xokristabelle's advice column

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advice

Well I'm 14.
and I'm already studying for a permit and
I was wondering if you really have to be 15 1/2 to get your permit.
by the way i live in nevada so if that helps than I'd really like to know

This is from the Nevada DMV website:
First-time Applicants Under Age 18

Beginning drivers in Nevada must take a driver education course consisting of 30 hours of instruction. Often, these classes are offered at the local public high school, but if your school doesn't offer one, you can also take the course through an approved third-party provider.

Many courses include behind-the-wheel training and a minimum of 15 hours in the classroom. You must be at least 15 years old to take these courses.

Instruction Permit

Starting at age 15 1/2, you can apply for an instruction permit that will allow you to drive a vehicle with an approved adult. Here's how to apply:

Bring proof of your identity and Social Security number (if you have one) to your local full-service DMV office.
Complete the Non-Commercial Driver License Application and Minor Affidavit & Information Sheet. Your parent or guardian will need to sign both forms as well, either in front of a notary or in person at the DMV.
Pass the vision and written tests. (Prepare for the written test by taking the interactive sample test online.)
Pay a fee of $21.25.

Instruction permits allow you to drive a vehicle when accompanied by a licensed adult who is 21 years or older and who has at least one year of driving experience; that person must also be seated next to you as you drive. The instruction permit is valid for one year.
Before obtaining your regular driver license, you will be required to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving time, with at least 10 of those hours being at night. Use the Beginning Driver Experience Log to keep track of your hours.

If you are in a driver education class, your behind-the-wheel experience in that class will count toward this total. Remember to log it on your sheet.

If you live in a rural area with no instructional classes offered within a 30-mile radius, the class requirement will be waived if replaced by at least 100 hours of behind-the-wheel driving time, with 10 hours completed at night.

Applying for a Regular License

Once you've completed your classroom and driving hour requirements, it's time to start thinking about getting the real deal. You must be at least 16 years of age to apply, and you must also have had an instruction permit for at least six months. Your record must be free of at-fault accidents, moving violations, and alcohol or drug convictions for at least six months before applying.

Because you already took the vision and written tests to get your instruction permit, the only thing left to do is schedule the driving test. Call your local DMV office to schedule your test, and bring the following:

Certificate of completion of a driver education course.
Completed Beginning Driver Experience Log.
Your instruction permit.
Parent or guardian, and a vehicle with current registration and insurance coverage in which to take the test.
Completed Non-Commercial Driver License Application and Minor Affidavit & Information Sheet (these forms need to be resubmitted even if you completed them to obtain your instruction permit).

Part of the driving test, also known as the skills test, will include a safety check. You'll also need to present the registration certificate and insurance card to the examiner before beginning.

Your instructor will tell you what to do during the test. Some mistakes, like speeding or failing to yield, will mean an automatic failure of the test.

When you pass the test, congratulations! You'll return to the DMV and your license will be issued for $2.25. Licenses for drivers under the age of 21 are vertical, rather than the traditional horizontal layout for older drivers.

With Privilege Comes Responsibility