Nevada DMV Permit Test cheat sheet

Nevada issues a Class C license for standard non-commercial vehicles; instruction permits for drivers under 18 require a licensed driver 21 or older in the front seat.

Drivers under 18 must hold an instruction permit at least 6 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night, before a full license.

Applicants under 18 need a Driver Education Certificate (30 hours) or a 50-hour certification signed by a parent or guardian.

New applicants must pass a vision screening (typically 20/40 in one or both eyes, with or without corrective lenses), a knowledge test, and a driving skills test.

The knowledge test is waived for applicants 18 or older who hold a valid out-of-state license, but first-time adult applicants must pass it.

The REAL ID compliant license requires proof of identity, Social Security number, and two proofs of Nevada residency.

A driver under 18 may not transport passengers under 18 (other than siblings) during the first 6 months after licensure unless an adult 21+ is present.

A license is valid for 8 years for drivers 65 and older and 4 years for those 65+, with renewal available online in many cases.

Nevada law requires all occupants of a motor vehicle to wear a seat belt; the driver is responsible for all passengers under 18.

Children under 6 years old and under 60 pounds must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat in the rear seat.

Children 6 through 17 must use a seat belt or booster seat as appropriate; rear-facing seats belong in the back seat.

A child safety seat must be installed per manufacturer instructions; the harness should be snug with no more than one finger of slack.

Infants should ride rear-facing until at least age 2 or until they reach the seat's height/weight limit.

The seat belt should cross the shoulder and chest, not the neck, and the lap belt should be low across the hips.

A citation for a seat belt violation can be issued as a primary offense; law enforcement may stop a vehicle solely for an unbelted occupant.

Airbags supplement, not replace, seat belts; a rear-facing child seat must never be placed in front of an active airbag.

Nevada's basic speed law requires driving at a speed reasonable and prudent for conditions, even below the posted limit.

The speed limit is 25 mph in residential and business districts unless otherwise posted, 15 mph in school zones when children are present, and 65-80 mph on rural freeways.

Maintain at least a 3-second following distance in good conditions; increase to 4+ seconds in rain, snow, or darkness.

At a 4-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first; if two arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first.

A right turn on red is permitted after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it, and only after yielding to pedestrians and traffic.

Use the center left-turn lane only for preparing to turn left; it is not a passing or travel lane.

Headlights are required from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced (rain, fog, dust).

A driver must signal at least 100 feet before a turn and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.

In fog, use low-beam headlights (not high beams) and reduce speed; high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility.

On ice or snow, accelerate and brake gently, increase following distance to at least 8-10 seconds, and avoid sudden steering.

If your vehicle begins to skid, steer in the direction of the skid and ease off the accelerator; do not slam the brakes.

In heavy rain, watch for hydroplaning at speeds above 35 mph; ease off the accelerator and avoid hard braking.

During a dust storm or whiteout, pull off the road as far as possible, turn off headlights, and keep your foot off the brake pedal.

In strong crosswinds, grip the wheel firmly, reduce speed, and be alert for high-profile vehicles being pushed into your lane.

When driving at night, use high beams when no oncoming traffic is within 500 feet and dim them for oncoming vehicles.

In work zones, fines for speeding are doubled when workers are present, and flaggers must be obeyed.

Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane; a driver may not share a lane with a motorcycle.

Pass a bicycle with at least 3 feet of clearance; if that is not possible, slow and wait until it is safe.

Pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk have the right-of-way; drivers must yield and may not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.

Large trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) on all four sides; if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you.

A school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm requires traffic in both directions to stop, unless separated by a divided highway.

Emergency vehicles with lights and siren have the right-of-way; pull to the right and stop until they pass.

When a transit bus signals to re-enter traffic from a stop, yield to it when safe.

Slow down and move over one lane for stopped tow trucks, police, and maintenance vehicles with flashing lights when safe to do so.

Nevada requires a trailer over 3,000 pounds gross weight to be equipped with brakes; trailers must have safety chains.

Trailers must have working taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors, and a white light illuminating the license plate.

Maximum towing speed on Nevada highways is 55 mph unless a lower limit is posted.

A trailer's tongue weight should be about 10-15% of the total trailer weight for stable towing.

Trailers wider than 80 inches require clearance lights; a red flag is required on loads extending 4 feet or more beyond the rear.

When towing, increase following distance, allow more room for turns, and use a spotter when backing up.

A towed vehicle must be connected with a safety chain or cable in addition to the hitch, and the hitch must be rated for the load.

Nevada requires a Class A or B license for certain heavy combinations; a standard Class C license covers most personal trailers under 26,000 pounds GVWR.

Nevada's minimum liability coverage is 25,000 dollars per person and 50,000 dollars per accident for bodily injury, and 20,000 dollars for property damage (25/50/20).

Nevada is an at-fault state; the driver who caused the crash is financially responsible for damages.

Drivers must carry proof of insurance in the vehicle and present it when requested by law enforcement.

A lapse in insurance can result in registration suspension, license suspension, and reinstatement fees.

Nevada uses an online insurance verification system to confirm active coverage; insurers report policy status to the DMV.

An SR-22 certificate is required after certain violations, such as a DUI conviction, to prove financial responsibility.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required by law but is strongly recommended and may be offered by insurers.

Driving without insurance can result in a fine, license suspension, and registration suspension.

Nevada uses a point system; accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months results in a license suspension.

Points remain on the record for 12 months for suspension purposes but convictions stay on the record longer.

A driver under 18 who accumulates 3 or more points within 12 months may have their license suspended.

Traffic school may be taken once every 12 months to remove up to 3 points from the record.

A DUI conviction adds 8 points; reckless driving adds 8 points; speeding 1-10 mph over the limit adds 1 point.

The DMV may require a re-examination (vision, knowledge, or driving test) after certain violations or medical conditions.

A driver may request a DMV hearing to contest a license suspension within a specified period after notice.

Convictions from other states are reported to Nevada and may be added to the Nevada driving record.

Nevada's legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under 21.

A first DUI conviction carries a minimum of 2 days to 6 months in jail (or community service), fines from 400 to 1,000 dollars, and a 90-day license suspension.

A second DUI within 7 years carries a minimum of 10 days in jail, fines from 750 to 1,000 dollars, and a 1-year license suspension.

A third DUI within 7 years is a felony with 1-6 years in prison, fines up to 5,000 dollars, and a 3-year license revocation.

Refusing a chemical test results in a 1-year license revocation for a first refusal and 3 years for subsequent refusals.

Implied consent means a driver lawfully arrested for DUI must submit to a blood, breath, or urine test.

A DUI conviction requires an ignition interlock device for at least 6 months for a first offense (longer for repeat offenses).

Driving under the influence of marijuana or prescription drugs that impair driving is illegal in Nevada, even with a medical card.

A suspension is a temporary withdrawal of driving privileges; a revocation terminates them and requires reapplication after the period ends.

A driver may be suspended for accumulating 12 or more points in 12 months, DUI, refusing a chemical test, or failing to pay a judgment.

A DUI first offense results in a 90-day suspension; a second offense within 7 years results in a 1-year suspension.

A third DUI within 7 years results in a 3-year license revocation.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license is a misdemeanor and can result in additional suspension and jail time.

Reinstatement after suspension requires payment of fees, proof of insurance (SR-22 if required), and possibly a re-examination.

A driver may request an administrative hearing to contest a suspension within 7 days of the notice for certain violations.

A minor may have their license suspended for a moving violation, a drug or alcohol offense, or a firearm violation under Nevada law.

New Nevada residents must register their vehicle and obtain a Nevada license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Registration requires a Nevada Evidence of Insurance, a Vehicle Inspection Certificate (VIN inspection) for out-of-state vehicles, and proof of identity and residency.

A smog check is required for vehicles registered in Clark and Washoe counties; vehicles from other states must pass a Nevada emissions test if applicable.

The DMV charges a basic registration fee plus a governmental services tax based on the vehicle's value and age.

A vehicle identification number (VIN) inspection is required for vehicles brought in from another state and can be done at a DMV office or by law enforcement.

New residents must surrender their out-of-state license plates when registering in Nevada.

Registration must be renewed annually; a late renewal results in a late fee.

Active-duty military stationed in Nevada may keep their home-state registration and license under certain conditions.

Nevada DMV offices are located in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Fallon, Pahrump, Tonopah, Winnemucca, and Mesquite.

Appointments can be scheduled online at dmv.nv.gov and are recommended to reduce wait times.

Many transactions, including registration renewal and address changes, can be completed online without visiting an office.

The Henderson office is located on American Pacific Drive; the Las Vegas office is on West Sahara Avenue.

Offices are generally closed on state holidays; hours vary by location and should be confirmed online.

The Commercial Driver License (CDL) office in Las Vegas handles commercial testing and licensing.

Some rural offices operate on limited days; check the DMV website for specific hours before traveling.

A knowledge test may be taken at most full-service offices; driving skills tests require an appointment.