"Driving at 15" generally refers to the earliest age at which an individual can apply for a learner's permit. This permit allows supervised driving practice under specific conditions, serving as the first step toward obtaining a full driver's license. While the exact regulations and restrictions vary by state, numerous U.S. states permit teenagers to begin this process at 15 years old.
States Where a Learner's Permit is Available at 15
In these states, 15 is the minimum age to apply for a learner's permit. Obtaining this permit typically involves passing a written knowledge test and a vision screening. While holding a learner's permit, drivers are generally required to be supervised by a licensed adult (often a parent or guardian) and must adhere to various restrictions, such as curfews or passenger limits, before they can advance to a restricted or unrestricted license.
Here is a list of states where individuals can apply for a learner's permit at 15:
| State | Learner's Permit Age | Common Requirements & Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 15 | Requires driver education or 12 hours of behind-the-wheel training; supervised driving for 12 months; no driving between midnight and 5 AM. |
| Florida | 15 | Must pass a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course, written test, and vision test; supervised driving required. |
| Georgia | 15 | Requires passing a knowledge test; supervised driving required. |
| Idaho | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Indiana | 15 | Requires enrollment in an approved driver education program to apply at 15; otherwise, 16. |
| Kentucky | 15 | Requires enrollment in an approved driver education program or passing an equivalency test; otherwise, 16. |
| Louisiana | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Maine | 15 | Requires completion of an approved driver education course; supervised driving required. |
| Minnesota | 15 | Requires passing a knowledge test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Mississippi | 15 | Requires passing a written knowledge test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Missouri | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| New Mexico | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| North Carolina | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Oklahoma | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Oregon | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| South Carolina | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Tennessee | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Texas | 15 | Requires completion of driver education or concurrent enrollment; supervised driving required. |
| Utah | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Vermont | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Washington | 15 | Requires enrollment in an approved driver training course; supervised driving required. |
| West Virginia | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Wisconsin | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
| Wyoming | 15 | Requires passing a written test and vision screening; supervised driving required. |
States With Different Learner's Permit Ages
Some states have minimum ages for learner's permits that are either slightly older than 15 or require additional months beyond a 15th birthday. Examples of these variations include:
- California: A learner's permit can be obtained at 15 years and 6 months. This typically requires completion of driver education and concurrent enrollment in a driver training program.
- Connecticut: The minimum age to apply for a learner's permit is 16 years old.
- Delaware: Similarly, the learner's permit becomes available at 16 years old.
Understanding these specific age requirements and the accompanying regulations is essential for aspiring drivers and their families when planning for driver education and the licensing process.
