Stage 1:

To obtain a permit, you must:

• Be at least 15 years old
• Obtain parental or guardian consent
• Complete or be enrolled in a state-approved driver education program
• Pass a written and vision test
• Pay an application fee

So you've got the permit, now what?

• Hold the permit for at least 6 months
• Complete a state-approved driver education program
• Drive with an adult 21 or older who has been licensed for at least 3 years
• Complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including 10 hours of nighttime driving; a responsible adult needs to sign off on the logged time
• Maintain a clean driving record for 90 days preceding application for a provisional license
• Do not drink and drive; even a 0.02% blood alcohol content-barely one drink-could result in a 6-month license revocation for drivers under 21

Stage 2:

To get a provisional license, you have to:

• Complete stage 1 successfully
• Be at least 15 ½ years old
• Pass a behind-the-wheel driving test

So, you've got the provisional license, what are the rules?

• Teen drivers must hold the provisional license for at least 12 months.

• Unless a licensed driver aged 21 or older is in the car, a provisional license holder can't have more than one passenger in the vehicle under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member.

• There's no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a licensed, responsible adult. Exceptions may include work permits, school or religious functions, family & medical emergencies.

Stage 3:

To get your full-unrestricted driver license, you must:

• Complete stage 2 successfully
• No convictions for traffic violations 90 days preceding application
• No traffic violations pending at the time of application