How to Get a Driver’s License in Mississippi

If you are a new resident of Mississippi or a first-time driver in the state, one of the things you will need to know is how to obtain your driver’s license. The first thing you need to be aware of is that besides the standard driver’s permit and license, Mississippi also offers Class D (for non-commercial vehicles such as taxis), Class E (for motorcycles), and CDLs (commercial driver licenses). Most people, however, will be applying for the regular Class R license which is for passenger vehicles.

Mississippi License Requirements

There are documents you will need to bring with you to your test. You will need your Social Security Card, birth certificate, and proof of domicile. If you are under 18 years old, you will also need a certification of school attendance. At the DMV office, you’ll complete an application for a Mississippi driver’s license then pass a vision test. If you pass the written test, and are at least 17 years old, you are eligible to take the driving skills portion of the test immediately, if the schedule allows. If you are not 17, you will be issued a learner’s permit. You are allowed to take your written test up to three times in a one-month period. If you cannot pass it within that time frame, you have to wait 30 days in order to re-take it.

Your first step in applying for your Mississippi driver’s license will be to take a driver’s education course. If you are younger than 15 years of age, you are required to take a state-approved course if you plan on applying for your learner’s permit by age 14 1/2. If you are 15 years of age or older, it is not required but, rather, is recommended. The course will help to prepare you for the questions you will encounter on both the written and driving tests.

To prepare for your written test, you should obtain a copy of the Mississippi Driver Manual. You can pick one of these up at your local DMV department for a small fee. After studying the material, test your knowledge by taking some online quizzes. Once you feel you are prepared, contact your nearest driver’s license location to inquire about testing days and times. Some offices will require an appointment, so be sure to make one if necessary. Unless you are a new resident with a valid out-of-state license, you will be required to take the written test prior to obtaining your license.

To take the driving skills test, you will need your own vehicle and proof of insurance. You will drive with a licensed DMV official and they will test you on skills such as parallel parking and a three-point turn. Once you pass the test, you will receive your Mississippi driver’s license immediately. If you fail, you may be able to re-take the test as soon as the next day. This is always left up to the discretion of the examiner.

Once you have decided to test for your Mississippi driver’s license, you should take the time to prepare carefully. Study the manual, practice your driving skills, and you will be sure to pass with flying colors.

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Mississippi DMV Practice Test – Quiz 1 (Signs)
Mississippi DMV Practice Test – Quiz 2 (Signs)
Mississippi DMV Practice Test – Quiz 3 (Rules)
Mississippi DMV Practice Test – Quiz 4 (Rules)
Mississippi DMV Practice Test – Quiz 5 (Rules)
Mississippi DMV Practice Test – Quiz 6 (Rules)
Mississippi DMV Practice Test – Quiz 7 (Rules)