Every state uses a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. The structure is roughly the same across the country, but the specific ages, hold periods, and restrictions vary by state. Here's what your state's permit test will ask.
The three-stage system
Graduated licensing has three stages. You start with a learner's permit (typically at age 14 to 16 depending on the state), hold it for a supervised practice period of 6 to 12 months, then move to a provisional license with passenger and night-time restrictions, and finally to a full unrestricted license at age 17 or 18. Each stage exists to give new drivers low-risk supervised exposure before higher-risk solo driving.
Supervised driving
During the learner's permit phase you must drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front passenger seat. [Recommended driving resource] Most states require 50 logged hours of supervised driving (some require as many as 70), with at least 10 of those hours after sunset. A simple notebook log is fine, but several free phone apps are also accepted by most state DMVs.
Passenger restrictions
After you upgrade to a provisional license, most states limit you to one non-family passenger under 20 for the first 6 to 12 months. The restriction usually expires automatically on your 18th birthday or after the first 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Some states are stricter — California prohibits any passengers under 20 for the first 12 months, and Massachusetts prohibits any passengers under 18 for the first 6 months.
Night-time driving
Provisional licensees in nearly every state are prohibited from driving between 11pm and 5am (varies by state) unless they are accompanied by a licensed adult, traveling for work or school, or responding to a documented emergency. The night restriction is responsible for the largest single drop in teen-driver crash rates after graduated licensing was adopted in the late 1990s.
Cell phones, seat belts, and substances
Drivers under 18 in nearly every state may not use any wireless device while driving, even hands-free. Every occupant must wear a seat belt. The BAC limit for under-21 drivers is 0.02% in nearly every state — effectively zero — and a violation triggers an automatic license suspension on top of any criminal penalty.
For your state's specific ages, hours, and restrictions, see your state's teen driver rules page.