Nevada Permit Test 2025

Purpose of the Nevada Driver's Handbook

It provides information on the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes needed to drive safely.

Who needs a Nevada driver's license

Anyone who lives or works in Nevada (excluding border state employees or military members stationed in Nevada) and wants to drive on Nevada streets and highways.

Residency requirement for drivers moving into Nevada

Drivers moving into Nevada from another state must apply for a license within 30 days after becoming a resident.

Basic requirements to apply for a Nevada driver's license

Complete an application form and visit a local full-service DMV office.

Minimum age to apply for a Nevada driver's license

You must be at least 16 years old.

Proof required to apply for a Nevada driver's license

You must provide proof of your full legal name, age, Social Security Number (if one has been issued to you), and Nevada residency.

Social Security Number requirement for Driver Authorization Card (DAC)

No, a Social Security Number is not necessary to obtain a Driver Authorization Card (DAC).

Validity of a first-time Nevada driver's license for persons under 65

Eight years, expiring on your birthday.

Effect of limited-term immigration documents on driver's license validity

The expiration of your driver license will coincide with the departure date that is electronically verified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or one year if no date is provided.

Maximum validity period for a driver's license with limited-term documents

At no time will a driver license be valid for more than eight years (NRS 483.290).

Validity of driver licenses for individuals aged 65 and older

Four years.

Validity of Identification Cards

Eight years.

Co-signer requirement for license application for applicants under 18

A parent who has custody, a legal guardian, or other person authorized by NRS 483.300.

Liability of a co-signer for minors under 18

The co-signer shares liability for any damages caused by the minor's negligence or willful misconduct while driving.

What new Nevada residents must do with their out-of-state license or ID

If you have a license or identification card from another jurisdiction, you must surrender it to get a Nevada license or identification card.

What happens to surrendered out-of-state licenses or IDs

All surrendered licenses and identification cards will be voided and returned to you.

Test required when applying for a Nevada driver's license

Your vision will be tested when you apply for your Nevada driver's license.

Conditions under which tests can be waived for new residents

All other tests may be waived if you have had fewer than 3 moving violations in the past 4 years, have not had your license suspended, revoked, or canceled, have no DUI convictions within the past 7 years, have no restrictions to your driving privilege that require evaluation, have a valid license from another state of the same license class for which you are applying in Nevada, and are age 21 or older.

Who does not need a Nevada license if they are an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces

Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces do not need a Nevada license.

Active-duty member

An active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has a valid license from their home state.

Non-resident license exemption

A non-resident, such as an out-of-state student, tourist, or seasonal resident, if they are at least 16 years old, have a valid license from their home state, and comply with Nevada traffic and financial responsibility laws.

Driver record checks

All driver records are checked through the national Problem Driver Pointer System and the Commercial Driver's License Information System.

Suspended license consequences

You will not be allowed a Nevada license until the out-of-state issue is resolved.

Identification card qualification

You may qualify for an identification card during this period.

Information for new residents

See Chapter 12 on vehicle registration.

Acceptable document for name and birth

An unexpired original or certified copy of a state-issued birth certificate.

Another acceptable document for name and birth

A valid, unexpired United States Passport or United States Passport Card.

Nevada Department of Corrections ID

A Nevada Department of Corrections identification card (not valid for a Real ID).

Consular Report of Birth Abroad

A Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240).

Real ID from another state

A driver license, instruction permit, or identification card from another state that contains a Real ID marking approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Limited-term Real ID cards

No, any Real ID card that is marked as 'limited term' is not acceptable for proof of name and date of birth; acceptable immigration documents must be shown.

Certificate of Naturalization

A Certificate of Naturalization (N-550).

Certificate of Citizenship

A Certificate of Citizenship (N-560).

Permanent Resident Card

A Permanent Resident Card (I-551).

Expired Permanent Resident Card exception

If a Permanent Resident Card is expired, you must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.

Foreign Passport for Permanent Residents

A valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with an I-94 stamped 'Processed for I-551.'

Expired I-94 for Permanent Residents

You must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.

Employment Authorization Card

An Employment Authorization Card (I-766).

Foreign Passport for Limited-Term Residents

A valid, unexpired Foreign Passport with an unexpired U.S. Visa and an I-94 form.

Expired I-94 for Limited-Term Residents

You must also present a Notice of Action (I-797) showing an approved extension.

Immigration documents verification

Any immigration documents presented will be submitted for electronic verification of lawful status.

Hospital-issued birth certificate

A hospital-issued birth certificate is not accepted as proof of name and age.

Driver license from other states

A driver license or identification card from other U.S. states, U.S. Territories, or foreign countries is not accepted as proof of name and age.

Foreign birth certificate

A foreign birth certificate is not accepted as proof of name and age.

Border Crossing Card

A Border Crossing Card is not accepted as proof of name and age.

Consular Identification Card

A Consular Identification Card is not accepted as proof of name and age.

Name Change Documentation Requirement

You will be asked to present legal documentation reflecting your name change, such as a marriage certificate.

Divorce Decree

A divorce decree (must reference a name change).

Spouse's Death Certificate

A spouse's death certificate.

Adoption Record

An adoption record.

Court Order

A court order.

Name Change Document Requirement

Documents must be original or certified copies.

Social Security Card

A Social Security Card.

W-2 Form

A W-2 form showing the full Social Security Number.

IRS Form 1099

An IRS Form 1099 showing the full Social Security Number.

Paystub Requirement

A paystub with the full legal name and Social Security Number (not handwritten).

Social Security Number Document Requirement

Originals with a complete Social Security Number.

Alternative Document Acceptance

Alternatives may be accepted with supervisory approval (not valid for Real ID).

Real ID Act

The Real ID Act, passed in 2005, established federal security standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards to be accepted for federal purposes, such as boarding aircraft or entering federal buildings.

Real ID Card Identification in Nevada

Real ID cards have a gold Nevada outline with a star cutout.

Standard Nevada Driver's License Identification

Standard cards are marked with 'NOT FOR REAL ID PURPOSES.'

Real ID Extra Documentation

Two documents proving Nevada residency (e.g., utility bills, bank statements).

Real ID Verification Requirements

Identity, date of birth, Social Security Number, lawful status, and residential address.

Real ID Document Processing

Documents are scanned, stored, and verified electronically.

Driver Authorization Card (DAC)

A Driver Authorization Card (DAC) is valid for four years and expires on your birthday.

DAC Holder Requirement

DAC holders must carry the card while driving.

DAC Renewal and Address Change Process

Renewals and address changes for a DAC must be done in person.

Acceptable Document for DAC

One document from the list of acceptable documents for name and date of birth (e.g., state-issued birth certificate).

U.S. Military Identification Card

A U.S. Military Identification Card.

U.S. Military Discharge Document

A U.S. Military Discharge Document.

Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood

A Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood.

Acceptable Document Combination for DAC

Two documents such as an out-of-state driver's license or identification card.

Foreign Passport

A foreign passport.

Mexican Electoral Card

A Mexican Electoral Card.

Foreign Government-Issued Document

Any similar foreign government-issued document.

Foreign Language Document Requirement for DAC

They must be translated into English by a DMV-approved translator (not an abstract).

Full translation

The full translation, the date, the translator's number, the translator's name, the translator's signature, and a certification statement.

Limitations of a Driver Authorization Card (DAC)

It is not valid for federal identification, state benefits, licenses, or services requiring a driver's license or ID.

Information release for immigration status from DAC

No, information from a DAC is not released for immigration status.

Rules for DAC holders

DAC holders follow the same rules as license or permit holders except as noted.

Proof of Nevada residency for original Real ID, standard driver's license, ID, or permit

During the original issuance.

Documents proving Nevada residency for original Real ID, standard driver's license, ID, or permit

Two original or certified documents with a Nevada address (e.g., rent/lease receipt, utility record, bank statement, court document, voter card).

Proof of Nevada residency for DAC

During the original issuance.

Proving residency for minors under 18

By providing two documents as listed above or by signing a DMV form verifying the minor resides at the same address.

Test required for a driver's license application

A vision test (glasses or contacts may add a restriction).

Another test required for a driver's license application

A knowledge test covering traffic laws and signs (available automated, paper, or oral; Spanish available).

Rule during skills test regarding cell phones

No cell phone use is allowed (automatic failure).

Rule during skills test regarding vehicle features

No use of safety features like parking assist or cruise control is allowed.

Requirement for young drivers under 18 applying for a license

A parent or guardian must co-sign the application.

Additional requirement for young drivers under 18

They must sign an affidavit understanding that revocations, suspensions, or delays may occur for alcohol, drugs, graffiti, firearms, truancy, speed contests, or trick driving.

Driver education options for minors

Attendance at a DMV-approved driver education school (in-person or online).

Alternative driver education option for minors without access to a school or internet

100 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 at night for Class C; all daylight for motorcycle), remaining crash and violation-free for 6 months.

School attendance requirement for minors

A DMV-301 form signed by a school official within 60 days, certifying attendance.

Requirement if a minor has completed school

A diploma or GED must accompany the DMV-301 form.

Requirement for truants with a prior suspension to reinstate a license

A new DMV-301 form signed by a school official.

Behind-the-wheel experience required for teens near a driver education school

50 hours supervised, with 10 at night.

Requirements for a Class C instruction permit

Be at least 15½ years old, complete an application, pass vision and knowledge tests, and have parent or guardian authorization.

Who must accompany a holder of a Class C instruction permit

A licensed driver who is 21 or older with at least 1 year of experience, seated beside the permit holder.

Requirements for a Class M or M-Z instruction permit

Be at least 15½ years old, pass vision, general knowledge, and motorcycle knowledge tests.

Who must provide direct visual supervision for a Class M or M-Z instruction permit holder

A licensed motorcycle driver who is 21 or older with at least 1 year of experience on a motorcycle (not in a car or truck).