Mississippi teen driving requirements
Mississippi uses a graduated license system to advance unlicensed drivers from a learner's permit to an intermediate license, and finally to a valid driver's license. In an effort to minimize the risks associated with new drivers on the road, Mississippi has implemented a GDL license program that consists of multiple phases designed to provide structured progression for teen drivers. At age 15, Mississippi teens can apply for a learner's permit at the local driving examiner, though those enrolled in driver's education can obtain a limited permit at age 14. The program emphasizes safety and skill development through supervised practice and graduated privileges.
Contents
Overview
Mississippi uses a graduated license system to advance unlicensed drivers from a learner's permit to an intermediate license, and finally to a valid driver's license. In an effort to minimize the risks associated with new drivers on the road, Mississippi has implemented a GDL license program that consists of multiple phases designed to provide structured progression for teen drivers. At age 15, Mississippi teens can apply for a learner's permit at the local driving examiner, though those enrolled in driver's education can obtain a limited permit at age 14. The program emphasizes safety and skill development through supervised practice and graduated privileges.
Key finding
Mississippi uses a graduated licensing system that requires teens to progress through structured stages before earning full driving privileges. This approach has been shown to significantly reduce crash risk among new drivers.
Licensing timeline
A learner's permit may be issued to any applicant who is at least 15 years of age and shall be valid for a period of two years from the date of issue. After holding a learner's license for at least one year, a driver who is 16 years old or older can apply for an intermediate license. The applicant must pass the driving test and be free of any traffic violations for the last year. The intermediate driver license shall be held for a period of six months or until the applicant reaches their seventeenth birthday, whichever occurs first. After this period, the applicant will receive an unrestricted license.
| Stage | Minimum Age | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Learner's permit | 15 years old | 14 years old if enrolled in driver education |
| Graduated/provisional license | 16 years old | GDL restrictions apply |
| Restrictions end | After 6 months | <cite index="26-4,8-7">Restrictions lift after holding intermediate license for 6 months or reaching age 17, whichever occurs first</cite> |
<cite index="26-5">Unrestricted license obtained after holding intermediate license for 6 months or reaching age 17</cite>
Practice paths
Standard path with supervised practice
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Supervised hours | Not specified |
| Night hours | Not specified |
| Driver education | Not required |
| Road test | Required |
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) requirements
Regular license holders under age 18 are allowed unsupervised driving from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday and 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM Friday and Saturday. They are allowed unsupervised driving any time when traveling directly to or from work or other educational or extracurricular activities. Unlike many other states, Mississippi's GDL law does not have specific passenger restrictions for intermediate license holders, though parents are encouraged to establish their own guidelines. All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts and the driver is prohibited from texting or accessing social media while driving. Texting while driving carries a $100 fine.
| Restriction | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit holding period | <cite index="1-27,5-28">1 year minimum</cite> |
| Nighttime restriction | <cite index="26-2,26-3">10:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM Friday-Saturday</cite> |
| Passenger restriction | <cite index="25-2,25-16">No specific passenger restrictions under Mississippi law</cite> |
| Cell phone restriction | <cite index="23-1,23-12">Prohibited from texting or accessing social media while driving</cite> |
| Supervisor requirement | <cite index="1-16,23-28">Licensed driver age 21 or older in front seat</cite> |
Nighttime restriction exceptions:
- work
- school activities
- emergency
Passenger restriction exceptions:
- parents set house rules recommended
Important caveat
GDL restrictions vary by state and can change when new legislation is enacted. The restrictions listed above were last verified on 2026-04-03. Always confirm current requirements with the Mississippi official DMV website.
Minimum insurance requirements
In Mississippi, the minimum coverage required is 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Mississippi is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes the accident is financially responsible for the damage. Liability coverage is the only legally required insurance coverage in the state of Mississippi. It pays for injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering that you inflict on another driver in an accident where you are at fault. While basic liability meets legal requirements, carrying just the lowest liability limits leaves drivers at risk, as bodily injury limits can be exhausted quickly even with moderate injuries.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage | $25,000 |
UM/UIM coverage: <cite index="12-2">Insurance companies required to offer UM/UIM coverage but not mandatory for drivers</cite>
Insurance considerations for teen drivers
Insurance rates for male drivers under the age of 21 are much higher than those for adults because research has shown that these young drivers are more likely to have accidents. Teen drivers represent a significantly higher risk category for insurers, resulting in substantially elevated premiums. Parents typically face considerable rate increases when adding teen drivers to their policies, making it essential to shop around among different insurers and explore available discounts for good grades, driver training completion, or defensive driving courses to help manage costs.
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Learner's permit | $7 |
| Driver's license | $24 |
<cite index="34-6">$24 for 4-year license or $47 for 8-year license</cite>
Official resources
See also
Sources and verification
- Mississippi Teen Driving Laws - Driving Laws
- Mississippi Insurance Department
- Mississippi DPS Driver Service Bureau
- Mississippi Code § 63-1-9
- Mississippi Administrative Code Rule 31-1-2.18
Last verified: 2026-04-03. This page contains 5 cited sources.