Mississippi Online Driver Education and Mississippi Licensing Procedures

So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Mississippi? Congratulations!

As you probably already know, driving is a valuable skill, but can also be extremely dangerous. Therefore, to help new teen drivers develop safe driving habits during their first few years behind the wheel, the State of Mississippi has implemented a graduated driver license program for Iowa drivers who are under the age of 18.

We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Mississippi.

Mississippi Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)

You must be at least 15 years old before you can apply for an instruction permit in Mississippi.

You may apply for an instruction permit at 14 years, 6 months but you would only be able to use it in a state-approved drivers education course.

When you're ready to apply for your instruction permit, go down to your local drivers license office and take the following materials with you:

• Permit application with notarized signatures from both of your parents/guardians
• Social Security card or printout form the S.S. Administration
• Birth certificate (must be state-issued, not hospital issued)
• Signed certificate of school attendance
• $4 cash to pay the processing fee

At the driver's license office, you will first be given a vision screening test. Then, you will need to take the written test. If you pass, you will be issued a Mississippi instruction permit.

With an instruction permit, there are some restrictions:

• You may only drive with a licensed driver who's at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front passenger seat, actively supervising your driving.
• As a teen-ager, you are not permitted to use a cell phone or engage in text-messaging (including reading, composing, and sending them!) while you are driving.
• Every passenger in your car must be wearing a seat belt.

Mississippi Intermediate License

In order to become eligible for a intermediate license, you will need to have held your instruction permit for 6 to 12 months without any traffic violations.

If you're eligible, head back down to your local driver's license office and bring the same paperwork you did when you went to get your instruction permit along with $6 cash to pay for the processing fee.

To get your intermediate license, you will need to pass a road test. With an intermediate license, some restrictions still remain:

• All passengers must wear seat belts
• You may not use a cell phone or engage in text-messaging (this includes reading, composing, or sending such messages) while you are driving
• You may not drive between the hours of 10pm and 6am (Sunday thru Thursday) unless a 21-year-old licensed driver is seated in the front passenger seat actively supervising your driving.
• You may not drive between the hours of 11:30pm and 6am (Friday & Saturday) unless a 21-year-old licensed driver is seated in the front passenger seat actively supervising your driving.
• You may drive unsupervised during these hours if you are driving to or from work

Mississippi Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws

State law requires that you have at least a certain amount of auto insurance/liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum amount of liability coverage required in Mississippi is as follows:

• $25,000--personal injury (1 person) for a single accident
• $50,000--personal injury (2 or more persons) per accident
• $25,000--property damage

Driving without the required insurance liability coverage is a crime. If you are found to be driving while uninsured, you risk losing your license and paying a hefty fine.

Mississippi Drunk Driving Laws

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Mississippi, and strictly enforced.

Upon your FIRST DUI conviction in Mississippi, be prepared to face the following penalties:

• 48 hours in Jail
• A fine ranging from $250 to $1,000
• 90-day suspension of your driver's license
• Enrollment in an alcohol safety education program
• Attend a victim impact panel

Further DUI violations will result in even more severe penalties including extended time in jail, fines, and the revocation of your driver's license.

Mississippi Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws

Mississippi law currently prohibits teen-aged drivers from using cell phones or engage in text-messaging (this includes, reading, composing, or sending them!) while they are driving.

Mississippi Online Driver Education

Mississippi teen drivers can find more information about approved Mississippi online driver education courses on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website.