How licensing works in Nevada
Nevada gives new drivers under 18 a few extra steps. You start with an instruction permit, log your practice hours, and then get a license with a curfew and passenger limits until you turn 18.
| Stage | Minimum age | Main rules |
|---|---|---|
| Class C instruction permit | 15½ | Supervisor 21+ with one year of experience, seated beside you. Valid one year |
| Driver license (under 18) | 16, after six months on the permit | Driver education plus 50 logged hours (10 at night). No driving 10 p.m.–5 a.m. No passengers under 18 except family for six months |
| Full privileges | 18 | Curfew ends at 18, whenever the license was issued |
Practice hours and driver education
Teens have three ways to meet the training rule: a local DMV-approved driving school, an approved online school, or a longer practice-hours option for those with no access. If you live within 30 miles of an approved school, you need 50 supervised hours, including 10 at night. With no school within 30 miles and no internet access, you need 100 hours, including 10 in the dark.
Record every drive on the Beginning Driver Experience Log (form DLD-130) in blue or black ink, and bring it to the drive test. You also need a school attendance form signed within the last 60 days.
Before you get your license
- Hold the permit for at least six months if you are under 18.
- Have six months with no at-fault crashes, moving violations, or alcohol or drug convictions.
- Have a parent, guardian or authorized person co-sign your application.
The Nevada knowledge test
To get your instruction permit you take a vision test and a knowledge test. The knowledge test is given on automated equipment or on paper. The Basic Class C test is available in Spanish, and you can ask for an oral test if you have trouble reading.
What to bring
- Proof of your full legal name and date of birth
- Proof of your Social Security number
- Two documents that prove your Nevada residency
- A parent or guardian, if you are under 18, to authorize the permit
If you need glasses or contacts to pass the vision test, your license will carry a restriction and you must wear them when you drive.
Rules specific to Nevada
Phones
Nevada bans hand-held phone use and texting for all drivers. It is a primary law, so police can stop you for it alone. Use a hands-free system only, or better yet, wait until you park.
Alcohol
Drivers under 21 who test at a BAC of 0.02% or more but under 0.08% lose their license for 185 days. A young driver convicted of a first DUI faces the same penalties as an adult.
Seat belts and child seats
- The driver and all passengers age 6 and older must wear seat belts.
- Children under 6 or shorter than 57 inches must use an approved child restraint.
- Children under 2 must ride rear-facing in the back seat.
School zones
School zone limits are usually 15 or 25 mph. They apply on school days from half an hour before school starts to half an hour after it ends, unless signs say otherwise. U-turns in school zones are not allowed during school hours, and you must obey school crossing guards.
School zone School crossing
Lanes and crossings
- Carpool (HOV) lanes need two or more people. Motorcycles may use them too.
- Use a center turn lane for no more than 200 feet before a left turn, and no more than 50 feet after turning into it.
- Never park within 50 feet of the nearest rail. When a train is coming, stop at least 15 feet from the tracks.
A center lane shared by left-turning traffic from both directions.
- Car entering the center lane to turn left
- Car waiting in the center lane to merge into traffic
Paperwork
New residents must get a Nevada license within 30 days. Report a change of name or address within 30 days as well.
Test tips
- Memorize the key numbers: 15½, 21, 50 hours, 10 at night, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., 0.02%, 185 days, 57 inches.
- Read the whole question. Many answers differ by only one number.
- Learn road signs by shape and color.
- Practice until you pass easily, not just barely.
Next: the general rules of the road
This guide covers Nevada's own rules. The knowledge test also covers right-of-way, turns, passing, parking, freeway driving and road signs. Study those in our national US driving study guide, then take the full practice tests.