Only a handful of states allow driving at 13, and only under specific conditions

Most states set the minimum driving age at 16, but a small number permit 13-year-olds to drive—with major restrictions. These states are South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho, and each has different rules about what you can do behind the wheel and what you need first. In every case, you cannot drive alone; you need a licensed adult in the vehicle, and you can only drive during daylight hours for farm work or ranch duties.

If you live outside these four states, 13 is too young to hold any driving permit. Most states allow a learner's permit at 14 or 15, which lets you practice with a licensed adult present, but that is different from the limited driving these four states permit. Understanding your state's specific rules matters because driving underage without the right permit can result in fines, license suspension, and a record that follows you into adulthood.

Key Takeaways

  • South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho are the only states that allow 13-year-olds to drive, and only for farm or ranch work during daylight hours with a licensed adult present.
  • Each of these four states has its own permit name and specific requirements—South Dakota calls it a farm permit, while Montana requires a restricted license.
  • Even in states that allow 13-year-old drivers, you cannot drive to school, to work in town, or for personal errands; the vehicle must be used only for agricultural purposes on rural roads.
  • If you live in any other state, the earliest you can hold a learner's permit is typically 14 or 15, depending on your state's rules.

South Dakota: Farm Permit at 13

South Dakota allows a farm permit starting at age 13. To get one, you must live on a farm or ranch, and the permit is issued only for operating farm vehicles on rural roads for agricultural work. You need a parent or guardian's written consent and must pass a written test on South Dakota traffic laws.

With a farm permit, you can drive during daylight hours only, and a licensed adult must be in the vehicle with you. You cannot drive on interstate highways, and the vehicle must be registered to the farm. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed if you continue to meet the requirements.

North Dakota: Farm Permit at 13

North Dakota issues a farm permit to 13-year-olds who live on a farm or ranch and need to operate vehicles for agricultural purposes. Like South Dakota, you need parental consent and must pass a written test on North Dakota traffic rules. The permit restricts you to daylight driving only, with a licensed adult present in the vehicle.

North Dakota's farm permit is valid for one year and covers only vehicles used for farm work on rural roads. You cannot use it to drive to school, to a job in town, or for any non-agricultural purpose. If you turn 14, you can transition to a learner's permit, which has fewer restrictions and allows practice driving with an adult for any purpose.

Montana: Restricted License at 13

Montana allows a restricted license for 13-year-olds, but the rules are stricter than in other states. You must live in a county with a population under 50,000, live on a farm or ranch, and the vehicle must be used only for farm work. You need parental consent and must pass both a written test and a driving test administered by the Montana Department of Justice.

The restricted license permits daylight driving only, with a licensed adult in the vehicle. Montana's rules also prohibit driving on highways with speed limits over 55 mph. The license is valid for one year and requires renewal if you continue to meet the conditions. At 14, you can explore for a learner's permit with fewer restrictions.

Idaho: Farm Permit at 13

Idaho issues a farm permit to 13-year-olds who live on a farm or ranch and operate vehicles for agricultural work. You need parental consent and must pass a written test on Idaho traffic laws and safe driving practices. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually as long as you meet the requirements.

Like the other three states, Idaho's farm permit restricts you to daylight driving with a licensed adult present. The vehicle must be used only for farm or ranch work on rural roads. You cannot drive on interstate highways or use the permit for any purpose outside of agricultural operations.

What happens if you drive at 13 in other states

In the 46 states that do not allow 13-year-old drivers, operating a vehicle without a valid permit or license is illegal, even if a licensed adult is in the car. You can face fines ranging from $100 to $500, depending on your state, and the vehicle may be impounded. A conviction for underage driving also creates a record that can affect your insurance rates and your ability to get a license later.

Some states treat underage driving as a misdemeanor, which means it appears on your criminal record, not just your driving record. This can affect college admissions, job applications, and housing in the future. If you are under the legal driving age in your state, the safest option is to wait until you are old enough to hold a learner's permit, which typically happens at 14 or 15.

When you can drive at 14 or 15 in most states

If you do not live in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, or Idaho, you will likely be able to get a learner's permit at 14 or 15, depending on your state. A learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult present, but you cannot drive alone. Most states require you to hold a learner's permit for a set period—often 6 months to a year—before you can take the driving test for a full license.

The rules for learner's permits vary by state. Some states allow you to drive on any road during daylight hours; others restrict you to certain roads or times of day. Some require a licensed adult in the front seat; others allow any licensed adult in the vehicle. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to learn the exact rules where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at 13 if I have a licensed adult in the car?

Only in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho, and only if you have the correct farm or restricted permit for your state. In all other states, having an adult present does not make it legal for a 13-year-old to drive. You must wait until you are old enough to hold a learner's permit in your state.

What if I live on a farm but not in one of the four states that allow 13-year-old drivers?

Living on a farm does not change your state's minimum driving age. You must wait until you are old enough to hold a learner's permit in your state, which is typically 14 or 15. Some states have special rules for farm work, but these usually explore to 14 or 15-year-olds, not 13-year-olds.

Do I need to pass a driving test to get a farm permit at 13?

It depends on your state. South Dakota, North Dakota, and Idaho require a written test but not always a driving test. Montana requires both a written test and a driving test. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website or contact your local motor vehicle office for the exact requirements.

What happens if I turn 14 while I have a farm permit?

You can keep your farm permit until it expires, but you also become may be able to access for a learner's permit, which has fewer restrictions. Most 14-year-olds transition to a learner's permit because it allows practice driving for any purpose, not just farm work. You can hold both at the same time, but you will eventually need to choose which one to renew.

Can I drive on the highway with a farm permit at 13?

No. Farm permits at 13 restrict you to rural roads and prohibit interstate highways or highways with high speed limits. The exact restrictions vary by state, but all four states that allow 13-year-old drivers limit highway access. You must wait until you have a full license to drive on interstates.