Nevada Driver’s License Requirements

To get a driver’s license in Nevada, you must be a resident and provide proof of identity, as well as pass vision, knowledge, and skills tests.
Written by Melanie Johnson
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
background
To get a driver’s license in
Nevada
, you must be at least 16 years old and able to show proof of identity and residence. You’ll have to take a driver education course, as well as pass a vision test, knowledge exam, and a driving skills test. 
The process for getting or
renewing
a driver’s license varies from state to state, and it can be confusing to keep it all straight. That’s why
Jerry
, the
car insurance
comparison and broker app, is here to break down everything you need to know about getting your driver’s license in Nevada.
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What are the requirements for a driver’s license in Nevada?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a Nevada driver’s license. When you head to the
Department of Motor Vehicles Nevada (DMV NV)
to apply, you’ll need to bring the following documents: 
  • Proof of identification: Real ID driver’s license or identification from another state, U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization or citizenship, or valid alien registration receipt card (i.e., a green card) 
  • Proof of name changes: Marriage certificate, adoption record, divorce decree
  • Social Security number: Social Security card, W-2 form, paystub including complete SSN, IRS 1099 form, or military ID
  • Two forms of residential address: Receipt for rent or lease of residence, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, employment check stub, voter registration card, documentation of receipt of benefits from any Nevada public assistance program
All documents must be originals or certified copies that were issued in the U.S.
These are the requirements for the most commonly issued Real ID driver’s license. Check the
DMV NV website
for instructions on what to bring for a standard license or Driver Authorization Card.
If you have physical or mental conditions that could affect your driving ability—such as epilepsy or fainting spells—you may be required to list them on your application and provide a medical report form from your doctor. 

What are the requirements for young drivers? 

Applicants under 18 will need to enroll in a driver education course. You can enroll at age 15. There are three course options:
  • A classroom course with 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience
  • An online course with 50 hours of behind-the-wheel experience
  • No course, but 100 hours of driving experience. This option only applies if there is no classroom course offered within a 30-mile radius of your residence, and you have no internet access. 
After you complete the course and obtain your permit, you can apply for your driver’s license at age 16. You must:
  • Provide a
    written log
    documenting at least 50 hours of driving—including 10 hours at night

What are the requirements for out-of-state drivers? 

If you hold a valid driver’s license from another state, you’ll need to transfer your out-of-state license in person at the Nevada DMV within 30 days of becoming a resident. In most cases, you won’t have to take a vision test. However, if you’re under the age of 21, you’ll need to complete a road knowledge test.

How to get a driver’s license in Nevada

For new drivers: 18 and up

If it’s your first time getting a driver’s license and you’re over the age of 18, you’ll need to provide proof of identity and take all three tests—vision, knowledge, and driving skills.
Driver education courses are not required for beginning drivers 18 and older. However, if you desire instruction, check this
list of driving schools
provided by the Nevada DMV.

Vision test

Before you can hop behind the wheel, it’s important to make sure you’re able to see where you’re going! 
You’ll need to meet Nevada’s requirements—20/40 or better vision—or else you’ll be referred to a specialist for corrective lenses. If you must wear glasses or contact lenses to meet Nevada’s standard, Restriction B will be printed on your license.
It’s also possible that those who cannot meet Nevada’s sight standard may be licensed to drive in daylight hours only.

Knowledge exam

Once you’ve passed the vision test, you’re ready for the next step: the knowledge exam. The test will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions, covering Nevada traffic laws, road safety measures, and road signs.
The knowledge test will be completed on touchscreen computers and is available in both English and Spanish.
You can prep for your exam using the
Nevada Driver Handbook
, which covers all the material you’ll need to ace the test. Be sure to also check out the DMV’s
interactive practice test
!
In order to pass your knowledge exam, you must get 20 out of 25 questions correct, or 80%. 

Skills test

The final leg on the journey to getting your Nevada driver’s license is a skills test, which you can make an appointment for through the online
Drive Test Scheduling System
. You’ll need to bring your own car to the test, and it must: 
  • Be in working order—horn, brakes, wipers, tires, steering wheel, seatbelts, rearview mirrors, headlights, turn signals, and brake lights should all function as intended
  • Have a valid license plate
  • Have proof of registration and insurance
  • Have good visibility through all windows
  • Have an adequate level of fuel
  • Not be a rental car
Be sure to bring all of your documents to the skills test—including your valid instruction permit. Your driving instructor will first complete a safety inspection to ensure your vehicle is up to speed. 
Then, it’s the fun part: you get to test your skills behind the wheel! During the test, you can be expected to execute the following driving behaviors:
  • Three right turns, three left turns
  • Driving through a school zone
  • Stopping at a stop sign, at a traffic light
  • Parallel parking
  • Reversing
Your examiner will assess your ability:
  • Preparing to drive
  • Entering traffic
  • Controlling the vehicle and your speed
  • Merging lanes correctly
  • Coming to a complete stop at stop signs
  • Passing vehicles
  • Making correct turns
  • Paying attention to the traffic situation
Pro Tip You will fail automatically if you check your cell phone at any time during the test.
Your examiner will let you know immediately after if you pass or fail your test and will explain any errors. If you fail, you may schedule another appointment to retake the test for $11.
If you pass (yay!), you will present your documents to the DMV office, pay the $41.25 fee for an eight-year Nevada license plus a $25 testing fee, and then you’ll receive your temporary license
Your permanent license will be mailed to you in 7-10 business days.

How to save money on car insurance in Nevada

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FAQs

To get your driver’s license in Nevada, you’ll need: identification, two forms of proof of address, a Social Security number or equivalent documentation, and proof of name changes, if applicable.
The fee for a non-commercial eight-year Nevada driver’s license is $41.25—not including additional testing fees.
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