residents can apply for their Class R driver’s license once they are 16 years old and have passed a driver’s education course, a vision test, a knowledge exam, and a road test.

The driver’s license fee in Mississippi is $24 for a four-year license or $47 for an eight-year license.
New drivers applying for their Mississippi Class R driver’s license must be able to provide a Social Security card, an original birth certificate, and proof of residency.
Drivers under 18 must first hold a learner’s permit for 12 months before attempting a knowledge or road test, then a restricted provisional license for six months before upgrading to a provisional license.

Mississippi driver’s license requirements

The minimum age to apply for a driver’s license in Mississippi is 16 years of age. Eligible drivers can start the application process:

Online: Visit the

Mississippi Department of Public Safety website

In-person: Head to your

local DPS Driver Service Bureau office

You’ll need the following required documents to apply for your Mississippi driver’s license:

Social Security card

Original certified birth certificate

Signed driver’s license application form (

Form DL-4

)

Two (2) forms that prove residency (utility bill, lease or rent agreement, vehicle registration, mortgage papers, homestead exemption receipt, or a voter registration card)

Certificate of School Attendance

You’ll also need to bring a form of payment for the license fee. The costs are as follows:

Four-year regular original/renewal Class R: $24

Eight-year regular original/renewal Class R: $47

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Requirements for drivers under 18

Young drivers under the age of 18 must hold the following types of licenses before being able to get a regular driver’s license in Mississippi:

Learner's permit: Requires a combination of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel supervision. You must hold the permit for 12 months before attempting a knowledge and road test.

Provisional license: New drivers will receive their provisional license upon completion of driver’s education and the required tests. This intermediate license is valid for six months and includes certain restrictions while drivers acclimate to independent driving.

After holding the learner’s permit and provisional permit for the required amounts of time, you’ll be able to apply for your graduated Class R driver’s license in Mississippi!

MORE:

How to get a Mississippi learner’s permit

Requirements for out-of-state drivers

If you are a new resident of Mississippi, you must update your driver’s license in person at a

driver license office

. Be prepared to meet the following requirements:

Provide all identifying documents listed above

Pass a vision test

Pass a computerized knowledge exam if your out-of-state license is expired by more than 30 days

MORE:

How to transfer a car title when you move to another state

How to get a driver’s license in Mississippi

New drivers must first pass a Traffic Law Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course covering important safety principles and laws regarding responsible alcohol use. This course is best completed before or within the first 100 days of holding a learner’s permit.

Every driver must also complete the following tests to receive a Mississippi driver’s license:

Vision test

You’ll need to pass a vision exam to begin the Mississippi license application process.

What to expect: If it’s determined that you need glasses to drive a car, you must have your eyes checked by an eye specialist or optometrist. They will complete a vision form (

DE26

) to confirm your eligibility to operate a vehicle.

Knowledge exam

You’ll need to take a knowledge exam if you are a new driver or a new resident with a current license that has expired by more than 30 days. If you have a valid out-of-state license, you can skip the knowledge exam part of the application.

What to expect: The knowledge exam is a computerized test that consists of 30 multiple-choice questions about Mississippi traffic laws and general rules of the road. You will need an 80% to pass.

Road test

A road skills test is required before you’ll be issued any type of Mississippi license that would allow you to drive without supervision. You can take your driving test at your local

DPS office

A state-approved Mississippi driver education program should prepare you to pass a road test with ease. Here are some main areas that your road test administrator will focus on:

Three-point turns

Right-of-way rules

Parking on flat and hilly terrains

How to approach an intersection

Signaling, turning, and passing rules

Your instructor will watch carefully to see that you follow all traffic signals correctly. They’ll also take note of how closely you follow other cars and whether your posture is proper.

MORE: Getting the right car insurance for new drivers

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