Sparks Nevada Online Driver Education and Sparks Nevada Licensing Procedures
So you've taken your first step towards becoming a new driver in Sparks Nevada? 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 Sparks Nevada has implemented a graduated driver license program for Sparks Nevada drivers who are between the ages of 15-18.
We’ve summarized a few things you’ll need to know as you begin the process of becoming a licensed driver in Sparks Nevada.
Sparks Nevada Instruction Permit (aka--Learners Permit)
To apply for an instruction permit in Sparks Nevada, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 15 years and 6 months old
- Be enrolled in a state-approved drivers education course
When you're ready to get your instruction permit, you will need to go down to the local driver's license office and take the following items with you:
- Birth certificate or Social Security card
- Have your parent guardian sign the financial responsibility section of your driver application
- $22 to cover the fee
To get your instruction permit, you'll need to pass a vision screening test, the 50-question written test, and an initial road skills test (if you fail, the retest fee is $10).
With an instruction permit, you will need to adhere to the following restrictions:
- Whenever you drive, you must be accompanied by a licensed adult driver who's at least 21 years old who actively supervises your driving from the front passenger seat. This person must have been licensed for at least 3 years.
- All passengers (including you) must wear seatbelts.
Sparks Nevada Provisional License
To apply for a provisional license, you must meet the following requirements:
Have had your instruction permit for at least 6 months with a clean driving record (no at-fault accidents, moving violations, or alchohol or drug-related convictions)
- Complete a state-approved drivers education course which includes 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 hours must be at night)
- If there is no state-approved drivers ed class within 30 miles of your home, you can take a state-approved drivers ed course over the internet.
- If there is no state-approved drivers ed class within 30 miles of your home and if you have no access to the internet, then you will need to complete 100 hours of supervised driving (10 of which must be done at night). Keep a log of your driving practice and have your parents/guardians sign off on it.
Please see the Beginning Driver Training Guide on the Sparks Nevada DMV website. This is designed to help parents and teen with driving practice.
When you're ready to get your provisional license, head back down to the driver's license office with the following paperwork/documents:
- Your instruction permit
- Birth certificate or Social Security card
- Completion Certificate for you drivers education course
- Your vehicle with registration and proof of insurance
With a provisional license, some restrictions will still apply:
- No driving between the hours of 10pm and 5am unless you're driving to or from your job, a school-sponsored activity, or a family emergency
- For the first 6 months, no non-family passengers under the age of 18 may ride with you
- Everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt
- Please be aware there are curfew laws in the cities of Las Vegas and Reno
After you turn 18, all teen-driver restrictions are removed.
Sparks Nevada Auto Insurance & Financial Responsibility Laws
The State of Sparks Nevada requires that you maintain a certain amount of liability coverage on any vehicle you drive. The minimum required coverage is as follows:
- $15,000--personal injury (1 person) per accident
- $30,000--personal injury (2 or more persons) per accident
- $10,000--property damage
Driving while uninsured is a crime! If you drive without the required insurance coverage, you will face having your license suspended, plus a hefty fine.
Sparks Nevada Drunk Driving Laws
Drinking while under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited in Sparks Nevada, and the law is strictly enforced.
Upon your FIRST Sparks Nevada DUI conviction, you will face the following penalties:
- 72 days to 6 months in Jail
- A fine ranging from $400 to $1,000
- 90-day license suspension
- Installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle
- Community Service
- Enrollment in DUI School (w/ a tuition fee of $150)
- Enrollment in a DUI program or treatment
Further DUI convictions will result in even more severe penalties, including extended jail time, community service, and the revocation of your driver's license.
Sparks Nevada Cell Phone & Text-Messaging Laws
Although there are currently no laws in Sparks Nevada prohibiting the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving, that does not mean it is safe to use them while you drive! Please, for your own safety as well as those around you, please wait to use your cell phone until you reach your destination. If you can't wait, please take a moment and find a safe place to park first.
Sparks Nevada Drivers Education
For more information on drivers education including a list of approved drivers ed courses in Sparks Nevada, please visit the Sparks Nevada DMV website.