Driving 101: A teen guide to learn how to drive

As you approach driving age, you probably feel excited to get behind the wheel and feel the freedom of the open road. Having a driver’s license can also open new doors to employment, as you’ll no longer have to rely on your parents to take you to and from work. However, safe driving is the most important part of becoming a new driver, and that means learning the rules of the road and how to drive as safely as possible. 

This is why all states require new drivers to obtain learner’s permits, then drive with a qualified, licensed driver in the front passenger seat for a period of time. But how long does it take to learn how to drive, and what age can you start driving? 

The second question’s answer is generally somewhere between 15 and 16 years old, but nine states allow you to obtain a learner’s permit at 14 years old, and they are: 

• Alaska

• Arkansas

• Idaho (14.5 years old)

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Michigan (14 years and nine months old)

• Montana (14.5 years old)

• North Dakota

• South Dakota

The first question is a bit more nuanced and needs more explaining. Below, we dive into the answer to this question and explain how you can learn the driving skills you need.

How long does it take to learn to drive?

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Before you can get your license and drive on your own, you need to learn basic driving skills and how to operate a car. Some of the skills you’ll need to learn and practice include how to: 

• Change lanes

• Remain within the speed limit

• Properly stop at a stop sign

• Stay in your lane

• Navigate intersections and roundabouts

• Parallel park

• Recognize road signs

• Drive defensively

• Maintain the proper hand position on the steering wheel

• Drive in different weather conditions

How long it will take to learn and master these skills will be different for everyone and will depend on how much time you have to dedicate to studying and practicing. But the amount of time you’ll need to spend learning before you can become a licensed driver also depends on your state's requirements for learning permits and driver's licenses. The process of learning how to drive usually involves the following steps.

1. Obtain your learner's permit

In most states, you will need to study for and pass a knowledge or driving theory test. You might also need to take an eye exam or hearing test. After meeting your state's requirements, you will be able to receive your learner's permit. In some states, you may need to have a learner's permit for a minimum amount of time before you can upgrade to a driver's license. For example, in Ohio, you need to have a learner's permit for a minimum of six months, while in Florida, you need to have a learner's permit for at least a year.

2. Take driver’s ed

As of March 2023, 37 states require new drivers to take driver education courses. This requirement might include a certain number of hours of lessons in a classroom as well as a certain number of hours of driving lessons behind the wheel with a certified instructor. For example, in the state of Utah, you need 18-30 hours of classroom instruction and six hours of lessons on the road with an instructor. Illinois also requires the completion of a state-approved driver education course.

Of course, these requirements can change anytime, so check with your local motor vehicle department to ensure you have the latest information on driving school requirements. In some states, your parent, guardian, or any legal driver that meets the minimum requirements can serve as your driving instructor.

3. Complete hours of practice

Your state might also require you to practice with a licensed driver, like a parent or guardian, for a certain number of hours. For example, in New York, you need 50 hours of practice time, including 15 hours at night and 10 hours in moderate to heavy traffic. The state of Washington also requires 50 hours of driving practice that includes 10 hours of nighttime driving.

How can you learn how to drive?

The methods you use to learn how to drive will depend on your state's requirements, your local options, and what you feel will best prepare you to pass your road test. So, where do you turn to practice driving before your all-important road test? You have several options.

Learn from a parent or guardian

Many teen drivers learn the driving skills they need from their parents, guardians, or eligible family members. Your state’s laws will determine who’s qualified to drive with you when you have a learner’s permit. Either way, this is a good, free way to get first-hand driving lessons in real-life situations with a licensed driver in the passenger seat.

A parent or guardian can also take you to an empty parking lot to get comfortable behind the wheel and practice using the gas and brake pedals.

Take driver’s education in high school

Many high schools now offer driver’s education, which covers the theory (knowledge) and practical (actual driving) aspects of learning how to drive. This means you get the best of both worlds in one convenient package at school — and it’s free. 

The teachers will be trained in all the latest rules, and you’ll learn in a group setting, so you can also grow from other classmates’ experiences. Some schools even have driving simulators to get you on-the-road experience without the risk, which can help ease a new driver’s mind.

Take professional driving instruction

The final route to learn how to drive is through professional instruction and courses. You can get this instruction from a private driving school or, in some cases, from your state's motor vehicle department. The courses will vary by school, but they’ll usually include in-class instruction and on-the-road practice.

These schools can also offer specialized training too, such as snow driving, towing, or even learning how to drive a stick shift vehicle.

Like driver’s ed at school, some private instructors may also be certified to test you for your driver’s license at the end of the course. It all depends on your state’s regulations.

While you’ll get a comprehensive lesson at a driving school, it can be rather pricey at $40 to $60 per hour.

What happens after you learn how to drive?

After learning to drive, completing the learner’s permit requirements, and taking any required driving courses, what’s next? In most states, it’s time to take your official driving test. The test varies by state; some will include a theory test before the road test.

The road test will be with a certified tester and generally happens on the open road. But some states may use closed courses instead. In this test, the instructor will verify you have all the basic driving skills and understand the rules of the road so you can drive safely without supervision.

You will receive your first driver’s license if you pass this test. This initial driver’s license may be a novice license with some restrictions, including the time of day you can drive, the number of passengers you can carry, the roadways you can drive on, and more. These restrictions go away after a period of time — in some states, after just a few months to a year of driving, but other states may keep them in place until you’re 18.

Another next step might be to save for your own car. The Greenlight app can help you save toward your first car with 1% Cash Back to Savings on debit card purchases and up to 5% Reward on Savings.*

Enhance your newfound freedom with the Greenlight app

You’re ready for the freedom that comes with a driver’s license! But how long it will take you to learn how to drive will depend on the requirements in your state. Even if you’re a natural behind the wheel and learn quickly, you may need to hold a learner’s permit for a while, take driver’s ed, or log driving practice with an adult before you can get your license.

The Greenlight app can help you when you’re on the road with its convenient debit card. Need to refuel? You can pay right at the pump with your card. Need to pay your car insurance bill? Budget for this monthly expense in the app, and pay online with your card.

Sign up for Greenlight today and see how it can make being a new driver just a little easier.

*Greenlight + Invest families can earn monthly rewards of 1% per annum, Greenlight Core and Greenlight Select families can earn 2% per annum, Greenlight Max families can earn 3% per annum, and Greenlight Infinity families can earn 5% per annum on an average daily savings balance of up to $5,000 per family. Only Greenlight Max and Infinity families can earn 1% cash back on spending monthly. To qualify, the Primary Account must be in Good Standing and have a verified ACH funding account. See Greenlight Terms of Service for details. Subject to change at any time.