There was a time when passing the behind-the-wheel driver’s test was a key step in getting your driver’s license. But in some states, things have changed.
During the COVID-19 shutdown, many states waived in-person testing requirements, allowing teens to get their driver’s licenses without taking a road test. After COVID, states had another problem. Across the country, there was a huge backlog of people waiting to take their tests for the first time. In fact, at one point, Wisconsin had a waiting list of 10,000 teens who needed to take their driver’s exams.
As a result, some states implemented ongoing road test waivers, making it easier for teens to get their first driver’s license.
What Is a Road Test Waiver?
The road test waiver system allows drivers who meet specific requirements — such as passing the written driver’s test, meeting a minimum number of supervised driving hours, and being a certain age — to get their driver's license without taking a road test.
Some states may also temporarily waive road test requirements during and after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or severe storm, or when other situations create difficulty in administering them.
Overall, road test waivers are a way to keep the DMV less busy, especially when there's a large backlog of people that require its services.
States That Offer a Road Test Waiver
The following states currently have road test waivers in place. Each has its own requirements to qualify for the waiver.
Iowa
Iowa law allows the state to waive the road test for teen drivers if they have successfully completed a state-approved driver’s education course, other than parent-taught driver’s education. However, a road test is required if the driver is under 18 and it’s requested by the applicant’s parent, guardian, or instructor.
Mississippi
The state of Mississippi has now permanently waived road tests for teens. When teens aged 16 or under apply for their driver’s license in Mississippi, they must provide a completed Waiver of Road Testing Affidavit. This document certifies that you have had your learner’s permit for at least one year and have had at least 50 hours of driving instruction.
Those aged 17 and older do not have to hold their learner’s permit for a year before getting licensed and do not need to complete the waiver affidavit.
Nebraska
In Nebraska, both the written and road tests are currently waived for new drivers. To obtain a license, you must be at least 17 years old. Individuals under 18 must have a Provisional Operator’s Permit (POP) for at least 12 months and must not have accumulated three or more points on their driving record in the previous year.
If you’re 18 or older and have a POP, the written and driving tests are waived. However, if you have never held a POP, you’re required to take vision, written, and driving tests. If you have a learner’s permit that is current or expired for less than a year, the written test is waived.
Drive Safely Without Taking a Road Test
If you happen to live in one of the states that don't require you to take a road test, it is still your responsibility to follow all traffic laws. One good way to brush up on any knowledge you may have missed from the road test is to take a driver's education course for teens at DriversEd.com. The course will help make you a safe and secure driver with training from certified instructors. Start exploring your options today!
Updated 5/24/24