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This post is all about how to get your driver’s license in 2025.
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It’s 2025 and it’s time to kiss the unlicensed version of you goodbye.
Getting your driver’s license this year isn’t far-fetched at all, as long as you have at least 12 weeks left in the year.
(And if not, starting now means you can get your driver’s license before summer next year).
Below are 7 tips to help you get your license once and for all.
Let’s get started.
How To Get Your Driver’s License This Year
1. Start With A Plan
This is one of the most important steps for accomplishing just about any goal by a certain time instead of leaving it up to chance.
Your plan is there to guide you and keep you focused (and not overwhelmed).
Don’t let the word ‘plan’ fool you — this doesn’t have to be complicated.
All you need is a simple checklist stating all the steps that’ll take you from unlicensed to licensed.
Start with the main thing you’d need to do followed by a sublist with all the steps or documents you’d need to check off that main step.
Here’s an example of what we mean:
If you’re brand new to driving, the very first (main) step will always be to get your permit. You can’t legally practice driving without one so this is super important.
Then, create a sublist with everything you need to get that permit.
This might include doing a vision test, passing a knowledge test, and paying a permit fee.
Of course, the steps will vary based on where you live. Always do your research to find out what’s required.
Where necessary, organize the items on your sublist in the order they’ll need to be checked off. So, don’t put ‘pay application fee’ before ‘do vision test’.
After making the first sublist, you’ll add the next main step, followed by its sublist. You can use this post as a guide for making your checklist.
Your checklist should look something like this:
To make things easy for you, we’ve created this cute template that you can use to track everything.
It’s fully customizable and printable, plus there’s a digital version compatible with GoodNotes, Notability, or any other PDF editor you love 🙂
P.S. Print and stick your checklist somewhere you’ll see it often (like near your mirror or on the fridge door) so you don’t forget about it.
2. Create Momentum
Next, you need to get started because a plan won’t work unless you do.
Start by working towards checking off the first item on the sublist of your first main step.
It’s always said that the hardest part is getting started, so doing this helps to get through that first hurdle.
To back to our permit example, this might be gathering required documents or taking a vision test.
Checking off items on your list creates momentum that will motivate you to keep going. Another great way to create momentum is to set deadlines for each main goal.
You could set the goal to have your permit by June 1st, for example.
Deadlines create a sense of urgency which is exactly what you need if you want to make your dream of getting licensed this year a reality.
3. Develop The Right Mindset
Don’t underestimate the value of a good mindset. A negative one WILL sabotage you.
It’s the thing that will make you take criticism from your instructor personally, convince you that driving isn’t for you, and make you want to give up sooner than you should.
(P.S. You should never give up.)
If you find yourself thinking negatively about driving, take these thoughts and throw them out the car window!
On a serious note, it’s crucial that you find practical ways to get and maintain a positive mindset during your driving journey.
Related: 7 Tips For Getting Over The Fear of Learning How To Drive
One helpful tip is to repeat affirmations daily to replace any negative self-talk.
Related: 10 Driving Affirmations For Student Drivers That Will Alter Your Brain
Again: a bad mindset will sabotage you, so look for healthy ways to curb any negative thoughts.
4. Practice Often
Now it’s time for the hands-on stuff. Literally!
Here’s a fun fact: the more you practice, the faster you’ll learn to drive, and the faster you’ll get your license.
Aim to practice at least twice a week with a qualified instructor. This could also be a professional driving instructor or licensed adult (like a parent), as long as they have solid driving skills and can teach you effectively.
Related: The 7 Qualities of A Good Driving Instructor
If you are going the driving instructor route, see if you can get a licensed adult to give you extra practice whenever you can.
5. Take Notes
We cannot emphasize this enough: TAKE NOTES!
Most people don’t pair note-taking with the practical aspect of learning to drive, but I’m convinced it’s what helped me pass my road test on the first try even after initially dealing with anxiety.
Driving notes are simply notes you take after every driving lesson. They include what you learned in each lesson, the mistakes you made, and so on.
Taking notes for the theory side of learning to drive is more well-known and just as effective.
Notetaking helps you remember the answers to common questions asked during the written driving test.
6. Do A Mock Test
Mock tests are super helpful and can be the difference between a pass and a fail.
An effective mock test will allow you to experience driving test conditions before the actual exam.
Ask a licensed adult to act like your driving test examiner. It’s important to do this with someone who is licensed because they have firsthand experience with doing a driving test.
During your mock test, this person should give you directions to test your ability to do things like reversing, parking, signaling, stopping, etc.
They should take notes on how well you carried out each direction and provide constructive feedback at the end.
You can do as many mock tests as you’d like until your ‘driving examiner’ has little to no negative feedback on your driving skills.
7. Learn from your mistakes
Failing your driving theory or road test is more common than you think and it usually comes down to one of two causes.
- You weren’t ready: There were gaps in your knowledge or skills. This could apply to both the theory and practical tests. The solution? Study more and get extra practice behind the wheel.
Click here for practice tests, courses, and more to help you ace your driving tests.
- You made a mistake: This often happens during the practical test when you know what to do but forget to apply it. Common reasons for this include:
- Driving too fast: Rushing through maneuvers or speeding doesn’t impress the examiner—it just leads to clumsy mistakes and missed steps.
- Lack of practice: As a new driver, your brain hasn’t yet automated certain tasks. Repeated practice helps solidify good habits, like always coming to a full stop at a stop sign.
As we explained in tip number 4: The key is preparation and consistent practice. The more time you spend learning and driving, the more confident and capable you’ll become.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 7 effective tips for getting your driver’s license this year.
Remind yourself: IT IS POSSIBLE!
Wishing you all the best on your journey!