DMV Permit Test Study Guide

If you are looking for a DMV study guide to help you prepare for your upcoming DMV visit, look no further. We have prepared a study guide with everything you need to know for when you go to take your permit test. Our guide covers what to bring, fees to expect, last-minute driving test tips, frequently missed test questions, and the official handbook.

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What to Bring to the DMV DMV Fees Last Minute DMV Written Test Tips Frequently Missed Test Questions DMV Driver’s License Handbook

What to Bring on the Day

When you go to the DMV, you want to make sure you have all the necessary items so you don’t have to reschedule or wait in line again. The following items are what you will need to bring with you to the DMV:

One document to verify your identity, including any of the following:
Valid, unexpired US Passport
Certified Birth Certificate
Certificate of Citizenship
Valid, Permanent Resident Card
Unexpired employment authorization document

Consular Report of Birth Abroad
One document to verify your social security number (SSN), including any of the following:

Social Security Card

A certified letter from the Social Security Administration stating the person’s name and Social Security Number

W-2 Tax Form

Medicare/Medicaid Card (if SS# IS FOLLOWED BY THE LETTER A)
Two documents to verify your address, including any of the following:

Voter Registration Card
School Enrollment Documentation
Social Security Benefits statements/summary mailed to physical address
Utility bill less than 90 days old
Proof of payment of residential property tax. Permit application (Form 478)
Two forms of ID
Parental consent form, if under 18
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of Address
Two forms of Identification: One of them must have a clear photo of you
If you have no photo ID, then present 3 forms of identification
Your parent or legal guardian’s picture ID can count as 1 form of ID.
Other forms of identification include: Birth certificate and U.S. Passport.
Other acceptable forms of identification can be found here.
Signed Application (Must contain parent’s signature if between 15 ½ and 18 yrs. old).
Social Security Number Proof of ID
Proof of legal status
Proof of social security number or proof of ineligibility
Proof of school enrollment (if under 18)
Proof of GPA (if under 18) California Form DL 44
Your Social Security Number (It will be verified with the social security administration)
Your Full Legal Name
Original Birth Certificate/Legal Presence Document
Application Fee Proof of identity
Social Security Number
Signed Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship
Affidavit of Completion of a Driver’s Education Classroom Course (if 15 – 15 ½ )
Documentation of a completed 4-hour driver awareness program (if 15 ½ - 16 years old)
Proof of address (if a minor, your parent can show id with the address on it) Connecticut Learner's permit application
Parental consent form (if under 18)
2 Proofs of Residency
2 Proofs of ID
Proof of Social Security Number Proof of Identity
Proof of Social Security Number
2 Proofs of Residency
Drivers Education Certificate (under age 18) District Columbia Proof of Name and Date of Birth
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of Residency (if under 18)
Proof of Parental Approval (if 16 or 17) Proof of Identity such as your birth certificate or United States Passport.

Proof of Social Security Number such as your original social security card or your W-2 displaying your social security number.

Proof of Substance Abuse and Traffic Law courses
Proof of Address such as a utility bill, cable bill, etc.

Parental Consent Form - Minor Driver Applicant Form. If you are under 18 and are not married, one parent must sign your license application.

Proof of your Identity
Two Proofs of Residency
Full Social Security Number
Proof of Lawful U.S. Presence
Certificate of School Attendance (if under age 18) One form of ID preferably a birth certificate
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of lawful US presence Proof of identity
Proof of residency
Proof of legal presence
Your social security card
Proof of school enrollment (if under 18)
Parent or legal guardian to sign your application (if under 18)
Driver’s training program certificate (if you under 17) Proof of Legal Name
Social Security Number
Proof of Birth
Proof of Residency
Proof of Written Signature A Birth Certificate or US Passport for proof of identity and US status
Social Security Card or W-2 for proof of social security number
Utility bill or Credit Card Bill for proof of residence Proof of ID
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of Residency Proof of identity
Proof of residency A certified birth certificate
A non-laminated Social Security Card
Proof of Address such as a utility bill, cable bill, etc.
If under 18, a signed application by your parents. Birth certificate
Two forms of identification
Social Security Number
Drivers Education Certificate or a 6 Hour Course Certificate 2 Proofs of ID
Proof of Maine residency
Your Social Security Number
Certificate of drivers education (if under 18 years of age) Proof of age and identity,
Proof of lawful status
Proof of social security number or proof of ineligibility
Proof of Maryland residence
Proof of Learner’s Permit School Attendance Form (if under 16) Massachusetts

Three forms of original ID: One showing your signature, one showing your date of birth, one showing your residence.

An application form with your parents signature on the back if you are under age 18 Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of US Citizenship
Proof of Identity
Proof of Residency
A green Segment 1 Certificate of Completion (if under 18)

Documents proving your first, middle, and last name, as well as date of birth
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of birth abroad
- Valid US Passport
- Adoption certificate

Certificate of enrollment (if under 18)
Social security number Mississippi If you are under 18, you will need to provide the following:
Completed Application with Notarized Signatures from Parents.
Certified Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Signed Certification of School Attendance.
If you are 18 or older, provide:
Completed Application.
Certified Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Proof of Residence Proof of Name
Proof of Birth
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of Missouri Residential Address Proof of identity
Proof of Montana residency
Proof of authorized presence
Parental consent (if under 18) One form of ID
Two forms of address verification
Social Security Number A Birth Certificate or US Passport for proof of identity
Social Security Card or W-2 for proof of social security number
Utility bill or other bill for proof of residency

Signed Minor Affidavit Sheet and financial responsibility statement by your legal guardian (if under 18). Should either be notarized or signed in front of a DMV official.

New Hampshire Two Proofs of Identity
The green Driver Education Completion Certificate (if under 18)
A Parent or Guardian Authorization Certificate (if under18)
A completed Driver’s Out-Of-Class Log Sheet (if under 18)
Proof of residency (if over18) New Jersey At least one Primary ID
At least one Secondary ID
Verifiable Social Security Number
Proof of Address New Mexico Proof of Identity
Proof of Social Security Number
2 Proofs of Residency

Proof of having completed or of being enrolled in a state-approved driver education program (if under 18)

If between 18 and 24, you must complete a “None for the Road” DWI class Form MV-44 (also known as the Driver’s License Application)
Your social security card
Application Fee
Form MV-619 signed by an eye care professional if you choose not to take the vision test at the DMV
Form MV-285 driver’s education certificate if you have it.

Documents that prove your age and identity. Make sure your documents total 6 points. Remember all documents must be original and at least one of them must show your date of birth.

North Carolina Two Proofs of Identity
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of Residency
Driver’s eligibility certificate or high school diploma ( if younger than 18)
Driver’s education certificate ( if younger than 18) North Dakota Proof of name and date of birth
Proof of legal presence.
Social security number

Your Legal Name and Date of Birth (Birth Certificate, Certified Copy of Court Order, Valid Passport, etc)

Your Social Security Number (SSN Card, Medical Records, Department of Human Services Card)

Your U.S. citizenship or U.S. legal presence (Certified Birth Certificate, Naturalization Form, Valid Passport)

Your Resident street address in Ohio.( Utility Bill, Mortgage Document, School Record) Proof of Primary ID
Proof of Secondary ID
Documentation of school enrollment (if under 18)
Documentation of enrollment in a driver’s education course (if between 15 ½ and 16) Proof of your full legal name
Proof of your legal US presence
Supply Social Security Number
Proof of your address
Proof of school enrollment (if under 18) Pennsylvania Form DL 180 “Medical Qualification Certificate”
Form DL 180TD (If under 18) Completed by a parent, legal guardian or spouse who is 18 or older.

Proofs of identity such as a birth certificate, US passport, certificate of US citizenship or certificate of naturalization. The documents you need are also listed on the opposite side of Form DL 180.

If you are 18 or older --Two proofs of residency such as a utility bill, W-2, tax records, current weapons permit, mortgage documents, lease agreement or any document listed on the opposite side of Form DL 180.

Social Security Card Rhode Island Proof of drivers education
Proof of birth
Proof of social security card South Carolina Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Proof of Residency
Insurance Information South Dakota

Proof of identity and date of birth such as a Certified U.S. birth certificate, valid unexpired U.S. passport, or Certificate of Citizenship

Proof of Social Security Number
Two Proofs of SD Residential Address (parents may provide for minors) Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Proof of Identity
Secondary Proof of Identity
Two Proofs of Tennessee Residency dated within the last 4 months.
Social Security Number
Proof of school attendance/progress (if under 18) Proof of identity and citizenship
Proof of Social Security Number
Proof of classroom portion of driver’s education
Proof of enrollment in school
Proof of parent or guardian’s signature on application
Impact Texas Young Drivers' certificate Proof of identity and lawful legal status
Proof of Social Security
Proof of Residency Learner’s Permit Application with parent’s signature (if under 18)
Proof of Residency
Proof of Identity
Social Security Number

Proof of Identity
- 1 proof of identity if you are younger than 19
- 2 proofs of identity if you are older than 19

Proof of Legal United States Presence
Proof of Social Security Number (if you’ve been issued one)
Proof of Virginia Residency Washington Proof of Identity
Parental Authorization Statement- if under 18.
Signed certificate from driving instructor, if enrolled in a driver’s education class.
Proof of address
Social Security number West Virginia One Proof of Identity
Proof of Social Security Number
2 Proofs of Residency
School Eligibility Form Proof of Name and Date of Birth
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
Proof of Identity
Proof of Residency
Proof of Insurance
Proof of Enrollment in Drivers Education (if under 18) Proof of Identity
Proof of Social Security Number
Two Proofs of Residency

More information about what documents are valid can be found in the official state handbook below.

Fees

Acquiring a learner’s or driver’s permit and license costs money. Expect to pay the following when you visit the DMV:

Road test fee: $5,00
Permit fees: $5.00 test fee and $36.25 license fee
License fees: $36,25
Road test fee: Road Test: $15.00
Permit fees: $15,00
License fees: $20,00
Permit fees: $7,00
License fees: 16 -39 $25.00
40-44 $20.00
45-49 $15.00
50-above $10.00 Road test fee: No road test or written test fee
Retest for written & road test: $10 each Permit fees: Prorated
License fees: $40,00
California Road test fee: Failure after 3 attempts: $33
License fees: $35,00
Road test fee: Knowledge Written retest: $11.15
Driving Skills retest: $15 Permit fees: $16,80
License fees: $27,00
Connecticut Road test fee: Examination Fee: $40
Permit fees: $19,00
License fees: $72,00
License fees: $40,00
District Columbia Road test fee: Knowledge Test: $10
Road Test: $10 Permit fees: $20,00
License fees: $47,00
Road test fee: Knowledge retest: $10.00
Skill retest: $20.00 License fees: $48,00
Road test fee: $10.00 permit fee for each attempt
Permit fees: $10,00
License fees: $32,00
Road test fee: Road Test: $8.00
Written Test: $2.00 Permit fees: $5,00
License fees: 17 - 24 (4 years): $20.00
25-72 (8 years): $40.00
72+ (2 years): $10.00 Road test fee: Skills Test: $24.00
Knowledge Test: $3.00 Permit fees: $15,00
License fees:

17 (1 year): $15.00
Under 18 & 18-21 (3 year): $25.00
20 (1 year): $15.00
21 and over (4 years): $30
21-62 (8 years): $55.00

Permit fees: $20,00
License fees: 18-20: $5.00
21-68: $30.00
69-80: $5.00
82-86: $2.00
87+: Free Permit fees: $9,50
License fees: Under 75: $17.50
75-84: $11.00
85+: $7.00 Permit fees: $6.00/year
License fees: $4.00/year
Road test fee: $3.00 exam fee included in license fee
License fees: Under 21: $31.00
21+: $23 Permit fees: $32,35
License fees: $32.25 - $38.25
(includes license fee of $20.25, $12.00 handling fee & a service fee of $0-$6.00) Road test fee: Written Test: $10.00
(Includes first road test.)
Reexamination: $5.00 License fees: $30,00
Permit fees: $50 (fee includes conversion to full license)
License fees: $72.00/ $9.00 per year*
*Fees may be prorated Massachusetts Road test fee: Road Test: $35.00
(included in driver license fee) License fees: $85.00 (includes $50 for license and $35 for road test)
Road test fee:

Road Test: Varies by Testing Location
Knowledge Retesting (After failing twice): $10
Skills Test: (After failing twice): $20.00

Permit fees: Under 19: Free
License fees: 18 +: $25.00 (includes permit fee)
Road test fee: Written Test: No Fee
(Additional attempts: $10 each)
Road Test: No Fee
(Additional attempts $20 each) Permit fees: $13,25
License fees: $25,25
Mississippi Permit fees: $7,00
License fees: $24,00
Permit fees: $3,50
License fees: $10,00
License fees: $40.50 (includes .50 license renewal reminder)
Permit fees: $10,50
License fees: $21.50
*Fees change by duration of valid years of license Road test fee: Initial Knowledge & Skills Test: $26
(Retest: $11) Permit fees: $23,25
License fees: $42,25
New Hampshire Permit fees: $10,00
License fees: $50,00
New Jersey Permit fees: $10,00
License fees: $24,00
New Mexico Permit fees: $10,00
License fees: $18,00
Road test fee: 2 road tests are included in $10.00 driver license application fee
License fees:

16-16.5: $80.00/$90.00*
16.5-17: $76.50/$85.75*
17-17.5: $92.50/$102.50*
17.5-18: $89.25/$98.25*
18-18.5: $80.0/$90.00*
18.5-21: $76.75-$80.00/$85.75-$90.00*
21+: $64.25-$67.50/$73.25-$77.50*
*Amount is the fee for people who live in the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation District (New York City and its suburbs)

North Carolina Road test fee: Road test & written test fee included in learner’s permit fee
Permit fees: $20,00
License fees: $40,00
North Dakota Road test fee: Written Test: $5.00
Road Test: $5.00 Permit fees: $15,00
License fees: $15,00
Permit fees: 16: $24.25
17: $23.00
18: $21.75
19: $20.50
20: $19.25 License fees: 21+: $23.00
Road test fee: Application fee: $4.00
Written Retest: $4.00 License fees: $33,50
Road test fee: Driver’s Test: $9.00
Knowledge Test: $5.00
Under 21: 2nd written test (free) Permit fees: $23,50
License fees: $60,00
Pennsylvania License fees: $35.50 (includes fee for learners permit, license $21, $9.50 photo fee)
Rhode Island Road test fee: Road Test: $26.50
Permit fees: 16-18: $11.50
18+: $26.50 License fees: $38,50
South Carolina Road test fee: Knowledge Test: $2.00
Permit fees: $2,50
License fees: $12,50
South Dakota Permit fees: $28 + $15 fee to upgrade (includes knowledge test)
License fees: $28.00 (includes road test)
Permit fees: Under 18: $10.50
18+: $5.50 License fees: $28.00 (includes $2.00 application fee, & $26.00 license cost) & $3.25/year
Permit fees: $16,00
License fees: Under 18: $16
18+: $25.00 Road test fee: Road test is included in license fee
Permit fees: $15.00 (includes permit test)
License fees: $25,00
Road test fee: Knowledge Test: $32.00
Road Test: $19.00 Permit fees: $20,00
License fees: $32,00
Road test fee: Included in fee
Retest Fee: $2.00 Permit fees: Combined with driver’s license
License fees: $35,00
Washington Road test fee: Test fees vary depending on location
Permit fees: $25,00
License fees: $89.00 (includes $35.00 application fee and $54 issuance fee)
West Virginia Permit fees: $5,00
License fees:

18: $26.25
19 $17.50
20: $8.75
21+: $40.00
($5.00 test fee plus $2.50 for each year license is valid plus .50 for Combined Voter Registration and Driver's Licensing Fund)

Road test fee: Skills Exam: $15.00
Permit fees: $35,00
License fees: $34,00
Permit fees: $20,00
License fees: $20,00

Last Minute Tips

Try to schedule to take the test earlier in the day Taking the test in the beginning of the day will allow you to have more energy and to get it over with sooner, rather than later.
Be observant when driving with family or friends The test questions revolve around good driving habits. Make sure to pay attention to how your family or friends react in different situations, as well as other drivers. By doing this, it will help you visualize each question during the test.
Review the official DMV handbook The official DMV handbook has all the answers you need, and is where all the test questions come from. From specific numbers and information, to traffic signs, make sure to review these directly from the handbook.
Get your sleep the night before Getting a sufficient amount of sleep will help your body and mind function at its greatest potential. Make sure you feel 100% going into your test with 7-9 hours of sleep the night before.
Hydrate and fuel Drink enough water and have a healthy meal for breakfast on the day of your test. Research shows that eating a hearty breakfast results in better exam performance, due to the nutrients delivered to the brain.
Fully read each question thoroughly While you go through the test, make sure you read each question thoroughly. The DMV test questions are straightforward, and making sure to read the entire question will help you choose the best answer.
Use multiple choice test strategies and tips Utilize multiple choice test strategies, such as eliminating all but two answers and making an educated guess, sticking to your first guess, and answering the questions you know first.
Stay relaxed during the test Stress is natural in a testing environment. Make sure to relax yourself during the test, that so you can make the best decisions possible without distraction.

Frequently Missed Test Questions

Some questions are harder to grasp than others, especially for those new to driving. We have compiled some of the most frequently missed driving test questions so you can master them and feel confident going into your test.

When two vehicles meet on a steep mountain road where neither can pass, which vehicle has the right-of-way?

The vehicle that comes first
The vehicle traveling uphill
The vehicle traveling downhill
Both vehicles

A(n) __________ sign on a truck means that the truck's load is potentially dangerous.

diamond-shaped
inverted triangular red
rectangular white

You should reduce your speed by half when the road is

packed with snow.
any of the above are true.

The risk of driving impairment begins to rise noticeably at a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of__________ and increases rapidly thereafter.

.08 percent
.07 percent
1.0 percent
.05 percent

When parked facing uphill on the right side of the road with a curb, you should steer

away from the curb.
towards the curb.
towards the side with the least amount of vehicles.

When stopped behind another vehicle on a hill, you should stay back at least

one vehicle length.
two vehicle lengths.
three vehicle lengths.
four vehicle lengths.

If you double your speed on a highway, your braking distance increases by

three times.
four times.
five times.

Right-of-way must be yielded to emergency vehicles

using a siren.
using a siren or flashing red, blue, or white lights.
at all times.
flashing red, blue, or white lights.

When should you yield on a green light?

When preparing to make a right turn
When the green light is an arrow
During rush hour in urban areas
When turning left

If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, when they engage it is important to

grip the steering wheel tightly.
take your foot off the brake.
keep your foot on the brake.
use the emergency brake.

When adjusting your seat, you should allow ______________ between the chest and steering wheel.

10 inches

To stop on ice with a vehicle equipped without ABS brakes you should

apply continuous pressure.
pump the brakes.
use the emergency brake.
swerve your vehicle off the road.

You are required by law to yield right-of-way to all of the following EXCEPT

ambulances with flashing lights.
vehicles with blue, green, or amber lights.
police cars with sirens.
skateboarders legally crossing the road.

Prior to entering the roadway from an alley, you must FIRST

come to a complete stop.
look both ways.
beep your horn.
yield to other traffic.

You are parked on the downward slope of a street. It is a one-way street and you are parked against the left curb. Which way should your front wheels be turned?

To the right
To the left
To the right or to the left

When entering a freeway from an acceleration lane, it is important to

increase your speed to match that of the freeway.
come to a full stop and wait for an opening in traffic.
increase speed beyond speed limit.
keep your speed below that of the freeway until you've entered traffic flow.

In which of these situations is it appropriate to use your horn?

To encourage other drivers to drive faster
To let a driver know he has made a driving error
To make eye contact with another driver
To let pedestrians know they should get off the road

An average 140-pound woman will become legally intoxicated after consuming ___ alcoholic drink(s). An average 180-pound man will become legally intoxicated after consuming ___ alcoholic drinks.

2; 3

If a driver is approaching you head on in your lane, what should you do?

Move into the left lane to avoid hitting the vehicle
Drive on the shoulder of the road
Beep your horn and pull off the road
Maintain your lane position. You have the right of way

Useful Driving Resources

VIN Decoder

Learn how to decode your vehicle's identity with our VIN Decoder tool.

Driving Simulator

Experience real-life driving scenarios with our interactive Driving Simulator.

Driving Games

Enhance your driving skills in a fun way with our range of Driving Games.

How to Parallel Park

Master the art of parallel parking with our step-by-step guide on How to Parallel Park.

Driving a Stick Shift

Get the basics of manual transmission with our guide on How to Drive a Stick Shift.

Adjusting Mirrors

Learn the correct way to adjust your mirrors for optimal visibility with our Mirror Adjustment Guide.

International Driver's License

Find out everything about obtaining an International Driver's License.

Executing a Three-Point Turn

Understand the technique of a three-point turn with our Three-Point Turn Guide.

Backing into a Parking Space

Learn how to back into a parking space efficiently with our Parking Guide.

Proper Steering Wheel Hold

Discover the safest way to hold a steering wheel in our Steering Wheel Guide.

Car Waxing Techniques

Maintain your car's shine with our tips on How to Wax Your Car.

Learner's Permit Guide

Start your driving journey with our comprehensive Learner's Permit Guide.

The Handbook You Will Need

Referencing the official DMV handbook for your state will provide all the answers you need for your DMV visit. Download the official driver’s manual PDF below:

After reviewing all of the study material we have provided above, you should feel confident walking into the DMV. Be sure to stay focused, relaxed, and positive so you can pass your DMV written test with flying colors!