How to Get Your Driver's License in Nevada

Last verified: 2026-03

Here is how to get your driver's license in Nevada. Nevada uses a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system with 3 stages. You can get a full unrestricted license at age 18.

GDL Stages in Nevada

1

Learner's Permit

Age 15.5+ 6 months minimum

Requirements

  • Pass written knowledge test
  • Pass vision screening
  • Complete driver education course
  • 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
  • Complete 50 hours supervised driving including 10 at night
  • Pass road skills test

Restrictions

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • No passengers under 18 who are not immediate family
3

Full Unrestricted License

Age 18+

Requirements

  • Turn 18 or hold intermediate license for at least 6 months at age 16 and a half

Restricted License Rules

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
  • No passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members are permitted during the intermediate phase.

How restrictions lift: Restrictions may ease at 16 and a half with a clean record and are fully removed at 18.

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. At age 18, all GDL restrictions are removed. Adults who have never been licensed must still complete a driver education course if under 18, but are exempt from the course at 18 and older.

Nevada-Specific Information

Nevada requires driver education for all applicants under 18 before a permit can be issued. The state bans all non-family passengers under 18 rather than allowing one, which is stricter than many neighboring Western states.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 18 years old to get an unrestricted full driver's license in Nevada.

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

  • No driving between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless for work, school, or an emergency.
  • No passengers under 18 who are not immediate family members are permitted during the intermediate phase.

Adults age 18 and older in Nevada can apply for a license directly without going through the GDL stages. At age 18, all GDL restrictions are removed. Adults who have never been licensed must still complete a driver education course if under 18, but are exempt from the course at 18 and older.

Need your permit first?

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

Nevada learner's permit guide

Check drivers ed requirements

Find out if drivers ed is required in Nevada.

Nevada 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 Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles guidelines. Requirements can change. Visit the official Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles website for the most current information.