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Question: I'll be 16 on October 20th. I got my permit on May 23...Do I have to wait until October 23 to get my Driver's License, or can I get it on my birthday

Answer: A new law went into effect on July 18, 2000 that applies to this situation. You must have an instructional permit (learner's permit) for at least five months before you can even apply for a Driver's License.

Not only do you have to wait 5 months after you get your permit, but while you have your permit you must complete an approved driver education program which includes behind-the-wheel practice, or have your Parent/guardian certify that you have completed 25 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 5 hours of nighttime driving.

So let's say you turn 16 and do not even have a permit yet. When you get your permit, you'll have to hold it for 5 months until you can apply for a Driver's license. Just because you're 16 does not mean you can skip the Permit stage under this new Arizona Law. Only when you turn 18 will you be able to apply for a driver's license without first holding a permit for 5 months and completing driver's training.

Read more about the Graduated Driver's License in the LawForKids.org Driver's License Law Section.

There is also a great deal of information on the Arizona Department of Motor Vehicles.
Comments
6 thru 10 of 19 comments
On 03/19/06
JORDY from LA said:
I HEARD THAT IF U GET YOUR PERMIT WHEN YOUR 16 HTNE U ONLY HAVE TO HAVE YOUR PERMIT FOR THREE MONTHS THEN U CAN GET YOUR LISCENCE. IS THIS TRUE?
On 02/26/06
lilly from NJ said:
do you have to take the 6 hours of driving to get your permit? or can i just take the test get my permit and then get my lisence in july when i turn 17?
On 02/18/06
kris from CA said:
when u have your licens for 3 mounths and u have to drive some one can they have a writen permision slep frim there parents saying that it is ok for this person to drive my son or dauter??
On 02/17/06
jessica from NY said:
do you have to wait the five months in new york too? cuz i heard that you only need 30 hrs of driving.
On 06/06/05
Kevin Cox from WA said:
I think that once you are done with drivers ed you should be able to get your license. Because most people get there "learners permit" right when they turn 15. After they have finished there drivers ed class and have passed sucessfully they already have shown that they are capable of drivng and the knowldege of the what to do in any situation.
6 thru 10 of 19 comments


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