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Can you buy a car with a learner’s permit?

I recently got my learner’s permit. I’m so excited to get out on the road and start practicing my driving skills. I’ve been looking at some cars that I’m thinking of saving up for, but I wondered if I could even buy a car with just a learner’s permit. Are you allowed to buy a car if you only have a driver’s permit?

avatar
Kevin Martinez · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on getting your permit! You’re officially on your way to becoming another safe, responsible driver!
You can buy a car with a permit—as long as you pay in cash. You can even get your title and
car insurance
all set up, so come driving test day, all you have to do is ace the test.
  • Registration without a permit: The one thing that you won’t be able to do until you get your driver’s license is register your vehicle. This is a pretty big deal, so make sure to take care of it right away! Without being registered, you could be pulled over and face some hefty fines.
  • Driving off the lot without a permit: Another thing is if you’re buying the vehicle from a dealer, they may not allow you to drive off the parking lot without all of these items in place—meaning title, insurance, registration, and driver’s license. Check with them ahead of time to find out what’s required.
Pro tip: Insurance can be confusing—and expensive—for new drivers. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to getting car insurance, go to
Jerry
.
View full answer 
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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