a Learner’s Permit in Oklahoma

The learner’s permit is available for those age 15 1/2 and residents of the state.

The teen will appear before a Driver License Examiner, submitting their application and taking their vision/written tests.

Non-U.S. citizens can apply to get their learner’s permit, too, by providing legal documentation. Out-of-state, first-time drivers can transfer their learner’s if they’re 15 1/2, have a valid permit, and submit permit documents as noted in the steps below.

Teens can begin at 15 years old through a driver’s education program though this is not a requirement to get a permit in the state. This educational program is helpful when applying for the permit, though, as it gives experience needed for later testing by the state.

An adult will accompany you to a local DMV when processing your learner’s permit.

First-time Drivers (Ages 15 ½ with Driver’s Ed)

  1. Go to the DMV
  2. Show proof of driver’s education
    1. Completed course
    2. Enrolled in a course
  3. Show proof of identification
    1. Primary (e.g. Birth Certificate, Passport)
    2. Secondary (e.g. Photo ID, Driver Training form (DPS 300))
    3. Social Security Number
  4. Show proof of school enrollment
  5. Pass the testing
    1. Written
    2. Vision
  6. Pay the fees
    1. Permit application: $4
    2. License fee: $38.50
    3. Retest fee: $4

First-time Drivers (Ages 16 – 18 without Driver’s Ed)

Teens that forgo a driver’s education program can apply for their learner’s permit at 16.

The required documents and fees are the same as noted above – minus proof of driver’s education course.

Those 18 and older will submit their proof of identification and pass the required test. They do not have to submit driver’s education completion or proof of school enrollment.

Drivers 18 and older can hold their permit for up to 30 days before applying for their full driver’s 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 OK 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 Experience (Requirement for Licensing)

Getting behind-the-wheel experience is a requirement for those going through the GDL program.

Requirements include:

  • 50 hours of total driving experience
  • 10 hours of total experience driven at night

A licensed adult (21+) must always accompany the driver during this behind-the-wheel experience.

Upgrading to a Provisional License

Those having complete the learner’s permit process and continue respecting road rules can eventually upgrade to a provisional license. This license gives the new driver greater driving freedom. When you’re ready, see our Oklahoma Provisional Licensing Guide for details on upgrading the learner’s permit.