How to get a driver's license: what to say at the DMV
You walk up to the counter at the DMV and the clerk says hello. This is what to say, in simple English. Say hello and say you want a driver's license. Answer "Do you have an appointment?" and show your passport. Show a bill with your address on it. Read the letters on the screen for the eye test.
Say how you pay the fee, then ask how long your license will take. Listen to each line, then practice with Denise in the game. Level 2 goes further: choose a Real ID, show your Social Security card, explain a name change, talk about the fee and the written test. Level 3 is about a problem: you lost a paper, you failed the road test, and you book it again.
Useful phrases
Hello, I would like to get a driver's license, please.
Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like to get a driver's license, please." "Please" makes it polite.
Yes, I do, and it is at ten o'clock.
If you booked a time, say "Yes, I do" and tell the time. Many DMV offices want you to book a time first, but some take people without one.
Here is my passport.
The clerk checks who you are. Say "Here is my passport" and give it to her. Each state has its own list of papers, so look at the list before you go.
I have an electric bill from last month.
This is called proof of address. A bill from last month with your name and address on it is a common choice. Ask your state's DMV what it takes.
The first letter is E.
The eye test checks that you can see well enough to drive. Read the letters you see, slowly and clearly, from the top.
I will pay with my card, please.
Say how you pay: "I will pay with my card, please." Some offices also take cash or a check, so look at the sign or ask first.
Yes, how long will it take to get my license?
At the end, ask what you do not know. "How long will it take?" is a good question about your license.
I would like a Real ID, please. I want to use it at the airport.
A Real ID has a star on it. It works as ID at U.S. airports. Say "I would like a Real ID, please" and give a short reason.
Here is my Social Security card, with the number on the front.
The DMV needs to see proof of your Social Security number, like the card. Hand it over and say "Here is my Social Security card, with the number on the front." If you do not have a number, ask the clerk what you can show.
Yes, I got married last year, and here is my marriage certificate.
A name change needs a paper, like a marriage certificate. Say what happened, then give the paper: "I got married last year, and here is my marriage certificate."
That is fine, and I will pay with my card, please.
The clerk says the fee before you pay. If it is fine, say "That is fine" and how you pay. Fees are different in each state, so look at your state's DMV website.
I read the driver's handbook and took a practice test online.
The written test asks about road rules and signs. The state's driver's handbook has all the answers. Say what you did to study: "I read the driver's handbook and took a practice test online."
Yes, can I take the test again if I do not pass?
This is a good question to ask. Many states let you try again, sometimes after a few days or for a small fee. Ask: "Can I take the test again if I do not pass?"
Thank you very much for your help.
End the visit with thanks: "Thank you very much for your help." Then say goodbye.
I failed my road test last week, and I would like to take it again.
Say what happened and what you want: "I failed my road test last week, and I would like to take it again." The word "again" shows you want a new try.
I am sorry, I lost my permit last month.
A lost paper is a common problem. Say sorry and say what happened: "I am sorry, I lost my permit last month." A learner's permit lets you practice driving before the road test.
I left it at home, but I will bring it with me to the test.
Say where the paper is and when you will bring it: "I left it at home, but I will bring it with me to the test." Ask the DMV which papers you need on test day.
He said I did not stop completely at a stop sign.
The examiner is the person who gives the road test. Say what the examiner told you: "He said I did not stop completely at a stop sign." Knowing why you failed helps you practice the right thing.
Friday at two o'clock is better for me, because I work in the morning.
Choose one time and give a short reason: "Friday at two o'clock is better for me, because I work in the morning." A reason is polite, but you do not need a long story.
Yes, how long does the road test take?
It is smart to ask how long the test takes. Ask: "How long does the road test take?" Start with "Yes" when the clerk asks if you want to know something.
Level 1 (A2): Get a driver's license
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hello. How can I help you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, I would like to get a driver's license, please.”
Why: Say hello, then say what you want: "I would like to get a driver's license, please." "Please" makes it polite.
Avoid: “I need a license.” (too blunt) · “Hi. I want a license now, and please be very fast. I am busy.” (too rude)
“Do you have an appointment?”
Good answer: “Yes, I do, and it is at ten o'clock.”
Why: If you booked a time, say "Yes, I do" and tell the time. Many DMV offices want you to book a time first, but some take people without one.
Avoid: “Yes, I do.” (too short) · “Maybe, I think so.” (too vague)
“May I see your passport, please?”
Good answer: “Here is my passport.”
Why: The clerk checks who you are. Say "Here is my passport" and give it to her. Each state has its own list of papers, so look at the list before you go.
Avoid: “Why do you need it? That is private.” (too rude) · “I forgot it, but I have a photo of it on my phone.” (gives the wrong idea)
“Do you have a bill with your address on it?”
Good answer: “I have an electric bill from last month.”
Why: This is called proof of address. A bill from last month with your name and address on it is a common choice. Ask your state's DMV what it takes.
Avoid: “Yes, I have some papers with me.” (needs more detail) · “No, but I can say my address out loud.” (gives the wrong idea)
“Please read the letters on the screen. Start at the top.”
Good answer: “The first letter is E.”
Why: The eye test checks that you can see well enough to drive. Read the letters you see, slowly and clearly, from the top.
Avoid: “I see a letter.” (too vague) · “This test is silly. I can see fine.” (too rude)
“How would you like to pay your thirty-five dollar fee?”
Good answer: “I will pay with my card, please.”
Why: Say how you pay: "I will pay with my card, please." Some offices also take cash or a check, so look at the sign or ask first.
Avoid: “Take my card. I am tired of waiting, so hurry.” (too rude) · “I do not know. Cash, card, or maybe a check.” (too vague)
“Do you have any questions about your license?”
Good answer: “Yes, how long will it take to get my license?”
Why: At the end, ask what you do not know. "How long will it take?" is a good question about your license.
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No questions, but this took too long. DMV lines are always so slow.” (too negative)
“Your license will come in the mail in about two weeks.”
Good answer: “Thank you very much for your help.”
Why: End the visit with thanks: "Thank you very much for your help." Then say goodbye.
Avoid: “Two weeks is too long. Why is it so slow?” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. Maybe see you around, I guess.” (too casual)
Level 2 (B1): Papers and the written test
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hello. What can I do for you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, I am here to get my driver's license. I have my papers with me.”
Why: Say hello, then say why you came and that you have your papers. This tells the clerk you are ready.
Avoid: “I want a license. I have some papers, I think.” (too vague) · “A license. Please do not ask me a hundred questions, because I am in a hurry today.” (too rude)
“Would you like a regular license or a Real ID?”
Good answer: “I would like a Real ID, please. I want to use it at the airport.”
Why: A Real ID has a star on it. It works as ID at U.S. airports. Say "I would like a Real ID, please" and give a short reason.
Avoid: “A Real ID, I think.” (too short) · “I do not know which one is better. You choose for me.” (too vague)
“Do you have your Social Security card?”
Good answer: “Here is my Social Security card, with the number on the front.”
Why: The DMV needs to see proof of your Social Security number, like the card. Hand it over and say "Here is my Social Security card, with the number on the front." If you do not have a number, ask the clerk what you can show.
Avoid: “I have the number in my head, so can I just tell it to you now?” (gives the wrong idea) · “I do not have it, but my friend knows the number.” (gives the wrong idea)
“I see two different last names on your papers. Did your name change?”
Good answer: “Yes, I got married last year, and here is my marriage certificate.”
Why: A name change needs a paper, like a marriage certificate. Say what happened, then give the paper: "I got married last year, and here is my marriage certificate."
Avoid: “Yes, it changed. It is a long story, and I do not have a paper with me.” (needs more detail) · “No, one of the papers is wrong. That is not my name, so please fix it.” (gives the wrong idea)
“The fee for your license is fifty dollars. Is that okay?”
Good answer: “That is fine, and I will pay with my card, please.”
Why: The clerk says the fee before you pay. If it is fine, say "That is fine" and how you pay. Fees are different in each state, so look at your state's DMV website.
Avoid: “Fifty dollars? That is a lot of money for one license.” (too rude) · “I guess so. Is there a cheaper one?” (too vague)
“Have you studied for the written test?”
Good answer: “I read the driver's handbook and took a practice test online.”
Why: The written test asks about road rules and signs. The state's driver's handbook has all the answers. Say what you did to study: "I read the driver's handbook and took a practice test online."
Avoid: “Yes, a little.” (too short) · “I looked at some pages, I think. Not all of them.” (too vague)
“Do you have any questions before you start the test?”
Good answer: “Yes, can I take the test again if I do not pass?”
Why: This is a good question to ask. Many states let you try again, sometimes after a few days or for a small fee. Ask: "Can I take the test again if I do not pass?"
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No questions, but this test sounds hard. I may fail.” (too negative)
“Everything looks good, so take this paper to the testing room.”
Good answer: “Thank you. I feel ready for the test now.”
Why: End with thanks and a short, positive sentence. "I feel ready" is a polite way to say you are not afraid.
Avoid: “That took a very long time. Is it done now?” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. I will probably pass, no problem.” (too casual)
Level 3 (B2): Problems and the road test
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Hello, what brings you in today?”
Good answer: “I failed my road test last week, and I would like to take it again.”
Why: Say what happened and what you want: "I failed my road test last week, and I would like to take it again." The word "again" shows you want a new try.
Avoid: “I failed the test.” (too short) · “I failed my road test last week. It was unfair, and I am angry.” (too negative)
“Do you have your learner's permit with you?”
Good answer: “I am sorry, I lost my permit last month.”
Why: A lost paper is a common problem. Say sorry and say what happened: "I am sorry, I lost my permit last month." A learner's permit lets you practice driving before the road test.
Avoid: “No, I do not have it, and it is not my fault that it is gone.” (too rude) · “I do not know where my permit is. Maybe at home or in the car.” (too vague)
“Would you like a new copy of your permit today for twenty dollars?”
Good answer: “Yes, please, and I have the twenty dollars in cash.”
Why: The DMV charges a fee for a new copy of a lost paper. Say yes, then say how you pay: "Yes, please, and I have the twenty dollars in cash." Fees are different in each state.
Avoid: “Yes.” (too short) · “Twenty dollars for a paper? That is too much for me.” (too rude)
“Do you have the paper from your first road test?”
Good answer: “I left it at home, but I will bring it with me to the test.”
Why: Say where the paper is and when you will bring it: "I left it at home, but I will bring it with me to the test." Ask the DMV which papers you need on test day.
Avoid: “I do not have it, and I did not know I needed it. Nobody told me that.” (too rude) · “No, I do not have it with me today, and I am very sorry about that.” (needs more detail)
“What did the examiner say about your first road test?”
Good answer: “He said I did not stop completely at a stop sign.”
Why: The examiner is the person who gives the road test. Say what the examiner told you: "He said I did not stop completely at a stop sign." Knowing why you failed helps you practice the right thing.
Avoid: “I do not know, because I did not listen to the examiner. I was too nervous.” (needs more detail) · “Something about driving. I do not remember, but he was not nice.” (too vague)
“The next road test times are Tuesday at nine or Friday at two.”
Good answer: “Friday at two o'clock is better for me, because I work in the morning.”
Why: Choose one time and give a short reason: "Friday at two o'clock is better for me, because I work in the morning." A reason is polite, but you do not need a long story.
Avoid: “Any time is fine. You choose, because I can come on any day of the week.” (too vague) · “Friday, two, yeah. That works for me, no problem, I am free all week.” (too casual)
“Is there anything you want to know about the road test?”
Good answer: “Yes, how long does the road test take?”
Why: It is smart to ask how long the test takes. Ask: "How long does the road test take?" Start with "Yes" when the clerk asks if you want to know something.
Avoid: “No.” (too short) · “No, but I am afraid of the road test. I will probably fail again.” (too negative)
“The road test takes about twenty minutes, so please come ten minutes early.”
Good answer: “Thank you, I will be there early this time.”
Why: End with thanks and a promise: "Thank you, I will be there early this time." This tells the clerk you will be ready.
Avoid: “Twenty minutes is too long for me.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. No problem.” (too casual)
Questions and answers
How do you get a driver's license?
Rules are different in each state, so start on your state's DMV website. Most states ask you to book a time, bring papers that show who you are and where you live, pass an eye test and a written test, and pay a fee. Some also ask for a road test. This game teaches the words you need at the counter with a clerk named Denise. Level 1 is the first visit: say what you want, show your passport and a bill, take the eye test, pay, and ask a question. Level 2 is about papers and the written test: ask for a Real ID, show your Social Security card, explain a name change, pay the fee and get ready for the test. Level 3 is about problems: you lost your permit, you failed the road test, and you book it again.
What do you say at the DMV?
Say hello and say what you want: "Hello, I would like to get a driver's license, please." Then answer short questions: "Yes, I do, and it is at ten o'clock." and "Here is my passport." At the end, ask "How long will it take to get my license?"
What does DMV mean?
DMV means Department of Motor Vehicles. It is the state office that gives driver's licenses and car papers. In some states it has another name, like MVA or BMV, and it works the same way.
What do I bring to the DMV?
Each state has its own list. Many ask for a paper that shows who you are, like a passport, a paper that shows your Social Security number, and two papers that show your address, like a bill or a bank letter. Look at your state's DMV website before you go, and bring the original papers.
How do I make an appointment at the DMV?
Most state DMV websites have a button to book a time online. You can also call. In the office, say "I have an appointment at ten o'clock." Some offices take people without an appointment (walk-ins), but the wait can be long.
What is proof of address?
It is a paper that shows your name and where you live now. Many states accept a bill from last month, a bank letter or a rental paper. Say "I have an electric bill from last month." Check your state's list first.
What is the eye test at the DMV?
The clerk asks you to look into a machine or at a screen and read letters or say what you see. Read from the top, slowly and clearly. If you wear glasses to drive, wear them for the test.
How much does a driver's license cost?
The fee is different in each state. Many states charge about 30 to 90 dollars, and the price can change with your age and the years the license lasts. The clerk tells you the fee. Say "I will pay with my card, please." Some offices take cash or a check too, so ask first.
What is a Real ID?
A Real ID is a driver's license or ID card that meets a federal rule. You need it, or another accepted ID like a passport, to fly inside the U.S. Look for a star on the card. To get one, bring the papers your state asks for and say "I would like a Real ID, please."
How long does it take to get my license?
Many states print the license and mail it in about one to three weeks. Some give you a paper license to use on the same day. Ask the clerk: "How long will it take to get my license?"
Can I use my license from another country in the U.S.?
The rules depend on the state and the country. Many visitors can drive for a short time with a license from home, and some also use an international driving permit. If you live in a state, you usually need that state's license, so ask the DMV.
What do I say if I do not understand the clerk?
Say "Could you say that again, please?" or "Could you speak a little slower?" You can also ask "What papers do I need?" Clerks answer these questions every day, and it is better to ask than to guess.
What do I say if my name changed?
Say what happened and show the paper: "Yes, I got married last year, and here is my marriage certificate." A name change needs a paper from a court or an office, like a marriage certificate or a court order. Ask the DMV which papers your state wants, and bring the original.
What is on the written test at the DMV?
The written test (also called the knowledge test) asks about road rules, signs and safe driving. Many states have 20 to 50 questions on a computer and you need most of them right to pass. Read your state's driver's handbook, take a free practice test online, and ask the clerk: "Can I take the test again if I do not pass?"
Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?
Many states ask to see your Social Security card or number, and some states have a different rule for people who do not have one. Ask the clerk: "I do not have a Social Security number. What can I show?" and check your state's DMV website first.
What happens if I fail the road test?
Most states let you take it again. You may need to wait a few days and pay a new fee, and some states allow only a few tries. Ask the clerk for the next time and say "I failed my road test last week, and I would like to take it again." Ask the examiner what went wrong so you can practice it.
What do I do if I lose my driver's license?
Ask your state's DMV for a replacement (a duplicate). Many states let you order it online, and some ask you to come in with an ID. There is usually a fee. Say "I am sorry, I lost my permit last month" or say the same about your license, and the clerk will tell you the next step.
What do I need for the road test?
Each state has its own rules. Many ask for your learner's permit, a car that is safe and has insurance, and sometimes a driver who is 21 or older to come with you. Bring the paper from your first test if you have one, and come ten minutes early. Check your state's DMV website before test day.
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases for the DMV. Papers, fees, tests and offices are different in each state, so check your state's DMV website before you go. Official information: USA.gov: Driver's licenses and permits.