How to Get Your Driver's License in Mississippi

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Mississippi. Mississippi uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 16.5.

GDL Stages in Mississippi

1

Learner's Permit

Age 15+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Parental consent if under 18

Restrictions

  • Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older
2

Intermediate License

Age 16+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Hold learner's permit for at least 6 months
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
  • No statutory passenger restriction
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 16.5+

Requirements

  • Hold intermediate license for at least 6 months with clean record

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless traveling for work, school, or an emergency.
  • Mississippi does not impose a statutory passenger restriction during the intermediate phase, which safety organizations have noted as a gap in the state's GDL law.

How restrictions lift: The nighttime curfew is removed after 6 months or at age 16 and a half.

Road Test Overview

What Is Tested

  • Vehicle control
  • Turning and lane changes
  • Parking
  • Obeying traffic signals and signs
  • Speed management
  • Yielding right of way

Adult Licensing Pathway

If you are 18 or older, you do not need to complete the full GDL process. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to GDL restrictions and may apply for a full license directly.

Mississippi-Specific Information

Mississippi is one of the few states with no formal passenger restriction in its GDL program. Traffic safety groups including the IIHS have repeatedly recommended that the state add a passenger limit for teen drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 16.5 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Mississippi.

Mississippi uses a 3-stage Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system: Learner's Permit, Intermediate License, Full Unrestricted License.

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. unless traveling for work, school, or an emergency.
  • Mississippi does not impose a statutory passenger restriction during the intermediate phase, which safety organizations have noted as a gap in the state's GDL law.

Adults age 18 and older in Mississippi can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. Drivers 18 and older are not subject to GDL restrictions and may apply for a full license directly.

Need your permit first?

Start with the learner's permit before your full license.

Mississippi learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Mississippi.

Mississippi drivers ed requirements

Prefer to learn online?

Complete a state-approved driving course from home on your own schedule. Same certifications, same insurance discounts.

View Online Courses

This information is based on Mississippi Department of Public Safety guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Mississippi Department of Public Safety website for the most current information.