How to Get a Nevada Driver's License as an Adult

Whether you’re new to driving or new to Nevada, getting your Nevada state driver’s license is an essential first step to expanding both your personal and professional horizons in the Silver State. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or even intimidated by the licensing process - you’re not alone. Nevada requires that every potential licensed driver meet certain specifications, standards, and testing requirements according to their age and driving experience. Drivers who are 18 and older at the time of their license application will need to complete a series of steps to receive their full Nevada license. This article will help you navigate the Nevada licensing process in a quick and easy manner - meaning you’ll get your license sooner and spend more time on the road!

Under 18? We’ve got you covered! There are a few more steps involved in the license process if you are a minor. More information about how to get a Nevada Driver’s License as a teen may be found here.

Summary

If you’re over 18, you’ll need to complete the following steps to get your Nevada Driver’s License:

• Apply for a Nevada Instruction Permit or schedule your Driving Skills Test
• Pass the Knowledge Test
• Practice driving!
• Pass the Nevada Driving Skills Test

Do You Need a Nevada Permit if You Are 18 and Over?

First time drivers over 18 do not need a Nevada Permit in order to apply for their full license. This means that any new Nevada resident may apply for and schedule both their knowledge test and road test when they are ready. It is important to note any applicant who is 18 or older is not required to take any type of Driver’s Education before applying for their permit. This being said, Coastline recommends that all new drivers 18 and over enroll in both a classroom and practical driver education course to both ensure safety on the road.

How to Get an Instruction Permit in Nevada Over 18

New drivers must apply in-person for an Instruction Permit. If the new driver over 18 chooses to bypass the Instruction Permit stage, they still must make their initial application in-person at the DMV. Note, all applications must be made at a DMV office located in one of the following cities: Carson City, Henderson, Las Vegas, or Reno.

Print Your Application & Make an Appointment

Application

Before you arrive at the DMV, you will need to print out and complete a “Nevada Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card.” This form may be found on the Nevada DMV Website.

Make an Appointment

In order to complete the instruction permit application process, you will need to visit a DMV Office. After completing your application, visit the DMV Appointments page to schedule your in-person visit to the authorized DMVs. While walk-in appointments may be available, we recommend scheduling your visit in advance to guarantee the completion of the application process that day.

At the DMV

Bring Your Documents and Prepare for Testing

Be certain you gather all of the required documents you will need before you visit the DMV. These will include:

• Your completed Nevada Application for Driving Privileges or ID Card
• Proof of Identity and Nevada Residency (includes both Real ID and Standard ID requirements)
• These documents may include a birth certificate, a passport, a lease agreement, and/or utility bills
• You will also need to show proof of a Social Security number.
• What’s the difference between a RealID and a Federal Non-Compliant ID? Read more here.
• Payment for any application fees. Note, the Nevada DMV will accept cash, an ATM/debit card, credit card, or money order made payable to the DMV.

You will also be required to have your photo taken and pass a vision exam and written exam (knowledge test).

The Vision Test

The DMV uses a Snellen chart to test for visual acuity. Applicants will be asked to accurately read certain letters from a 20 foot distance. If you wear corrective lenses, please bring these to your exam and be certain to wear them for your vision exam. The examiner will note that you require corrective lenses to drive and this restriction will be added to your instruction permit.

How Many Questions are on the Nevada Knowledge (Written) Test?

You will be required to pass a knowledge test in order to be issued a Nevada Instruction Permit. The written test is based on information found in the Nevada Driver’s Handbook and will test your mastery of state driving laws and safe driving practices. 

There are 25 questions on the permit test. You need to answer at least 20 correctly in order to pass your test.

Each question on the DMV Knowledge Test is a multiple choice question. Be certain to read through the questions carefully and consider your options before answering. You must score at least 80% on your Knowledge Test in order to pass and receive your Instruction Permit. If you fail the written test more than three times, you will be required to reapply for your permit. Note that applicants are not required to wait in between attempts at the knowledge test, but must schedule each attempt through the DMV website.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles website has a variety of resources available to help you study for your knowledge test. We suggest you read carefully through the Nevada Driver’s Handbook and take as many practice tests as possible in order to prepare for your in-person Knowledge Exam. 

Testing Fees

The Nevada DMV charges a separate testing fee for all first-time Instruction Permit applicants. This fee is $25. If you fail the permit test, you will be charged $10 for each additional attempt.

Online Testing

The Nevada DMV now offers the Knowledge (Written) Test online! Applicants of any age may choose to take the Knowledge Exam from the comfort of their own home. More information regarding the technical and identity requirements of the online test may be found on the KnowToDrive website. Note, that applicants must pass their Knowledge Test before visiting a DMV to complete their Permit Application. In addition, any applicant who takes their Knowledge Test online must make an appointment at one of the approved DMV sites in order to complete their Permit Application. 

Getting Your Instruction Permit

After you have passed your Knowledge Test, you will be given a choice to be issued an Instruction Permit or schedule a Driving Skills Test. If you opt to bypass the Permit and schedule your Skills Test, you will receive documentation regarding your upcoming Driving Skills Test. Note, you will not be allowed to drive in any capacity, even with an accompanying driver, if you choose to bypass the Instruction Permit step and move directly to your Road Skills Test. The DMV cannot guarantee a Skills Test appointment in a timely manner. For this reason, we highly recommend you choose the Instruction Permit option, which will allow you to practice driving before your behind-the-wheel test. When you receive your permit, be certain you inspect it for any errors, including misspellings of your name, inaccurate birthdate, and correctional lens restrictions before leaving the DMV.

Can You Practice With a Permit in Nevada?

Instruction permits are generally valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. Pay careful attention to the expiration date on your permit - you will need to take your driving test or renew your document before the listed expiration date. Note, there is no mandatory waiting period after the issuance of an instruction permit to any driver who is 18 and over. Permit holders may schedule their road test at any point after they have received their instruction permit, as long as that permit remains valid.

Your permit is not a license to drive alone. Regardless of the driver’s age, any Instruction Permit holder 18 and older must be accompanied by another driver 21 years of age or older holding a valid Nevada license and having at least one year of driving experience. This accompanying driver must be seated in the front passenger seat whenever the permit holder is operating the motor vehicle. Permit holders are not allowed to drive alone, including any transport to or from the DMV.

Nevada does not require permit holders 18 and over to complete any type of driver training or minimum hours behind the wheel. This being said, it is a good idea to practice your driving with a trusted loved one or, even better, a qualified driving instructor at a driving school such as Coastline before attempting your road test.

Taking the DMV Skills Test in Nevada

Before making your skills test appointment, be certain you are familiar with the test itself! More information about the road test may be found in the Nevada Driver’s Handbook. 

Before you set off for the DMV for the road test, be certain you have the following documents with you:

• Valid Instruction Permit
• Vehicle registration and proof of Nevada insurance
• Nevada license of an accompanying driver who is 21 or older
• An accompanying driver must be present in the passenger seat at all times prior to the road test. The DMV Examiner will inform you when the accompanying driver may leave the vehicle.

Remember! You may be tested not only on your driving skills, but also your knowledge of your vehicle, including demonstration of the operation of dash controls such as your headlights, windshield wipers, emergency brake, hazard lights and defroster. 

Note that some DMV sites in larger cities may offer same-day stand appointments for the behind-the-wheel Skills Test. Those taking the Skills Test in a rural area must call ahead to schedule their appointment, as no walk-ins will be accepted. Any cancellations, regardless of the location, must be done over the phone. There is an additional $25 for the Skills Test, and a $10 fee for each subsequent attempt. 

Getting Your Full Nevada Driver’s License

Once you pass your road test, you will be issued an interim document which will serve as your temporary full driving license until your permanent license arrives in the mail. Drivers who are 18 years of age and older have no restriction on their driver's license aside from the ones indicated on their identification card. Remember to keep careful track of any renewal requirements and always follow the rules of the road. 

While the Nevada licensing process may be intimidating, following the guide above will help to ensure a smoother and more successful experience with the Nevada DMV. We at Coastline wish you the best of luck with your new license, and hope you have many happy and safe hours on the road!