Rules for driving with a learner's permit vary by state, but some of these rules are common among many states. Anyone driving with a learner's permit must obey not only the rules of his home state, but any other state he drives in as well. This is a particular concern in regard to age restrictions.
The minimum age a person can obtain a learner's permit is as low as 14 in some states and as high as 16 in others.
A person driving with a learner's permit must have an accompanying licensed driver in the vehicle, and usually that driver must be at least 21, although some states specify as high an age as 25.
This accompanying driver usually also must have held a driver's license for over 3 years.
Some states, or regions in states, do not allow a person with a learner's permit to drive during certain hours at night, for instance from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Some rules are a bit complex. For example, a rule might state that the person driving with a learner's permit cannot have more than 2 passengers under the age of 21 unless they are part of the immediate family, or the accompanying driver is a parent or driver education teacher.
Minors, or people under 18, usually must hold the learner's permit for 6 months before being allowed to obtain a driver's license. Adult learners usually only must hold it for a month or less.
