Kara Sears
Driving licenses are issued by the department of motor vehicles (or equivalent) in each state. The minimum age to obtain a restricted driver's license varies from 14 years, 3 months in South Dakota to 17 in New Jersey. In most states, a graduated licensing law applies to newly licensed teenage drivers, with restrictions on driving privileges such as carrying passengers and curfews. Drivers of large and heavy vehicles or those carrying many passengers or hazardous materials must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In the US, chauffeur licenses are not considered a special driver's license, and many states do not require an additional road test for a passenger car license to be converted to a chauffeur license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age for a restricted driver's license in the US | 14 years, three months (South Dakota) to 17 years (New Jersey) |
| Graduated licensing laws | Provisional Driver, Junior Operator, Probationary Driver, Intermediate License |
| Restrictions | Carrying passengers, curfews, no restrictions on speed limits, displaying L and P plates, etc. |
| Commercial driver's license | Required for large and heavy vehicles, vehicles with 16+ passengers, or hazardous materials |
| Minimum age for a commercial driver's license | 18 years old |
| Federal law requirement for interstate commerce | 21 years old |
| Digital driver's licenses | Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Utah, California, Delaware, Louisiana |
| Social Security Number requirement | Not required to apply for a license or permit |
| Privacy protections | Limit data sharing with immigration enforcement agencies |
| License requirements | Proof of name, date of birth, and state residency |
| Tests | Written, vision, and road tests |
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What You'll Learn
Graduated licensing laws
In most states, these laws go by names such as Provisional Driver, Junior Operator, Probationary Driver, or Intermediate License. The specific restrictions imposed by graduated licensing laws differ from state to state, but they generally include limitations on carrying passengers and curfews for young drivers. For example, in Utah, drivers under 18 are prohibited from driving anyone outside their immediate family during their first six months with a license.
The graduated licensing laws do not include restrictions commonly found in other jurisdictions, such as lowered speed limits, displaying L and P plates, restrictions on towing a trailer or boat, or prohibitions on highway driving or operating high-performance cars.
The GDL (Graduated Driver Licensing) system is typically divided into three phases: the learner's permit, the intermediate license, and the full license. The learner's permit phase allows driving only under the supervision of a fully licensed driver. The intermediate license phase permits unsupervised driving but with certain restrictions, such as limits on driving at night or with teenage passengers. The duration of each phase is specified, and successful completion of both phases is required before obtaining a full license.
The GDL system aims to reduce risk and exposure for new drivers. By requiring supervision during the initial learning phase and imposing restrictions during the intermediate phase, young drivers can gain experience in less risky situations and avoid dangerous conditions. This system has proven effective in reducing crashes among young drivers, as seen in New Jersey's GDL system, which has significantly reduced crashes among 16 and 17-year-old drivers.
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Commercial driver's licenses
In the United States, a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate large and heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, and trailers, or a vehicle of any size that transports hazardous materials or more than 15 passengers (including the driver). The minimum age for a commercial driver's license is typically 18 years old, but federal law mandates that commercial drivers engaged in interstate commerce must be at least 21 years of age.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 established the minimum requirements that states must meet when issuing a CDL. While recreational vehicles and farm vehicles are generally exempt from requiring a CDL, individual states may impose this requirement. Federal law also sets out the classifications of CDLs: Class A licenses are for any combination of vehicles with a gross weight of 11,794 kilograms or more, while Class B licenses are for single vehicles with a gross weight of 11,794 kilograms or above. Class C licenses are for single or combined vehicles that do not meet the definitions of Class A or B but are designed to transport 16 or more passengers or are used for transporting designated materials.
To obtain a CDL, applicants must pass both skills and knowledge tests that adhere to the standards developed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These tests are geared towards the higher level of proficiency needed to operate commercial vehicles safely. CDL holders are held to stricter standards when driving any motor vehicle on public roads, and serious traffic violations can impact their ability to maintain their certification.
In addition to federal requirements, individual states may impose further restrictions or requirements for CDLs. For example, in New York, a CDL is necessary to transport passengers in school buses, while California requires a CDL if an individual's primary employment involves driving, regardless of whether they drive a commercial vehicle. Prospective CDL applicants should refer to their state-specific guidelines to understand the precise requirements.
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Digital driver's licenses
In the United States, driver's licenses are issued by the respective state's department of motor vehicles or an equivalent body. The minimum age to obtain a restricted driver's license varies across states, from 14 years, three months in South Dakota to 17 years in New Jersey. Each driver's license has a unique number or alphanumeric code, along with the bearer's photograph, signature, address of their primary residence, license type or class, restrictions or endorsements, physical characteristics, and birth date.
As of December 2021, approximately 20 US states have launched, tested, or considered digital driver's licenses. Louisiana was the first state to introduce a legally accepted digital driver's license through the LA Wallet app, which was launched in July 2018. The app is available on Apple iOS and Android platforms and is accepted by law enforcement and government and retail locations across the state. It offers anti-fraud verification services and provides users with peace of mind and convenience. The success of digital driver's licenses in Louisiana has paved the way for exploring enhanced capabilities and other digital credentials on a single platform.
Several other states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Utah, have partnered with Apple to integrate digital driver's licenses into the Apple Wallet on iPhones and Apple Watches. California, Iowa, and Delaware have also proposed digital driver's licenses as a valid form of identification through a dedicated app on users' cell phones. However, concerns have been raised about user privacy, as granting access to a cellphone during a police check could potentially compromise personal information.
While digital driver's licenses offer convenience and ease of access, they also come with potential challenges and risks. One key concern is privacy and data protection. When providing a physical driver's license, individuals have control over the information they share. However, with digital licenses, there may be concerns about the digital transmission and storage of personal data, especially when linked to other forms of identification or personal information. Additionally, the security of digital driver's licenses is crucial. If a cellphone is lost or stolen, it could provide unauthorized access to an individual's driver's license, potentially leading to identity theft or fraud.
Despite these challenges, the trend towards digital driver's licenses is likely to continue, driven by technological advancements and the desire for convenience. Several states are already embracing this change, and it is expected that others will follow suit, adopting digital licenses as a secure and modern alternative to physical cards. As digital driver's licenses evolve, it is essential to address privacy and security concerns to ensure the protection of personal information while harnessing the benefits of digital technology.
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Driver's license suspension
Driving licenses in the United States are issued by the state's department of motor vehicles (or equivalent). Each state has unique driver's license numbers. The Driver's License Access and Privacy Act, commonly called the 'Green Light Law', was enacted in New York in 2019, allowing all New Yorkers aged 16 and older to apply for a standard, non-commercial driver's license or learner's permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.
A driver's license can be suspended or revoked for a variety of reasons, including:
- Non-payment of child support
- Failure to answer a traffic ticket
- Non-payment of a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA)
- Conviction of serious or multiple traffic violations
- A medical condition that affects one's ability to drive safely
In the case of non-payment of child support, the parent will receive a Notice of Intent to Suspend Driver's License at their last known address. They have 30 days to contest the suspension by sending a written request for a hearing. If they do not take any action, their license will be suspended after 90 days. To remove this type of suspension, the parent must contact the local child support enforcement agency or the state assistance office.
Suspensions can be definite, with a specified beginning and end date, or indefinite, which lasts until the required action is taken. A suspension or revocation notice will be sent to the driver's address, and the driver must follow the instructions provided. To reinstate a revoked license, the driver may need to retake driving tests, pay fees, and meet other requirements.
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Driver's license application requirements
The requirements for obtaining a driver's license vary depending on the state and the type of license. Here are the general requirements and procedures for applying for a driver's license in the United States:
Documentation
Firstly, applicants must provide proof of identity and residency. This includes a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of address, and proof of vehicle registration and insurance. Some states, like Texas, require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence for non-U.S. citizens. It is important to note that Social Security Numbers are no longer permitted on new driver's licenses due to identity theft concerns.
Vision and Knowledge Tests
Most states require applicants to pass a vision screening test and a written knowledge test. The knowledge test assesses understanding of traffic laws and safe driving practices. In some states, like Virginia, applicants under 18 are required to take a two-part knowledge exam and a road skills test.
Driving Skills Test
In addition to the written test, applicants must demonstrate their driving skills through a practical driving test. This may be completed at a designated testing centre or with a third-party provider. In some states, applicants who have previously held a driver's license may be exempt from the driving skills test.
Age and Citizenship Requirements
The minimum age to obtain a driver's license varies across states, typically ranging from 16 to 18 years old. Some states have graduated licensing laws for teenage drivers, restricting certain privileges such as passenger limits and curfews. Non-citizens can obtain a standard driver's license in some states, such as New York, regardless of their citizenship status. However, these licenses may be marked as "NOT FOR FEDERAL PURPOSES," limiting their use for certain activities.
Special Licenses
Certain types of vehicles require special licenses, such as commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for large and heavy vehicles or vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Motorcycle licenses are also required for operating two or three-wheeled motorcycles. Chauffeur licenses, while similar to passenger car licenses, allow holders to drive taxis or limousines for hire.
Fees and Waiting Period
There is typically a fee associated with obtaining a driver's license, which varies by state. After completing the application process and passing the required tests, applicants can expect to receive their official driver's license by mail within a few weeks.
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Frequently asked questions
A driver's license is an authorization issued by the department for the operation of a motor vehicle.
The requirements for getting a driver's license vary by state and country. In the US, the minimum age to obtain a restricted driver's license varies from 14 years, 3 months in South Dakota to 17 in New Jersey. Most states require a written and road test, as well as a vision test.
There are several types of driver's licenses, including standard, commercial, and chauffeur licenses. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required for driving large and heavy vehicles or vehicles with at least 16 passengers. Chauffeur licenses are similar to passenger car licenses but allow the holder to drive a taxi, limousine, or other livery vehicles for hire.
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