Mississippi learner’s permit requirements
Everything here comes from Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau pages, handbooks or state law, and each fact links to its source. Where Mississippi doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess. Last checked September 22, 2026.
The knowledge test and your permit
- Test format
- Not publishedSource: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- Passing score
- Not publishedSource: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- Time limit
- None published
- Permit and test fees
- $7 totalThe $7 regular learner's permit (valid 2 years) is the only fee; there is no separate charge for the knowledge test.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- Minimum age for a permit
- 15 yearsAt least 15 for a Regular Learner's Permit; proof of school enrollment required for ages 15-17.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- Supervised driving
- 50 hoursSource: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- Hold your permit
- 12 months minimumSource: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- Take it online
- No, in personSource: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- If you fail
- Not published for ordinary failuresNot published for ordinary failures. Only rule found: an applicant caught cheating (or with banned electronics) may not test again for 6 months. Computerized Exam score is valid for two years. DPS FAQ: no road test is currently given; only the written exam is required.Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
- Vision standard
- 20/40 in each eye separately (with or without corrective lenses) per 31 Miss20/40 in each eye separately (with or without corrective lenses) per 31 Miss. Code R. 1-9.4; DPS manual says only that eyes are checked and failures are referred to an eye specialist (form DE-26).Source: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov, driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov
From permit to full license
Learner's permit at 15 (valid 2 years; drive only with a licensed driver 21+ in the front seat). Must hold the permit one year before a regular license, unless the applicant turns 17 first. Regular (Class R) license at 16 after one year on the permit, or at 17+ directly; under-17 applicants must present a parent/teacher/guardian affidavit of 50 supervised hours in lieu of a road test. Beginning July 1, 2027 a certified driver's education course will be required. An Intermediate License (Class Y) exists but its page returned HTTP 403.
Before you go
Rules and fees change. Confirm appointments, documents and current fees on the official Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau website: driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov.
Sources
- https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Drivers/Learners_Permit
- https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/sites/default/files/2025-02/1.15.2025%20Revised%20MDPS%20Driver's%20Manual.pdf
- https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/sites/default/files/2025-12/Website%20Testing%20Policy_0.pdf
- https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/node/58
- https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/frequently-asked-questions
- https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Drivers/Driver_Service_Fees
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/mississippi/31-Miss-Code-R-SS-1-9-4