Oklahoma’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

In Oklahoma, there are different paths for young drivers to obtain a license depending on their age, experience, and purpose for driving. (Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 47, § 6-105 (2024).)

Can I Drive Without a Learner's Permit in Oklahoma?

Before receiving any type of permit or license, a 15-year-old teen can drive while under the supervision of a licensed driving instructor. However, the driving must be part of driver's education instruction and take place on a designated driver's education course.

How Do I Get a Learner's Permit to Start Driving in Oklahoma?

For most teens, learning to drive starts with a learner's permit. Below, we explain the requirements for getting a permit and what it allows you to do.

Requirements for Getting a Learner's Permit

Teens who are at least 15 years old and enrolled in driver's education can take a vision test to obtain a learner's permit. Driver's education can be completed through a public school, private driver's education course, or a certified parent-taught course. Teens who haven't taken or graduated from driver's education must wait until they turn 16 years old to apply and must pass the written test covering traffic signals and rules. The applicant must also have proof of financial security or the signature of a parent or guardian who will be responsible for any neglect or damage.

What You Can Do With a Learner's Permit

The learner's permit allows the licensee to drive in Oklahoma from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. as long as a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat at all times. Driver's education graduates must hold the learner's permit for 180 days without any traffic violations before advancing to an intermediate license. Those who did not take driver's education must hold the permit for one year without any violations before advancing.

Who Qualifies for an Intermediate Driver's License in Oklahoma?

The second step in Oklahoma's licensing process is to get an intermediate license. Below, we explain how to obtain and the restrictions that apply to this type of license.

Prerequisites for Obtaining an Intermediate License

After holding a learner's permit for the required time without any violations, a teen who's at least 16 can apply for an intermediate license. The applicant must provide a driving log signed by a parent or guardian certifying at least 50 hours (ten at night) of supervised driving time. After passing the driving test, the teen will be issued an intermediate license.

Restrictions on Intermediate Licenses

The intermediate license allows the motorist to drive without an adult:

• anywhere from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and
• to and from work, school, and religious activities at any time.

The teen can drive at any time while supervised by a licensed adult who's at least 21 years old.

The teen can transport only one passenger, unless all passengers live in the same household or if supervised by a licensed adult over 21 years old.

For both the learner's permit and intermediate license, a parent or guardian of the teen can petition the Motor Vehicles Division (DVM) to cancel the teen's driving privileges at any time.

Applicants for both licenses must also be enrolled in school and pass the 8th-grade reading standards. Failure to maintain attendance can result in license cancelation. Both learner's permit and intermediate license holders can also be suspended for cellphone use.

When Can I Get a Non-Restricted Driver's License in Oklahoma?

After holding an intermediate license for at least six months without any violations, the teen can apply for a class D driver's license. Applicants who did not complete driver's education must wait one year. Although not subject to the permit restrictions, licensed drivers under 20 years old are still subject to suspension for any alcohol or drug-related convictions. Drivers will face a:

• six-month cancelation for a first offense,
• one-year cancelation for a second offense, and
• two-year cancelation for a third or subsequent offense.

How Does Oklahoma's Farm Permit Work?

In Oklahoma, minors who live or work on a farm are permitted to have a restricted license to help with harvest. To apply for a farm permit, the minor must be 14 years old and take any tests the DVM deems necessary. The license is only valid for 30 days and only during harvest season.

What Are Oklahoma's Minimum Car Insurance Requirements?

Minimum insurance requirements. All vehicles must be properly insured. In Oklahoma, the mandatory liability insurance must include at least $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. (Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 47, § 7-605 (2024).)

Penalties for driving without insurance. Failure to provide and display valid insurance results in a fine of up to $250 and/or a maximum 30 days in jail. The driver's license will also be suspended until proof of insurance is shown and reinstatement fees are paid. The officer can also seize and tow the vehicle and seize the license plates of the vehicle. (Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 47, § 7-606 (2024).)