As you approach the age of legal driving, the excitement for driving might overcome the rest of emotions and make it hard to tell where to start in this meaningful process. It is easy to get overwhelmed as there are a myriad of things that a high school student can be dealing with. It is important that you are aware of everything that is required of you so that you have the best chance to succeed.
To be granted with the privilege of taking over a responsibility such as driving, it is impertinent that a student has their priorities in order. That means, regularly attending school with minimal tardies. Before you are able to physically go in and take the test, “you must complete a DMV attendance sheet that is checked and signed off by a staff member in the office.” states Pahrump Valley High School staff member, Ms. Victoria Knight.
This sheet provides the DMV with the information that the student is eligible to obtain their learners permit. “We have the ability to refuse the sheet for a number of absences and tardies,” Ms. Knight adds. You must be trusted to show up for yourself and be a responsible student in order to be trusted on the road.
After the sheet is signed, you are in the clear to take the test, but that is only one of multiple documents that must be presented. You must arrive to your appointment with a valid birth certificate (or other accepted proof of identity) and social security card. In addition to that, you must provide proof of residency, which includes two documents with your name and address.
It is also required that a parent or legal guardian is present in order to sign the financial responsibility statement on the application. Upon taking the test, you are to pass a vision test as well as pay the respective permit fee, which varies by state but is $25 in Nevada. If you are required to retake the test, it is a $10 fee every test after the initial one.
You can schedule your appointment either in person, or on the DMV website. And as of recently, you can take the permit test itself online as well. The requirement for an online test is that you stay in the frame of the computer so that it is able to monitor you while you take the test. Upon completing it, you are still required to go to the DMV with the respective documents in order to receive your physical permit.
Once you have your permit, you have to wait a full 6 months before granted the ability to get your license because you need to be at least 15 ½ for your permit and 16 years of age for your license. “You have to practice driving as much as possible after getting your permit. It is required that you log at least 50 hours of driving if you take drivers ed. and 100 hours if you don’t take the class,” PVHS senior, Madison Rodriguez remarks.
One of the best ways to ensure that you have success with both your learners permit and drivers license is to practice. The DMV grants the public with a free handbook that is available for pick up in the building within office hours. “I read the entire handbook and took a lot of practice tests to make sure I was prepared for the test and after getting my permit, I tried to drive as often as possible.” Rodriguez says.
It is important to remember to stay calm and don’t stress. In the words of Ms. Knight, “Look both ways, watch your attendance, and be safe for both yourself and others.”
