Can you drive alone with a permit?
Can you drive alone with a permit? Permit rules like age or who you can drive with vary from state to state, but no state allows you to drive by yourself with a permit. Our guide has the details.
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Daniel Walker
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Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
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UPDATED: Aug 8, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Aug 8, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- It is illegal to drive alone with a just a learner’s permit in all 50 states
- You need to be accompanied by a licensed driver when driving with a permit
- Most states also restrict the number of other passengers allowed in the car when driving with a permit
Can you drive with a permit? Can you drive alone with a permit? Permit rules like age or who you can drive with vary from state to state, but no state allows you to drive by yourself with a permit. You’ll need a licensed, experienced driver to accompany you no matter your age. This applies even if you have an adult learner’s permit.
Read on to learn more about the rules for driving with a permit in the United States. If you’re in need of affordable auto insurance, feel free to enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above.
When can you drive alone with a permit?
There is no U.S. state where you can drive alone with a permit. Even if you’re over 18, you can’t drive alone if you haven’t passed your driving test.
Most states require a licensed driver over the age of 21 to accompany you in the passenger seat while driving with a permit. They may also restrict the number and age of the other passengers in the car while you’re driving.
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What happens if you get caught driving alone with a permit?
Driving alone without a permit or license is illegal, so you can assume what the answer will be for driving with a permit alone. Law enforcement considers you an unlicensed driver if caught driving alone before getting your driver’s license. The officer who pulls you over can write you a citation or impose other consequences depending on your local laws.
Some jurisdictions may count this citation as a driving infraction that could postpone when you can get your license.
If you get into an accident while driving with a permit, you may also have to pay out of pocket for damages. Your insurance policy likely won’t cover an unlicensed driver.
To avoid fines and problems with your driver’s license, follow all the rules for driving with a permit in your state.
Are there other requirements for driving with a permit?
All states require drivers with learner’s permits to have a licensed adult driver in the passenger seat. The goal of your permit is for experienced drivers to instruct you and help you practice ahead of your driver’s test. Consider reading our article on learner’s permit insurance for more information on coverage.
In most states, the accompanying driver must be 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Some states have other requirements for accompanying, like years of driving experience.
Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming allow 18-year-old licensed drivers to accompany drivers with permits. In Maine, the accompanying driver must be at least 20.
The following states require drivers with a learner’s permit to have an accompanying driver who is at least 25 years old in the passenger seat:
- California
- Delaware
- Indiana
- Missouri
- Wisconsin
These states require the accompanying driver to be a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor:
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
Several states also require the accompanying driver to have between one and five years of driving experience to instruct you as a new driver properly.
Most states also restrict the number of passengers new drivers can have to mitigate injuries from accidents. Usually, states prohibit learning drivers from having non-family members as passengers or restrict the age and number of non-family passengers you can have.
When you get your learner’s permit, check your state’s rules for who needs to accompany you while driving. Following these rules will manage your insurance coverage and avoid fines or penalties for driving without a license.
The Bottom Line on Driving Alone with a Permit
It’s always illegal to drive alone with a permit, even if you have an adult permit. If you drive without a qualified driver before getting your license, you’re considered an unlicensed driver and could face citations or fines.
Get familiar with your state’s rules on driving with a permit so you can avoid fines, maintain your insurance coverage, and keep yourself and other drivers safe.
To find affordable auto insurance near you, just enter your ZIP code into our free online quote tool below.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a rental car with a learner’s permit?
Rental car companies typically require the driver to have a valid driver’s license. As a result, it’s unlikely that you would be able to rent a car with only a learner’s permit. Contact rental car companies directly to inquire about their specific policies.
Can I drive a motorcycle with a learner’s permit?
The ability to ride a motorcycle with a learner’s permit varies by state. Some states offer separate motorcycle learner’s permits, while others may require you to have a regular driver’s permit or license before operating a motorcycle. Review your state’s regulations to determine the requirements for motorcycle riding with a learner’s permit.
Can I drive alone with an international learner’s permit?
The rules for driving alone with an international learner’s permit depend on the state you are in. Some states may recognize and allow driving with an international permit alone, while others may require an accompanying licensed driver. It’s crucial to check the specific regulations of the state where you will be driving.
Can I drive on highways with a learner’s permit?
Highway driving regulations for permit holders differ by state. Some states allow permit holders to drive on highways, while others may have restrictions or prohibitions. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s rules regarding highway driving with a learner’s permit.
Can I drive with a learner’s permit if I have a visual impairment?
The ability to drive with a learner’s permit for individuals with visual impairments varies by state. Some states may have specific vision requirements that must be met, while others may prohibit individuals with certain visual impairments from obtaining a permit. Check your state’s regulations and consult with your eye care professional.
Can I drive with a learner’s permit if I’m a non-U.S. citizen?
Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible to obtain a learner’s permit depending on their immigration status and the state’s regulations. Some states may require additional documentation, such as an international driver’s license or proof of legal presence. Consult your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for specific requirements.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.