Nevada · Handbook chapter 1 · 5 min read

How Nevada's written knowledge test works, the instruction permit at 15 and a half, supervised practice hours, driver education, passenger and curfew limits for young drivers, license classes, restrictions and fees.

Why this chapter matters

The knowledge test can ask about the licensing rules themselves, and teen drivers are often tested on the permit and young driver limits. The key numbers are 15 and a half, 21, one year, 6 months, 50 hours, 10 at night and 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The tests you take

Beginning drivers in Nevada take three checks: vision, knowledge and skills (the road test).

• Vision: at least 20/40 in one eye. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet it, Restriction B goes on your permit or license.
• Knowledge: 25 multiple-choice questions on signs and markings, traffic laws and safe driving. You need 20 correct (80 percent). You can take it online through KnowTo Drive Nevada (60 minutes, English or Spanish, a computer with a front-facing camera) or at a DMV office on a touch-screen computer, in English, Spanish or audio, with no time limit.
• Skills: a drive with an examiner, who first checks the vehicle's registration, insurance card, lights, signals, horn, seat belts, tires and wipers. Using a cell phone during the drive test is an automatic fail, and you may not use features such as parking assist or cruise control.

The $25 testing fee covers the first knowledge and skills tests; each retest costs $10. If you fail the knowledge test you can retake it the next day, and a pass stays valid for one year.

The instruction permit

You can apply at 15 and a half. You fill in an application, pass the vision and knowledge tests, and have a parent or guardian available to authorize the permit. The permit is valid for one year, and you must carry it whenever you drive.

With a Class C permit you may drive only with a licensed driver who is:

• 21 or older,
• has held a license for at least one year, and
• sits beside you while you drive.

Under 18, you must also bring a Certification of Attendance (DMV 301), signed by a school official within the last 60 days, showing that you meet Nevada's school attendance rules. A parent or guardian co-signs your application and shares liability for damage you cause.

From permit to license (under 18)

To get your license before 18 you must:

1. Be at least 16.
2. Hold your permit for at least 6 months.
3. Complete driver education: a 30-hour classroom course or an approved online course.
4. Log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 at night, on the RoadReady app or the DLD-130 Beginning Driver Experience Log.
5. Have no at-fault crashes, moving violations or alcohol or drug convictions in the 6 months before you are licensed.

If no approved course is within 30 miles of your home and you cannot take one online, you need 100 hours of practice instead, including 10 at night.

Limits for new young drivers

Young drivers can also have a license suspended or delayed for offenses that have nothing to do with driving, such as graffiti, buying or possessing alcohol, drug offenses, firearms offenses and habitual truancy, and for 6 months to 2 years for street racing or trick driving.

License classes and restrictions

• Class C: cars, vans and pickups; may tow 10,000 pounds or less, with a total length of no more than 70 feet.
• Class B: a single vehicle over 26,000 pounds. Class A: combinations over 26,000 pounds.
• Class M: motorcycles and mopeds. Any Nevada license lets you ride a moped.

Common restrictions include B (glasses or contacts), G (daylight driving only) and JN (instruction permit).

Fees

The March 2024 handbook prints slightly older amounts; these are from the DMV's current fee page.