Can you drive alone with a permit? (2025)

Can you drive alone with a permit? No state allows driving with a permit alone, though permit rules vary by state.

So, you may wonder, “Can you drive with a permit over 21?” No, permit drivers over 21 can’t drive alone, though some states may offer leniency to older drivers. For instance, Colorado drivers over 21 can take a road test immediately after getting a permit.

We’ll overview more rules about driving alone with a permit, including what happens if you drive alone with a permit. You can also enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above to find cheap auto insurance for learner’s permit drivers.

Driving With a Learner’s Permit Alone

Can you drive by yourself with a permit? There is no U.S. state where you can drive alone with a permit.

Even if you’re over 18, you can’t drive alone if you haven’t passed your driving test. Now, we’ll discuss what happens if you get caught driving with a permit alone.

Punishment for Driving Alone With a Permit

Driving alone without a permit or license is illegal, so what happens if you drive with a permit alone? Law enforcement considers you an unlicensed driver if caught driving alone before getting your driver’s license. The officer who pulls you over can write you a citation or impose other consequences depending on your local laws.

The table below lists each state’s penalties for driving alone with a learner’s permit:

Driving Alone With a Permit: Penalties by State

Some jurisdictions may count this citation as a driving infraction that could postpone when you can get your license. In addition, you could face higher auto insurance rates.

Read More: Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Rates

If you get into an accident driving alone with a permit, you may also have to pay out of pocket for damages. Your insurance policy likely won’t cover an unlicensed driver.

To avoid fines and problems with your driver’s license, follow all the rules for driving with a permit in your state. 

Other Requirements for Driving With a Permit

Most states require a licensed driver over the age of 21 to accompany you in the passenger seat while driving with a permit. Some states have other requirements for accompanying, like years of driving experience. They may also restrict the number and age of the other passengers in the car while you’re driving.

The following states require drivers with a learner’s permit to have an accompanying driver who is at least 25 years old in the passenger seat:

• California
• Delaware
• Indiana
• Missouri
• Wisconsin

These states require the accompanying driver to be a parent, legal guardian, or certified driving instructor: 

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Vermont

Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming allow 18-year-old licensed drivers to accompany drivers with permits. In Maine, the accompanying driver must be at least 20.

Most states restrict the number of passengers new drivers can have to mitigate injuries from accidents. In addition, states usually prohibit learning drivers from having non-family members as passengers or restrict the age and number of non-family passengers you can have.

Several states also require the accompanying driver to have between one and five years of driving experience to instruct you as a new driver properly.

When you get your learner’s permit, check your state’s rules for who needs to accompany you while driving. Following these rules will manage your insurance coverage and avoid fines or penalties for driving without a license.

Why You Can’t Drive Alone With a Permit

So, what happens if you drive with a permit alone? It’s always illegal to drive alone with a permit, even if you have an adult permit. If you drive without a qualified driver before getting your license, you’re considered an unlicensed driver and could face citations or fines.

Get familiar with your state’s rules on driving with a permit so you can avoid fines, maintain your insurance coverage, and keep yourself and other drivers safe.

To find coverage from the cheapest auto insurance companies near you, just enter your ZIP code into our free online quote tool below.