After you pass your driver’s test, the next big step is getting your license. But how long does that take? There are many steps involved in getting a driver’s license, so it can be a little confusing at first. Let’s break down the process so you know exactly what you need to do and how long it will take. Getting a driver’s license is something most people have to go through at some point during their life as an adult. Getting licensed involves a lot of steps and processes that you may not be familiar with if this is your first time going through the process. Fortunately, we have put together this comprehensive guide on how long it takes to get a driver’s license from start to finish so you know exactly what you need to do and what to expect.
How Long Does It Take To Get A License?
The time it takes to get a license depends on the type of license you’re applying for and where you’re applying. On average, it takes about 6 months to get a license in the United States. To apply for a license, you’ll need to fill out an application and provide proof of your qualifications, experience, and education.
What You Need To Get Your Initial License
Passenger Car (Class C)
You’ll need to pass a written and driving test to get your first license.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
To get your CDL, you’ll need to pass a written test and a driving test. You’ll also need to meet the federal requirements for the job that you’re applying for.
Class A or B License
The Class A and B licenses are issued by different states, but they have the same requirements. You can find more information about them on our page dedicated to getting your license in each state.
Class D or M License
These are issued by the Federal Government and are only available for commercial drivers who work within certain industries and occupations that require it, including long-haul truck drivers, drayage drivers, bus drivers, and tour bus operators among others. If you want to learn more about getting your license from them, check out our page emergency medical technicians, and more., or other types of drivers who work in the transportation industry.
Special Class License
If you have a license from another state and want to get your license in Texas, you’ll need to pass the Texas Department of Public Safety’s written test and driving test. You’ll also need to meet all the requirements for the class of license that you’re applying for.
A License from Another State
If you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, you can apply for a new one in Texas by meeting all the requirements for your class of license and providing proof of your current driver’s license from your home state. The process is similar if you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of a driver’s license from another country., and are a taxi driver.
What Are The Conditions For Getting A License?
- You should be at least 18 years of age.
- You should have a valid passport or other proof of identity.
- You should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- It is required for you to have knowledge of legal and technical subjects such as principles of law, constitutional law, jurisprudence, administration, and finance, etc. (These subjects are called the “subjects” in the exam.)
- It is required for you to have obtained a bachelor’s degree at a university or a college with a good reputation in Japan or abroad (a foreign country) or at least an equivalent qualification. (These qualifications are called “qualifications” in the exam.)
- It is required for you to get an examination certificate from an examining committee (eiju kyokaisho). This examination certificate is issued by the examining committee after the applicant has passed their general examination and written a thesis.
- You should be able to read and write Japanese fluently (This is called “Japanese ability” in the exam).
- You should have good health and be physically fit. (This is called “physical fitness” in the exam.)
- It is required for you to have a good moral character (hinsatsu no kyokaisho). This means that you should not have a record of serious crimes such as sexual abuse, drug-related crime, arson, robbery or murder, etc. (These crimes are called “serious crimes” in the exam.)
- And finally, it is required for you to take part in at least two training courses (Tokyo) or one summer training course (natsu yokaisho) every year before taking your examination for license renewal or for a new license.
When Will You Get Your License?
Check Your Eligibility
You’ll need to begin by confirming that you are eligible to apply for a drivers license. In general, you will need to be at least 16 years old to apply for a learners permit, and be at least 18 years old to apply for a full driver’s license. If you are under 18, you will also need to provide proof of successful completion of a driver’s ed course, parental consent, and sometimes other documentation. Your state may have additional requirements, such as a minimum amount of time that must pass between your application and your 16th birthday. Some states also require that you have finished high school or passed a state-approved equivalency exam before you can apply for a license. Be sure to check the state requirements and your local DMV website before you begin the process to ensure that you are eligible to get your license.
Take a Driver’s Ed Course
Before you can get a driver’s license in most states, you must first complete a driver’s ed course. Driver’s ed courses help prepare you for safe and responsible driving. In some cases, you may be able to complete a course online, or in your own vehicle with an instructional driving simulation tool. The ages and requirements for driver’s ed vary from state to state. Some states require that you take a driver’s ed course before you apply for a license, while others allow you to complete the course at any time before or after you receive your license. Depending on the state, you may need to complete a certain number of hours of behind-the-wheel practice with a certified instructor before you can take the state’s driving test.
Pass the Classroom Test
Before you take the driving test, you’ll need to pass a written classroom test specific to the state where you are applying for a driver’s license. The test covers general information about safe driving practices, road signs, and state driving laws. Depending on your state, you may be able to complete the classroom test online or at an in-person testing facility. Some states allow you to take the test multiple times, while others allow you only one chance to pass. Be sure to read any state-specific rules you are required to follow before taking the test. Some states also require that you pass a behind-the-wheel driving test. The exam will vary based on the state in which you are applying for a drivers license.
Get behind the wheel for lessons
Before you can take the state driving test, you’ll need to complete behind-the-wheel driving lessons. The exact number of hours that you need to log varies based on your state’s requirements. Some states allow you to log the driving hours at any time before or after you take the driving test, while others set a specific deadline by which time you must have logged the required hours. Depending on the state where you are applying for a drivers license, you can log some of the driving hours with a parent or guardian in the passenger seat, or without another driver present. Depending on your state, you may be able to complete the driving hours either with an instructor, or without an instructor.
Get a Driver’s License Check-Up
Before you attempt to take the driving test, get a check-up from your local DMV office. A driver’s license check-up is generally a quick exam to ensure that you are prepared to take the driving test, and have no physical or mental conditions that would make you a safety risk while operating a vehicle. Depending on the state where you are applying for a driver’s license, you may need to complete a written or verbal driving test at the DMV. The DMV exam may include an on-road driving test with an exam proctor in the passenger seat. Depending on your state, you may be able to complete the driving test with a parent or guardian in the passenger seat.
Road Tests and Other Exams
Before you receive your license, you may need to complete one or more road tests. You may also need to pass an eye exam, a written exam, and/or an on-the-road riding exam. Depending on the state where you are applying for a driver’s license, the road test may be completed in a vehicle you provide, or a vehicle provided by the DMV. Depending on your state, you may be able to complete the driving road test with a parent or guardian in the passenger seat. Some states also require that you pass a written exam and an on-the-road riding exam. These exams vary by state.
Confirm the Date and Location of Your Road Test
Before you attempt to take the driving test, confirm the date and location of your driving test. You can do this by contacting your local DMV or logging into your state’s online driver’s license portal. Depending on the state where you are applying for a driver’s license, you may be able to schedule the driving test with the DMV. Some states allow you to schedule the driving test online. Depending on your state, you may be required to take your driving test on the same day that you apply for a driver’s license.
Summing Up
Getting your driver’s license is a big milestone in your life, and it’s something many people look forward to their whole lives. Getting your license, however, can be a long and sometimes tedious process. While some states have made it easier to get a license, others have made it much more difficult. No matter where you live, there are certain steps you must take to get your license, and there is a certain amount of time it will take. While it can be frustrating to wait, it’s important to be patient and take the process seriously so you have a safe and happy experience behind the wheel.
