How old do you have to be to get a learner's permit in Mississippi?

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Mississippi. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the next stage.

What are the restrictions for an intermediate license in Mississippi?

Mississippi intermediate license holders must be at least 16 years old. There is a curfew from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

When can you get a full unrestricted license in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, you can get a full unrestricted driver's license at age 18.

Mississippi Graduated Driver License (GDL) Laws

Last verified: 2026-03

Mississippi uses a graduated driver license (GDL) system to help new drivers build skills in stages. Here is a breakdown of each stage, the requirements, and the restrictions you need to know.

Stage 1

Learner's Permit

Minimum age

Stage 2

Intermediate License

Minimum age

Stage 3

Full License

Minimum age

Stage 1: Learner's Permit

Minimum age: 15
Holding period: 12 months
Supervisor minimum age: 21 years old

Stage 2: Intermediate (Provisional) License

Minimum age: 16
Curfew hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Passenger exceptions: Mississippi does not have specific GDL passenger restrictions
Cell phone use banned: No

Stage 3: Full Unrestricted License

Minimum age for full license

At this age, all GDL restrictions are removed and you can drive without limits on passengers, curfew, or supervision.

Penalties for GDL Violations

Curfew violations may result in a traffic citation and fines

Mississippi-Specific Information

Mississippi has one of the weaker GDL programs with no required supervised driving hours and no specific passenger limits. Curfew varies: 10 PM to 6 AM Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 PM to 6 AM Friday and Saturday. No cell phone ban specific to novice drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

A graduated driver license (GDL) is a system that lets new drivers in Mississippi gain experience in stages. You start with a learner's permit, move to an intermediate license, and then earn a full unrestricted license. Each stage has its own rules and restrictions.

You can get your learner's permit in Mississippi at age 15. You must hold your permit for at least 12 months before moving to the intermediate license stage.

During the intermediate license stage, Mississippi restricts driving between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. This curfew is in place until you get your full unrestricted license at age 18.

You can get your full unrestricted driver's license in Mississippi at age 18. At that point, all GDL restrictions on curfew, passengers, and supervision are removed.

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This information is based on nonprofit-research sources. Requirements can change. Visit your state's official DMV website for the most current information.