How To Apply For Nevada Drivers License As A Teen

Published on 2021-12-09 in Driver License

Getting a driver's license in Nevada comes with some pretty strict guidelines to follow by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. We will breakdown the step-by-step guide you need to take in order to get behind the wheel in Nevada.

Step One: Proof of School Attendance

If you are a new driver and under the age of 18, then Nevada requires you to provide the DMV with proof that you meet the minimum school attendance requirements. This can be done by submitting the information needed via the Certificate of Attendance (DMV 301). Before submitting the form, make sure to have an authoritative figure (school principal, parent or guardian) sign off on it.

Step Two: Enroll in Driver's Ed

Once you turn 15, new drivers in Nevada can enroll in a driver's education course, which consists of 30 hours of classroom instruction. For these courses, they can be done at public or private high schools, DMV-licensed professional driving schools or state-approved online courses. Once the course is complete, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you will need to show the DMV office when applying for your license. Also, before enrolling in any driving school, make sure they are state-approved!

Step Three: Apply for your Instruction Permit

When young drivers turn 15½, they are eligible to apply for their instruction (learner's) permit. When applying for this permit, you'll need to show proof of identity and address. To do this, you will need to bring with you your birth certificate, social security card and two forms showing your address, like a piece of mail or report card.

From there, you will need to pay a couple fees: a testing fee of $25, which covers the vision and knowledge (written) test, and the licensing fee of $22.25. For the vision test, you must have a minimum level of vision of 20/40 in one eye to pass. For the written test, you need to score a minimum of 80% to pass. If you fail any test, you can do a retake, which will cost you $10.

Step Four: Behind-The-Wheel Training

With your permit in hand, it is now time for you to get behind the wheel. For the behind-the-wheel training, the Nevada DMV requires you to hold your instruction permit for at least six months and complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 hours at night) under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 and has had their license for at least one year.

Nevada does not make it mandatory for students to complete behind-the-wheel training hours with a professional instructor. However, for your safety and for the safety of the drivers around you, we recommend taking lessons with an experienced instructor, which Coastline offers here.

Step Five: Driving Skills Test

Once you have had your permit for six months, completed Driver's Ed and the required behind-the-wheel driving hours, then it is time to apply for your driver's license at 16 years old. You can schedule online or call the DMV to set up an appointment for this test. Make sure to bring the following items with you to the DMV:

  • Parent/guardian
  • Your permit
  • Proof of Identity
  • Certificate of Completion for Driver's Ed
  • Completed driving log
  • Driver's License Application
  • A vehicle with registration and proof of insurance

If you pass the driving test, you will be issued a license (after paying the $22.25 fee). The license will be mailed to you within 10 business days. Until then, the DMV will punch a hole in your permit and give it back to you with an interim paper document that certifies your driving privilege. If you fail the test, the examiner will explain why and instruct you on how to re-take it. A 30-day time limit can be imposed.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our friendly support staff. If you want to start your driver's training journey with Coastline Academy, make sure to sign up for Drivers Ed and book your driving lesson today.


About the Author

Nigel Tunnacliffe

Nigel Tunnacliffe is the co-Founder and CEO of Coastline Academy, the largest driving school in the country, on a mission to eradicate car crashes. An experienced founder and technology executive, Nigel and his team are shaking up the automotive industry by taking a technology-centric approach to learning and driver safety. Having served over 100,000 driving students across 500+ cities, Coastline was recently named the 6th fastest-growing education company in America by Inc. Magazine. Nigel is a frequent podcast guest and quoted driving education expert for major publications such as Yahoo!, GOBankingRates, and MSN.