7 Steps To Get Your License This Year

It’s 2026, and it’s time to kiss the unlicensed version of you goodbye.

Muah!

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 if you want to achieve any goal on time.

Leaving things up to chance is a recipe for disaster. On the other hand, a plan is there to guide you and keep you focused (and not overwhelmed).

But don’t let the word ‘plan’ fool you — this doesn’t have to be complicated. 

All you need is a simple checklist with all the steps that’ll take you from unlicensed to licensed.

Start with the main task, then add a sublist of the steps or documents needed to complete it.

Your checklist should look something like this:

Your First Checklist: A Simple Example

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 own 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. Use this post as a guide for making your checklist.

2. Create Momentum

Next, you’ll need to actually get started because a plan won’t work unless you do. 

The hardest part is getting started, so it gets easier once you pass that initial hurdle.

Focus on checking off the first item in your sublist under your first main step.

Using our example, this first item could be gathering your documents or taking your vision test.

Each item you check off builds momentum, making it easier to keep going.

Another powerful way to build momentum is to set deadlines for each main step. For example, you might set a goal to have your permit by June 1st.

Deadlines create a sense of urgency — which is exactly what you need to turn your goal of getting licensed this year into reality.

3. Develop The Right Mindset

Don’t underestimate the value of a positive 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.

Healthy ways to manage negative thoughts:

• Set realistic expectations: Don’t expect perfection—focus on progress.
• Repeat affirmations: “I can stay calm and figure things out.”
• Pray: “God, please help me stay calm.”
• Catch and challenge thoughts: Ask, “What did I just tell myself? Is that true?”
• Replace unhelpful thoughts: “If I make a mistake, I can fix it.”

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 a licensed adult (such as a parent), as long as they have solid driving skills and can teach you effectively.

If you’re 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 it can make a remarkable difference.

Driving notes are simply notes you take after every driving lesson.

They include what you learned in each lesson, the mistakes you made, and anything you want to improve.

Taking notes for the theory side of driving is more common and just as effective.

Both help you learn faster and retain information long-term, making it easier to pass your tests and become a better driver for life.

Read this post to learn how to take good driving notes.

6. Do Mock Tests

Mock tests can be the difference between a pass and a fail. 

They let you experience real test conditions before your actual exam.

Ask a licensed driver to act as your examiner.

It’s important to do this with someone who is licensed because they have firsthand experience with taking a driving test.

During the mock test, they should:

• Give directions (reversing, parking, signaling, stopping, etc.)
• Take notes on your performance
• Provide constructive feedback at the end

Repeat mock tests as needed until your “examiner” has little to no negative feedback on your driving.

7. Learn from your mistakes

Failing isn’t the end; it’s feedback, and you have to use it to your advantage.

Failing your driving theory or road test usually comes down to one of two things:

1. You weren’t ready

There were gaps in your knowledge or skills — things you just didn’t know.

The solution?

Figure out what you’re missing, study it, and get more practice behind the wheel.

2. You made a mistake

You knew what to do, but didn’t apply it in the moment.

Common reasons for this include:

A. Going Too Fast

Rushing through maneuvers or speeding during your road test doesn’t impress the examiner — it just leads to clumsy mistakes and missed steps.

The same applies to your theory test. If you don’t take the time to carefully read each question, you’re more likely to choose the wrong answer.

The fix? Slow down!

Ironically, rushing only makes the process take longer.

B. Not Enough Practice

As a new driver, your brain is still learning to automate key tasks and maneuvers.

Consistent practice builds these habits until they become second nature.

The more time you spend practicing, the faster driving becomes second nature.

Conclusion

You can totally get your driver’s license this year if you follow the right steps.

Make a plan, take it seriously, and you’ll be flashing that driver’s license before next summer.

Good luck!