Mississippi Permit Test FAQ

The Mississippi knowledge test has 30 questions, and you need 24 right (80%) to pass. Our full practice exam uses the same size and pass mark. Always confirm the current test with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, Driver Service Bureau.

Multiple-choice questions drawn from the Driver's License Manual, with a focus on Mississippi traffic laws, safe driving and what you need to get a license. Signs and signals are part of it too. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 17–18)

Yes. The computerized exam comes with a headset, and the machine reads each question and its answer choices to you. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 17)

In person at a driver license station. Phones, earbuds, smart watches and other electronics stay out of the testing area; anyone caught with them or cheating has the test cancelled and must wait six months to try again. (Mississippi Driver Service Bureau: Regular Learner's Permit)

Two years. Bring the 50-hour driving affidavit within that time and you won't need to sit the computerized exam again for your license. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 13)

Not at this time for a regular license. Applicants pass the knowledge and eye exams, and those who need it bring the Waiver of Road Testing Affidavit signed by a parent, teacher or guardian. (Mississippi Driver Service Bureau: Regular Driver's License (Class R))

At least 15. Under 18 you also show that you are enrolled in school with a Certification of Attendance no more than 30 days old (a marriage license works instead if you are married). (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 13–16)

A licensed driver who is 21 or older, sitting in the seat next to yours. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 13)

A completed application, a certified birth certificate, your Social Security card and two proofs of where you live. Under 17, both parents with custody (or a guardian) sign, and the signature is notarized. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 16)

At 16, once you have held the learner's permit for a year, or as soon as you turn 17. Someone who gets the permit at 15½ can move up at 16½. First-time applicants who are 17 or older can apply for the license directly. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 13–15)

From that date, applicants must also show they finished a certified Driver's Education and Training Program. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 15–17)

A limited license a parent can request for a 15- to 17-year-old who has held the permit 30 days with no traffic tickets and finished certified driver's education. It covers unsupervised trips to school, work and medical needs only, family passengers only, and no phone use at all. (Mississippi Driver Service Bureau: Hardship Driver's License)

Usually 70 mph on interstates and 65 on four-lane highways, both with a 40 mph minimum, 55 on two-lane highways and 50 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. School zones are 15 mph. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 41)

Texting, reading messages and social media on a hand-held phone are against the law. For calls, the manual recommends a hands-free device. (Mississippi Driver's License Manual, p. 23)