Permit vs. Driver’s License in Mississippi

1. What is the difference between a driver’s license and a permit in Mississippi?


A driver’s license in Mississippi is a full-fledged credential authorizing an individual to operate a motor vehicle on the state’s roads and highways. A permit is a restricted license, typically held by younger drivers, allowing them to practice driving under certain conditions, such as with an adult in the car or during certain hours of the day.

2. How old must a person be to obtain a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


In Mississippi, a person must be at least 16 years old in order to obtain a driver’s license or permit.

3. What documents are required to obtain a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


To obtain a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi, you will need to provide proof of identity, a Social Security number, proof of Mississippi residency, and proof of enrollment in a Driver’s Education Course (if you are under the age of 17). Additionally, you must pass a vision test and a written exam. Some applicants may also need to provide proof of legal presence in the United States.

4. Is a permit required to drive in Mississippi?


Yes, a valid driver’s license is required to drive in Mississippi.

5. How long is a driver’s license valid for in Mississippi?


A driver’s license in Mississippi is valid for four years.

6. How long does it take to get a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


The process of obtaining a Mississippi driver’s license or permit takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks from start to finish.

7. What tests must be passed to obtain a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


In Mississippi, you must pass a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a road skills test in order to obtain a driver’s license or permit. You must also be at least 16 years of age and have a valid Social Security number and proof of residency.

8. What restrictions are placed on holders of a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


In Mississippi, drivers with a valid license or permit must comply with the following restrictions:

1. Must wear a seat belt at all times.

2. Must follow the posted speed limits.

3. Must obey all traffic signs and signals.

4. Must not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

5. Must not use a cell phone or other electronic device while driving.

6. Must yield to emergency vehicles.

7. Must maintain valid car insurance as required by state law.

8. Must not drive with more passengers than the number of seat belts available in the vehicle.

9. What are the fees associated with obtaining a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


In Mississippi, there is a fee of $24 for an original driver’s license and a fee of $18 for a learner’s permit.

10. Are there any additional requirements to obtain a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi for certain age groups?


Yes, Mississippi requires all first-time drivers who are under the age of 18 to complete a state-approved driver education course. Additionally, any driver under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s signature on their application for a license or permit. The state also requires all drivers under the age of 21 to complete an approved alcohol and drug awareness program.

11. Is there an age limit for obtaining a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


Yes, there is an age limit for obtaining a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi. In order to obtain a learner’s permit, you must be at least 15 years of age; to obtain a provisional driver’s license you must be at least 16 years of age; and to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license, you must be at least 17 years of age.

12. Are any special privileges given to holders of a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


Yes. Holders of a Mississippi driver’s license or permit are eligible for special privileges such as discounts on car insurance, access to carpool lanes, and discounts on certain services.

13. What is the process for renewing a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


The process for renewing a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi is as follows:

1. Visit your local Mississippi Department of Public Safety office.
2. Bring proof of identity (i.e. original or certified birth certificate, valid passport/visa, valid permanent resident card).
3. Provide two proofs of Mississippi residency (i.e. utility bill, bank statement, insurance policy).
4. Complete Form DL-40.
5. Pass a vision test.
6. Pay the applicable renewal fee (varies by age and type of license).
7. Receive your renewed license/permit.

14. Are there any restrictions on who can operate a motor vehicle with a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


Yes. In Mississippi, there are certain restrictions placed on who can operate a motor vehicle with a driver’s license or permit. A person must be at least 16 years of age to obtain a driver’s license or learner’s permit in the state of Mississippi, and they must have held the learner’s permit for at least six months before they can apply for a full driver’s license. Additionally, all drivers must adhere to the state’s graduated licensing program, which requires that all drivers under the age of 18 must have a licensed adult in the car with them at all times. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from driving between midnight and 6 a.m., unless they are driving to or from work or school-related activities or accompanied by an adult.

15. Are there any additional tests that must be taken to renew a driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


Yes, in Mississippi drivers are required to pass a vision test in order to renew their driver’s license or permit. Additionally, if a driver is over the age of 70, they must also pass a knowledge test.

16. What are the penalties for driving without a valid driver’s license or permit in Mississippi?


Driving without a valid driver’s license or permit in Mississippi is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail. Additionally, the court may suspend or revoke the person’s driving privileges for a period of time.

17. Is there an age requirement for obtaining an instruction permit in Mississippi ?


Yes, applicants must be at least 15 years old to obtain an instruction permit in Mississippi.

18. Are there any special considerations given to holders of an instruction permit in Mississippi ?


Yes, holders of an instruction permit in Mississippi are not allowed to drive between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. unless the driver is accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years of age or older. Holders of an instruction permit in Mississippi are also not allowed to transport more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.

19. Can holders of an instruction permit drive outside of their home state with their instruction permit in Mississippi ?


No, holders of an instruction permit in Mississippi may only drive within the state.

20. Are there any restrictions on drivers younger than 18 operating vehicles with an instruction permit in Mississippi ?


Yes. Drivers who are younger than 18 are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle with an instruction permit between the hours of 12:00 a.m. (midnight) and 6:00 a.m. Additionally, all passengers in the vehicle must be immediate family members.