How to Get a Driver's License in Mississippi [2025]

How Does It Work?

If you are a Mississippi driver, or only start thinking about driving in The Magnolia State, you will need a Mississippi driver’s license. Getting your license is quite easy. You will have to pass a written test, vision test, and a road skills test. To save you a considerable amount of time, here is a step by step guide that you will need to follow to get a driver’s license in Mississippi.

Get a learner's permit

Allows you to practice driving under supervision.

Get an intermediate license

Allows you to drive unsupervised with restrictions.

Get a Full (Adult) License

Allows you to drive with no restrictions.

Pro tip: To confidently explore Mississippi's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, adept driving is a must. Our thorough guides on operating a stick shift and parallel parking are tailored to enhance your driving. Sharpen your technique for reverse parking and three-point turns. Ensure that your mirrors are adjusted for the best rearward view. Our Online Driving Simulator is a valuable tool for practice, and international drivers should familiarize themselves with Mississippi's international driver's license guidelines.

Types of Driver's Licenses in Mississippi

For each license type there's a corresponding type of instruction permit

Class R

This is the regular operator's license that allows you to drive common cars and trucks. Read the MS DPS Driver's Manual or take a free MS DPS practice test.

Class A/B/C (Commercial)

Class A is for operating any combination of vehicles with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds with the GVWR of the towed vehicle greater than 10,000 pounds. Class B is for any single vehicle with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds. Class C is for transporting 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials. Read the MS Professional Driver's Manual or take a free MS CDL general knowledge test.

Class D (Light Commercial)

It allows you to operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 26,000 pounds commercially. It also covers all commercial vehicles that are not covered by Class A, B and C.

M Endorsement

To operate a motorcycle, you are required to have a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. Read the MS Motorcycle Manual or take a free MS Motorcycle practice test.

How to Apply for Your Class R Operator’s License in Mississippi

To apply for a Class R driver license you should first apply for an instruction permit, pass a knowledge, vision and road skills test. This is your complete plan of action depending on your age.

I’m between 15 and 17
(First Timer)

Apply for Regular Learner’s Permit

I’m between 16 and 17
(Learner’s Permit Holder)

Apply for Intermediate License

I’m 17+ (First Timers, Learner ‘s Permit or Intermediate License Holders)

Apply for Regular (Adult) License