Expert Advice for DMV

All Articles on DMV

How to Get a Mississippi Learners Permit
You can apply for a temporary permit or a driver’s ed permit at age 15. Here’s what you need to know before you show up at the DPS.
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Bonnie Stinson
How to Get a West Virginia Learner’s Permit
Once you turn 15, you’re eligible to apply for a WV learner’s permit. Here’s how you’ll need to prepare for the DMV.
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Shannon Fitzgerald
How to Get an Alaska Learner’s Permit
Young drivers in Alaska are eligible for an instruction permit upon turning 14—but the rules for applying may depend on where you live.
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Kathryn Kurlychek
How to Get a New Hampshire Learners Permit
New Hampshire doesn’t issue learner’s permits, but new drivers are allowed on the roads if they meet specific regulations. Learn more here!
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Jessica Gibson
How to Get a Rhode Island Learners Permit
Apply for a Rhode Island learner’s permit once you turn 16. Keep reading to learn about the state’s fees and requirements.
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Jessica Gibson
How to Get an Illinois Learners Permit
Once you turn 15, you can apply for an instruction permit—but don’t head to the DMV without reading our guide first.
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Katherine Duffy
How to Get a Montana Learner's Permit
You can apply for a Montana driver’s permit once you turn 15 years old. Here’s how to follow the required steps.
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Matthew Lynaugh
How to Get a Washington D.C. Learners Permit
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Washington D.C. learner’s permit. Learn more here!
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Sarah Gray
How to Get a Maine Learner’s Permit
You can apply for a Maine learner’s permit at 15 years old—but there will be some hurdles to clear before you’re all set.
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Matthew Lynaugh
How to Get a Michigan Learners Permit
The process of getting a Michigan learner’s license can start as early as age 14. Here’s what the process entails.
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Melanie Krieps Mergen
How to Get an Idaho Learners Permit
You’re eligible for an Idaho Supervised Instruction Permit once you turn 14½ but you’ll need to arrive at the DMV with the required documentation and payment.
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Mary Cahill
How to Get an Iowa Learner’s Permit
Young Iowans can get their learner’s permits as soon as they turn 14—but they have to take care of a few steps first.
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Melanie Krieps Mergen
How to Get a Arkansas Learners Permit
The first step in getting your Arkansas driver’s license is applying for a learner’s permit. This guide will tell you everything you need to get started.
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Sarah Gray
How to Get a Missouri Learners Permit
Missouri residents are eligible to apply for a learner’s permit at age 15. Read this guide before you head to the license office to make sure you have everything you need.
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Sarah Gray
How to Get a New York Learner Permit
Getting an NYS learner permit is the first step in getting your driver’s license, but you must be 16 years of age and must apply in person at your local DMV.
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Jacqulyn Graber
How to Get a Vermont Learners Permit
You’re eligible to get a Vermont learners permit once you turn 15—but don’t roll up to the DMV office to apply without reading our guide.
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Jason Tushinski
How to Get a Wisconsin Learner’s Permit
You’re able to apply for a Wisconsin learner’s permit at age 15—but not before you fulfill these key requirements.
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Katherine Duffy
How to Get an Oklahoma Learner’s Permit
An Oklahoma Learner’s Permit is just two tests and a fee away.
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Jasmine Kanter
How to Get a Maryland Learner’s Permit
You’re eligible to get a Maryland learner’s permit once you turn 15 years and 9 months—here’s our guide to everything you need to know before you get to the MVA office.
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James Ellaby
How to Get a Massachusetts Learner’s Permit
You can apply for a learner's permit in Massachusetts once you turn 16—but be sure to read our in-depth guide before you head to your local RMV!
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Andrea Barrett
How to Get a South Carolina Learner’s Permit
To get a learner’s permit in South Carolina, you must be at least 15 years old and pass a vision and knowledge test. Here’s all you need to know.
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Andrew Biro
How to Get a Louisiana Learner’s Permit
When you turn 15, you can get a learner's permit in Louisiana—but before you head to the OMV to apply, read this guide.
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Claire Beaney
How to Get a Utah Learner’s Permit
You’re eligible to get a Utah learner’s permit once you turn 15—here’s our guide to everything you need to know before you get to the DPS office.
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James Ellaby
How to Get an Oregon Learner’s Permit
Follow our step-by-step guide to getting your Oregon learner’s permit, the first phase in Oregon’s graduated licensing program.
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Jessica Gibson
How to Get an Ohio Learners Permit
Read through our essential guide on getting your Ohio learner’s permit, called a temporary instruction permit identification card.
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Jessica Gibson
How to Get a Washington Learner's Permit
You can enroll in driver’s training as early as 15, or wait until you’re 15 ½ to take a knowledge test for your Washington state learner’s permit.
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Cameron Thiessen
How to Get a Kansas Learner’s Permit
In Kansas, there’s a graduated driver’s license program for teens aged 14 through 17. Here are the details!
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Mary Alice Morris
How to Get a Connecticut Learner’s Permit
Connecticut residents age 16 and older are eligible for a learner’s permit, but you’ll need to pass written and vision tests before the DMV issues you one.
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Mary Cahill
How to Get a New Jersey Learner’s Permit
Residents of New Jersey are eligible for a learner’s permit once they turn 16. Here’s how to get one.
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Rebecca Wardell
How to Get a Delaware Learner’s Permit
You need to be at least 16 years old to get a Delaware learner’s permit, and the process is less involved if you’re 18 or older.
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Amber Reed

All Questions on DMV

Does the DMV waive fees?
I’m on Social Security disability. The DMV charged me a $251 fee. Will the DMV waive the fee or reduce the amount? I’m on a fixed income and can’t lose my money for food.
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Emily Maracle
How much does a driving permit cost in Oklahoma?
I live in Oklahoma and am ready to get my learner’s permit. Before I head to the DMV, I need to know how much it costs so that I can financially prepare. How much should I bring to get my driving permit in Oklahoma?
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Jacqulyn Graber
Can you take a driving test with your own car?
I’m prepping for my upcoming driving test. So far, I feel pretty comfortable, but I’m worried about taking the test with the DMV’s car. Can I take the driving test with my own car?
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Eric Schad
How do I find my car insurance company from a policy number?
I wrote down the policy number of someone that rear-ended me last night, but I was really shaken up, and I’ve forgotten which company they were insured. How can I find their car insurance company from the policy number alone?
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Matthew Macgugan
How do I check whether a car is insured or not?
Can I check whether someone’s car is insured if they didn’t stop to trade information? Someone hit my car in the parking lot the other day and drove off. Luckily I am fine, but my car is not.
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Liz Jenson
How do I get my driving record in Massachusetts?
I’m applying for a job as a valet, and my employer is requesting my driving record. I’ve never thought to look up my driving record before. How do I get my driving record in Massachusetts?
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Melanie Johnson
Can you take a driving test on Saturday?
Between school, extracurricular activities, and sports, I’m always busy. I want to get my driver’s license, but I usually only have Saturdays open. Will the DMV let me take a driving test on a Saturday?
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Eric Schad
Can an insurance company contact the police after you're in an accident?
I reported an accident to my insurance, but didn't call the police. Will my insurance company contact the police for me?
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Emily Maracle
How do I find someone’s car insurance policy?
Is there a good way to find someone's car insurance policy information? My son's 21 years old and he isn’t exactly responsible. He told me he bought car insurance, but he couldn't provide it to law enforcement after running a stoplight. Now, I need to find a way to look up his policy—if it even exists.
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Eric Schad
What is considered an immediate fail on a driving test?
What kinds of mistakes would make me immediately fail my driving test? I’m taking my test for the second time next week, and I want to make sure that I don’t do anything stupid.
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Liz Jenson
How do I find someone's car insurance details?
I was recently in an accident. With everything going on at the scene, I forgot to get a picture of the other person's car insurance card. How can you figure out someone else’s car insurance information?
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Matthew Macgugan
Do I need glasses for driving?
I was just prescribed my first pair of glasses ever, and I’m still getting accustomed to how they feel. Sometimes they’re a bit uncomfortable. Do I have to wear my glasses while I drive?
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Macy Fouse
Do you need dual controls for a driving test?
Do I have to take my driving test in a car that has dual controls, or am I allowed to take it in my mom’s car? I would rather take the test in the car that I learned how to drive in, but it doesn’t have dual controls so I’m not sure if I’ll be allowed to.
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Liz Jenson
How do I find out someone’s car insurance details?
I was hit by another car, and I’m pretty sure they gave me false insurance information. What are my options for finding someone else's car insurance information?
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Eric Schad
How to find if a car is insured?
I was in an accident, and I didn’t get the information from the other driver. I don’t know if he has car insurance. How can you find out if a car is insured or not?
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Carlos Kirby
How do you get a South Carolina driving record?
I’m applying for a job as a transport driver, and the employer needs to see my record. What steps should I take to get my South Carolina driving record?
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Joshua Levy
How can I check if a car is insured for free?
A few days ago, my car was parked in front of my house, and someone hit it and ran off. Thankfully, my neighbors were outside at the time and caught the guy’s license plates. Is there a free way I can check if the person who hit me is insured?
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Chloe Jenkins
Can you take driving lessons after passing the exam?
I passed my driver’s license written exam and my road test, but I’m still not sure how confident I feel behind the wheel. Can I still take driving lessons after I pass these tests?
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Eric Schad
How do you change the name on a driving license?
I recently got married and took my wife’s name. I’m trying to update all of my documents with my new name—it has been a nightmare. To put my mind at ease, can you tell me the best way to change my name on my driver’s license?
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Eric Schad
How do I reinstate my car loan after a repossession?
I was struggling financially and my car was repossessed. Just a few days after the repo, I discovered that I'm getting a large inheritance, which is a huge relief! However, my car is still reposessed, and I still need to deal with everything—including my car loan. How do I reinstate my car loan?
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Eric Schad
Can police send accident reports to your car insurance company?
I had to file a police report for an accident I was in. I'm worried about my rate increasing. Will the police send a report to my insurance company?
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Emily Maracle
Is negligent driving a crime?
Would negligent driving be considered a crime, and would it show up on a criminal record? I’m wondering if I’ll have to list when I’m asked if I’ve ever been convicted of a crime.
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Liz Jenson
How can I take my written driving test online?
Is there any way for me to take the written portion of the driving exam online instead of going in person? I want to stay out of the DMV office as much as possible because I’m immunocompromised and I’m really worried about Covid.
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Liz Jenson
How long does it take to renew your driving license?
I just noticed that my driver’s license expires in two months. I’ve never had to renew my license before, so I’m not sure what to expect. How long does renewing a driver’s license take?
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Eric Schad
How can I look up my driving tickets?
I was shopping around for car insurance, but the quotes I’m getting back are all sky high. My dad told me to check my record to see what is on it. How can I check for tickets on my driving record?
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Eric Schad
Can you take driving lessons without a permit?
I want to start driving lessons as soon as possible, but I haven’t been able to get my permit. I’m already enrolled in a driving school, so I’m not sure what to do next. Can I take driving lessons if I don’t have a permit?
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Eric Schad
How do I see if my car is insured?
I'm pretty sure my insurance is up-to-date, but want to double-check—I’m just not sure what to do! How can I check to see if my car is insured?
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Ben Guess
Can you appeal a failed driving test?
I didn’t pass my driving test, but I just don’t think my test administrator was fair. Do I have any recourse in this situation?
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Pat Roache
How do driving test cancellations work?
What do I have to do to cancel a driving test that I have scheduled already? I had a family emergency and I don’t think I’ll be able to take my driving test, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to get a refund or cancel my appointment.
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Liz Jenson
Can I drive my car with a temporary registration?
I just bought my very first car. The car dealership gave me my temporary license plate and registration tags while I wait for the official ones to arrive. Can I travel anywhere with the temporary registration, or do I have to wait for it to come in the mail?
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Melanie Mergen

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