Out of State Learner Permit Laws

Ever wondered if you could drive through another state on your learner’s permit? Because of the age of several of those in our group, we’ve wondered that a lot. So we did a little research. Below is a table that outlines the general regulations that apply to an out-of-state permitted driver.

Is it legal for me to drive in another state with my learner’s permit?

Please remember that this information should be only used as a guide not as fact. I accept no liability for any information listed here. If you are unsure of whether you can drive in a given state, please contact that state’s DMV for accurate information. Note that this information was collected on the basis of private vehicles, not commercial vehicles or motorcycles, etc. driven by US citizens.

State by State Restrictions for out of State Permit Holders.
Alabama	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
Alaska	Will allow a nonresident to operate a vehicle for up to 90 days provided he or she is at least 16 years of age and has a valid license or permit and that the driver with the permit be accompanied and supervised by a license driver who is at least 21 years of age and has been licensed for at least one year.
Arizona	Will “NOT” accept any out of state learner’s permit.
Arkansas	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
California	If you are a visitor in California, between 16 and 18 years old, you may drive here with your home state license or instruction permit for only 10 days after you arrive in California. After 10 days you must have either a Nonresident Minor’s Certificate or a California license.
Colorado	Will accept any valid learners permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state
Connecticut	Connecticut will recognize out-of-state permits provided the restrictions of Connecticut and the issuing state is met. The permit must be in the possession of the applicant when taking on-road instruction, the person providing the on-road training must be twenty years of age or older, have been licensed in the class of the vehicle being operated for the four year period preceding the instruction, and not had their license suspended during that four years. In addition, operation upon limited access highways is prohibited for the first sixty days from date of issuance of the learners permit.
Delaware	Will accept any valid learners permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
District of Columbia	A learners permit issued by a jurisdiction other than the District of Columbia is “NOT” valid in the District of Columbia.
Florida	Any person with an out-of-state learners license must comply with Florida’s laws while driving in Florida. A learner’s license requires that a licensed driver 21 years or older ride in the front passenger seat. In addition, they can only drive during daylight hours during the first three months and until 10 p.m. thereafter.
Georgia	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
Hawaii	Will “NOT” accept any out of state learner’s permit.
Idaho	A learner’s permit from another state is valid in Idaho under the following conditions: The driver is at least 15 years of age, and the driver abides by the restrictions on the learner’s permit usually meaning that a licensed adult is in the seat beside the driver and daylight driving only until age 16.
Illinois	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
Indiana	A holder of an out of state learner’s permit may legally operate a vehicle in Indiana as long as they follow the guidelines of the state in which that permit was issued. The seat beside the holder must be occupied by a guardian or relative of the holder who holds a valid operator’s, chauffeur’s or public passenger chauffeur’s license.
Iowa	Iowa will honor an out-of-state Instruction Permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
Kansas	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
Kentucky	State law in Kentucky allows the holder of a valid instruction permit issued by their home state/jurisdiction to operate a motor vehicle. The driver must be at least 16 years of age and abide by the following restrictions: 1) licensed operator over the age of 21 must be in the front seat beside the driver; 2) no operation between the hours of 12 Midnight and 6:00 A.M. Also, the operator would be required to adhere to any other restrictions placed on the operation of the motor vehicle by the issuing state.
Louisiana	An out-of-state learner’s permit is valid in Louisiana for driving purposes. Louisiana requires that anyone with a learner’s permit must be accompanied by a licensed adult driver at least 21.
Maine	A person with a valid learner’s permit issued by his/her home state can legally drive in Maine provided that person is at least 16 years of age and adheres to all restrictions applied to the learner’s permit issued by that person’s state or province.
Maryland	Maryland permits an individual to use a learner’s instructional permit provided that the permit holder is at least the same age as that required of a resident for the vehicle being driven in this State ( 15 years + 9 months ), and that the individual is accompanied by and under the immediate supervision of an individual who is a least 21 years of age, has been licensed for at least three years to drive vehicles of the class being driven and unless the vehicle is a motorcycle, is seated beside the holder of the learner’s instructional permit.
Massachusetts	A person who is sixteen years of age or over and has complied fully with the laws of such state is granted similar privileges of operation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Massachusetts requires that the holder of a Learner’s Permit may operate a motor vehicle upon any way when accompanied by an operator duly licensed by his state of residence, who is 21 years of age or over, who has had at least one year of driving experience and who is occupying a seat beside the driver. A Permit holder who is under the age of 18 may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12:00 AM (midnight) and 5:00 AM unless accompanied by his parent or legal guardian, who is a licensed operator with at least one year of driving experience and whose license or right to operate is not revoked or suspended.
Michigan	A person 16 years of age or older holding a valid learner’s permit may drive in Michigan providing they follow restrictions mandated by their State. The person must, however, be accompanied by another licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age and is seated beside the holder of the learner’s permit.
Minnesota	A nonresident who is 15 years of age or older, and who has a valid instruction permit from their home state, may drive in Minnesota, provided that all restrictions on the permit are obeyed.
Mississippi	A student with a valid learner’s permit from his home state may drive legally in our state.
Missouri	Missouri laws do not allow an individual to operate a motor vehicle on the roadways of this state unless the driver is at least 15 years and 182 days old, has passed the written test, possesses a valid Restricted Temporary Instruction Permit, and operates a vehicle with a parent, grandparent or guardian. A disabled parent, grandparent or guardian may designate a maximum of two persons to accompany the driver in the vehicle for the purpose of giving instruction in driving. The designated person must be at least 21 years of age, must occupy the seat beside the driver and must be a licensed operator for the type of motor vehicle being operated.
Montana	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state as long as they are accompanied by a valid license driver.
Nebraska	The State of Nebraska will honor the same driving privileges that are recognized in your state. Provided the license/learner’s permit is issued by competent authority, and is valid in your state, the validity of that license/learner’s permit would be honored in the State of Nebraska.
Nevada	A nonresident who has a valid license or permit in his possession, issued by his home state, may drive a motor vehicle in Nevada of the same type or class he may operate in his home state. The driver must be in compliance with any restrictions noted on the license or permit.
New Hampshire	Will “NOT” accept any out of state learner’s permits. (Update: “In New Hampshire they don’t issue learner’s permits at all. Anyone 15 1/2 or over can drive with their parent/guardian OR any licensed driver 25 or over. They only need proof of their birth date (which can even be their learner’s permit if it has that information on it). This applies to out-of-state drivers as well” – checked this with the NH DMV, and it appears to be correct!)
New Jersey	A student with a valid learner’s permit from another state may legally drive in New Jersey provided the vehicle he is operating is properly titled, registered and insured in the home state. Further, the permit holder will be subject to the laws of his home state.
New Mexico	New Mexico will honor learner permits issued by other jurisdictions. For those 15 years old and older, a learner’s permit allows you to drive on New Mexico streets and highways in a vehicle of the class for which the permit is issued. A driver, licensed in a similar class or higher, must occupy the seat beside you in the vehicle. This requirement applies to all vehicles except motorcycles.
New York	New York will recognize another state’s learner’s permit subject to the restrictions printed on it and the New York State restrictions for junior driver licenses under 18. A person with a valid out-of-state license for the vehicle being driven may accompany a junior driver. You may not drive in New York state if you are under 16, even if you are licensed in another state. An out of state learner’s permit is “NOT” valid in New York City. In all areas of the state except New York City, Nassau or Suffolk counties, a nonresident licensee under 18 years of age may operate a vehicle from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. when accompanied by a licensed driver over 18 years of age. He may operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. only when accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian.
North Carolina	Any nonresident driving in North Carolina who is at least 16 years old and is abiding by the restrictions on their learner’s permit or license as required by the issuing State is authorized to drive in this State.
North Dakota	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state provided the person driving is at least 16 years of age.
Ohio	Nonresidents, permitted to drive upon the highways of their own states, may operate any motor vehicle upon any highway in this state without examination or license upon condition that such nonresidents may be required at any time or place to prove lawful possession, or their right to operate such motor vehicle, and to establish proper identity. Nonresidents must adhere to the restrictions outlined for the temporary permit.
Oklahoma	Oklahoma law indicates that a person sixteen years of age or older who is properly licensed in his home state or country will be allowed to operate a vehicle in this state as long as he is in compliance with all restrictions of his license.
Oregon	Instruction Permits will be honored in Oregon if, the driver is at least 15 years of age, has the permit in their possession, and is accompanied by a license driver at least 21 years of age in the front seat of their vehicle.
Pennsylvania	A nonresident who is in possession of a valid learner’s permit from their home state may “NOT” operate a Motor Vehicle while traveling through Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania law recognizes valid driver licenses issued in the person’s home state, but does not authorize the use of a learner’s permit issued in another state.
Rhode Island	Will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restriction mandated by the issuing state provided that issuing state accepts their state permit. (Reciprocity)
South Carolina	South Carolina does “NOT” recognize an out-of-state beginner’s permit in as much as the requirements to obtain a beginner’s permit vary from state to state.
South Dakota	The provisions of granting nonresident driver license exemptions to any nonresident are operative only to the same extent that the laws of the state of the nonresident grant exemptions to the residents of this state. South Dakota will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state provided the issuing state accepts their state permit. (Reciprocity).
Tennessee	If a person wishes to operate a motor vehicle while in the State of Tennessee they may do so with an out-of-state learner’s permit as long as they comply with any restrictions mandated by the issuing state. Update: Tennessee DMV recognizes out of state drivers license, but not necessarily an out of state permit. Emails with the state DMV suggest that the state does accept some permits, but not others.
Texas	A nonresident who is at least sixteen (16) years of age may drive in Texas with a Learner’s Permit from another state provided the person complies with all provisions of our statute. The instruction permit is a driving permit that will enable a beginning driver to drive with someone in the front seat that is 18 years of age or older and holds a valid license.
Utah	Nonresident operators are required to be at least 16 years of age and have in their immediate possession valid license certificates (this includes learner permits) issued to them in their home states or countries. These individuals may operate class D or M vehicles. Class D vehicles are 26,000 lb. or less GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating); class M vehicles are motorcycles.
Vermont	Will “NOT” accept any out of state learner’s permit. (Update: However, it does appear that as long as you’re on vacation, you can drive in Vermont on a permit for up to 30 days.)
Virginia	Virginia will accept any valid learner’s permit subject to restrictions mandated by the issuing state as long as a person is at least 15 years of age and that person is accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age or if the licensed driver is a sibling, 18 years of age.
Washington	A nonresident who is at least fifteen (15) years of age may drive in Washington as long as he is in possession of a valid instruction permit issued by their home state. In addition, a license driver with at least five (5) years driving experience must be seated beside them
West Virginia	The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles will honor any driver’s license or learner’s permit for operation in our state. The learner’s permit or driver’s license must be valid and must adhere to all restrictions mandated by the issuing state.
Wisconsin	In order to drive in Wisconsin with a Learner’s Permit issued by other states, drivers must be 16 years of age, follow the restrictions of their own licenses or permits, and follow the rules of the road, traffic laws, of Wisconsin.
Wyoming	If a person with a learner’s permit from another state operates in Wyoming they are legal so long as they comply with the restrictions imposed by the issuing state.

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37 thoughts on “Out of State Learner Permit Laws”

Jay French June 23, 2017 at 11:39 am

The information for Vermont is incorrect (maybe out-of-date). Out-of-state learner’s permits are valid for 30 days if you’re on vacation (as opposed to having moved there):
http://dmv.vermont.gov/faq#t44n666
Jay French June 23, 2017 at 11:42 am

The information about New Hampshire is technically correct – they don’t accept out-of-state learner’s permits. However, in New Hampshire they don’t issue learner’s permits at all. Anyone 15 1/2 or over can drive with their parent/guardian OR any licensed driver 25 or over. They only need proof of their birth date (which can even be their learner’s permit if it has that information on it). This applies to out-of-state drivers as well (I just called the DMV to verify this as we’ll be on vacation there this summer).
Anne July 19, 2017 at 9:23 am

Thanks so much for the info, Jay! I know we’ve driven with permits in both NH and VT. You prove that it’s always good to check before you go.
Thomas October 22, 2017 at 12:14 pm

Great post! Have nice day ! 🙂
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Anne-Marie March 14, 2018 at 11:03 pm

Updated info for Tennessee: out of state learner’s permits are not valid. I checked for an upcoming family trip and received this response:

From the information provided your son would not be eligible to drive in Tennessee with a learner permit even with an adult licensed driver in the front seat. Tennessee State law requires the driver to have a valid driver license rather than a learner permit.

55-50-304. Persons exempt from licensing.

The following persons are exempt from licensing under this chapter

(3) A nonresident who is at least sixteen (16) years of age and who has in immediate possession a valid driver license issued to the person in the person’s home state or country may operate a motor vehicle in this state only as a Class D driver;
Anne March 15, 2018 at 8:20 am

Thanks so much for the update about Tennesee, Anne-Marie! I will update the information in the table. ~Anne
Olivia May 9, 2018 at 12:26 am

Are you sure about Florida. I really need to know because I’m here NOW and I cant find anything Any effing where!! Please let me know, Thank you!
Jackson May 9, 2018 at 7:22 am

Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee are incorrect.
Upon emailing both, I found that Kansas accepts out of state learner’s permits provided that the driver is at least 16 years of age. Tennessee does accept Arkansa’s learner’s permits. In Missouri, you must be 16 years of age or older.
Whitney May 18, 2018 at 2:06 pm

I am taking a road trip, my daughter is 15 and I wanted to double check the rules. I called Kentucky state DMV and they said as long as we follow the rules from the state where the permit was issued, we are fine driving through Kentucky.
Thanks so much for putting this together! It has been a HUGE help!!!
Jay June 20, 2018 at 2:47 pm

Hello,–
For Florida — here is the FL DMV site of FAQ’s:https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/visiting-florida-faqs/
FL response””We will honor another state’s learner’s license/permit while you are vacationing in Florida. However, you must abide by Florida’s learner’s permit restrictions which are as follows: Drivers with a learner’s license may only drive during daylight hours during the first three months after issuance and until 10 p.m. thereafter, and always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and occupies the front passenger seat.”
Thanks for the prior investigation. Statutory requirements continuously change, but this comprehensive research is a great start for our upcoming vacation.

Thanks.
Bill Fisher June 26, 2018 at 8:31 am

Official response from the state of California:

“The ten days applies to people who are becoming a resident of California. Once a permanent residence is established in California, a person only has ten days to obtain a California driver license or learning permit. If you are visiting the California, the permitted driver will be required to follow all laws of California, and follow the requirements of the state in which they obtained their instructional permit. The permit for the State in which you reside is sufficient as long as all laws for your state, and those of California are followed.”
Bill Fisher June 29, 2018 at 8:59 pm

I just received word from the Missouri dmv that an out-of-state permit holder has to be at least 16 years old.
Bill Fisher July 2, 2018 at 6:24 pm

Virginia’s requirements place on out-of-state permit holders are quite lengthy. Click on the little ‘?’ next to my name for viewing.
Bill Fisher July 5, 2018 at 1:37 pm

Just received the following from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation:

“You may drive in Pennsylvania with a non commercial learner’s permit issued from another state, providing that you are 16 years of age or older, and accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older and they must be in the front passenger seat.”
Bill Fisher July 10, 2018 at 7:48 pm

Just received from the District of Columbia:

“You may operate a valid out-of-state learner permit in DC, as long as you are accompanied and supervised by a licensed driver in the passenger seat who is 21 years or older. You must also operate in the guidelines specified on your learner permit and your licensing state.”
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Earl October 1, 2018 at 5:04 pm

What if you have a TX learner’s permit but moved to TN are you able to go to the DMV and provide them your out-of-state learner’s permit plus proof showing that you now live in their state will you only take the driving part or do you have to take the written part of the test again??
Anne October 3, 2018 at 5:19 pm

Hi Earl! It would depend on the state’s laws, but my best guess is that you’ll have to take the test over again. You may also be able to call the TN DMV to get an official answer. ~Anne
David Kendall December 16, 2018 at 8:16 pm

Do these laws applie to motorcycle as well.. Thank You.
Anne December 16, 2018 at 8:32 pm

This is for cars; often the motorcycle regulations are similar, but they may not be identical.
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Jim Marascio January 9, 2019 at 10:15 pm

There is a mobile app called “Where Can I Drive?” available for both Android and iOS devices that clearly shows these details and includes actual state legislation. It can be accessed here: http://onelink.to/j7tnxa
Bill April 22, 2019 at 1:12 pm

Thanks.I never thought of this.My son and 15 y.o.granddaughter are coming to MD to pick up a car and drive it back to CO. This may affect the route they chose.
SHENGHAN GAO May 22, 2019 at 7:43 pm

Drivers with out-of-state learner permits may NOT drive in Utah. Utah DMV handbook explicitly mentioned this on page 19, section of OUT-OF-STATE DRIVER LICENSE.
Brooke June 24, 2019 at 12:39 pm

South Dakota just informed me that the word “operative” listed pertains to a valid operator’s license, or driver’s license. They do NOT recognize a learner’s permit from other states. One with a learner’s permit CANNOT drive in South Dakota.
Jenny July 15, 2019 at 3:49 pm

We are currently driving through Kansas – we called the highway patrol to verify if our daughter could drive with an out of state permit and they said No they must be fully licensed! Just letting others know and hopefully this info can be update.
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Michael May 25, 2020 at 10:25 am

South Carolina does accept out-of-state learners permits.

See
http://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/Beginner-Permits
“You may practice driving with your out-of-state beginner’s permit in South Carolina.”
UT driving June 12, 2020 at 11:23 am

June 2020, UTAH Does NOT recognize out of state drivers permits per the DMV.
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Josh July 10, 2023 at 12:29 pm

I contacted Pennsylvania and got this updated info:

From: [email protected]
To: ***
Jul 10 at 8:11 AM
Thank you for contacting PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services.

The learner’s permit holder may drive in Pennsylvania with a non-commercial learner’s permit issued from another state, providing that they are 16 years of age or older, and accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years old or older and they must be in the front passenger seat.
Roger August 31, 2023 at 9:03 pm

Wondering about a mainland learners permit being accepted in the US Virgin Islands
Anne Post authorOctober 9, 2023 at 4:31 pm

Roger – I’d try contacting the USVI DMV. There seems to be precious little information on this topic freely available on the web – which I’m sure you already know!
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Sean April 19, 2024 at 8:15 am

Information about South Carolina appears to be out of date. On their Beginner’s Permit page (https://www.scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/Beginner-Permits) they state “You may practice driving with your unexpired out-of-state beginner’s permit in South Carolina.”

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37 thoughts on “Out of State Learner Permit Laws”

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