SMART Goals for Getting Your Driver's License
Updated: 3 days ago
For a long time, getting your driver's license at 16 was a big deal. It meant freedom. Today, many young adults wait until 18, 20, or even later. Some never get one until they absolutely have to.
I saw this in my own family. Three of my kids got their licenses at 16. One of my sons did not get his until he absolutely had to, and the reason was that he wanted to see a girl. Sometimes motivation shows up in unexpected ways.
If you have been putting off your license, you are not alone. Maybe you feel nervous behind the wheel. Maybe someone always drives you. Maybe rideshare apps and delivery made it feel unnecessary. Maybe the cost of a car and insurance feels impossible.
But a driver's license can open doors to better jobs, more freedom, and less dependence on others. SMART goals help you break the process into small, clear steps, so it feels doable instead of scary.
Why Young Adults Put Off Getting a License
Here are some common reasons:
Fear and nerves. Driving can feel dangerous and stressful.
No car to practice in. Not everyone has access to a car.
Cost. Driver's ed, test fees, a car, gas, and insurance add up.
Someone else drives. Parents, friends, or rideshare make it easy to wait.
Not sure where to start. The rules and steps can feel confusing.
No urgent reason. Without a reason, it is easy to put off.
All of these are real. None of them mean you cannot do it.
Why a License Matters
A driver's license helps you:
Get to work on time, and qualify for more jobs
Stop depending on parents or friends for rides
Handle emergencies
Run errands and take care of yourself
Have a common form of ID for banks, apartments, and travel
Many jobs, especially in the trades, ask for a valid driver's license.
Know Your State's Rules
Every state has its own rules for getting a license. Many states use graduated driver licensing, which means new drivers start with a learner's permit, then move to a license with some limits, and then to a full license. The Governors Highway Safety Association keeps a list of each state's rules. In some states, the rules are different if you are 18 or older. Check your state's DMV website before you start.
Let's Look at Practice Time and Cost
Many states require new drivers to log a set number of supervised practice hours. Let's say your state requires 50 hours.
If you practice 2 hours a week: 50 ÷ 2 = 25 weeks, or about 6 months.
If you practice 3 hours a week: 50 ÷ 3 = about 17 weeks, or about 4 months.
If you practice 5 hours a week: 50 ÷ 5 = 10 weeks, or about 2 and a half months.
Now let's look at the cost of insurance. Insurance for new drivers can be expensive. Say your insurance is $150 a month.
$150 × 12 = $1,800 a year
If you want to save up for 6 months of insurance before you start driving, that is $150 × 6 = $900. If you save $75 a week, it will take $900 ÷ $75 = 12 weeks.
Prices are different everywhere. Call an insurance agent or ask your parents to check what it would cost to add you to their policy.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are a simple way to take something that feels too big and break it into small steps you can actually do. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Specific: You know exactly what you will do.
Measurable: You can count it, check it off, or see that it happened.
Achievable: It fits the time, energy, money, and support you have right now.
Relevant: It matters to you and moves you toward what you want.
Time-bound: It has a clear window, like today, this week, or the next fourteen days.
For getting your driver's license, SMART goals help you take one step at a time, like "I will study the driver's manual for 20 minutes a day for the next two weeks."
How to Break Getting Your License Into Smaller SMART Goals
Getting your license can feel like one huge problem. Below, we break it into five phases. Each phase is a smaller goal, and under each phase are small steps you can start this week.
Each step shows you four things:
SMART Goal Example: the exact goal, written so you know what to do, how much, and by when.
Why It Matters: how this small step helps with the bigger problem.
How To Do It: practical ways to get started.
How To Measure It: how you will know you did it.
Use these as a pattern. Change the details so each goal fits your time, energy, and situation.
Phase One: Getting Ready
1. Learn Your State's Steps
SMART Goal Example: This week, I will look up my state's DMV website and write down every step I need to get my license.
Why It Matters: Knowing the steps takes away confusion.
How To Do It: Look for the permit test, required documents, practice hours, driver's ed rules, and fees.
How To Measure It: Steps written down.
2. Gather Your Documents
SMART Goal Example: By the end of next week, I will gather the documents I need for my permit.
Why It Matters: Missing documents can delay your appointment.
How To Do It: Most states ask for proof of identity, Social Security number, and where you live. Ask your parents for help finding your birth certificate or Social Security card.
How To Measure It: All documents in one folder.
3. Name Your Reason
SMART Goal Example: By Sunday, I will write down three reasons I want my license.
Why It Matters: A strong reason keeps you going when you feel nervous.
How To Do It: Think about work, freedom, helping family, or seeing people you care about.
How To Measure It: Three reasons written.
Phase Two: Passing the Permit Test
1. Study the Manual
SMART Goal Example: For the next 14 days, I will study my state's driver's manual for 20 minutes a day.
Why It Matters: The permit test is based on the manual.
How To Do It: Read one section a day. Most DMVs have the manual free online.
How To Measure It: Let's do the math. 20 minutes × 14 days = 280 minutes, or about 4 hours and 40 minutes of study.
2. Take Practice Tests
SMART Goal Example: This week, I will take three practice permit tests and aim for a score of 85% or higher.
Why It Matters: Practice tests show you what you still need to learn.
How To Do It: Many DMV websites offer free practice tests. If you get 17 out of 20 right, that is 17 ÷ 20 = 0.85, or 85%.
How To Measure It: Three tests taken.
3. Schedule the Test
SMART Goal Example: By the end of this month, I will schedule my permit test.
Why It Matters: A date on the calendar makes it real.
How To Do It: Go to your DMV website or call to make an appointment.
How To Measure It: Test scheduled.
Phase Three: Practicing Behind the Wheel
1. Find a Practice Driver
SMART Goal Example: This week, I will ask one licensed adult to be my practice driver.
Why It Matters: Most states require a licensed adult in the car while you practice.
How To Do It: Ask a parent, older sibling, relative, or family friend who is calm and patient.
How To Measure It: One practice driver agreed.
2. Start Small
SMART Goal Example: For my first three practice sessions, I will drive only in an empty parking lot.
Why It Matters: Starting in a safe place builds confidence.
How To Do It: Practice starting, stopping, turning, and parking.
How To Measure It: Three parking lot sessions.
3. Log Your Hours
SMART Goal Example: For the next four months, I will practice driving 3 hours a week and log every session.
Why It Matters: Logging hours meets state rules and shows your progress.
How To Do It: Write the date, time, conditions, and what you practiced.
How To Measure It: 3 hours × 17 weeks = about 51 hours logged.
4. Practice Different Conditions
SMART Goal Example: Before my road test, I will practice at night, in rain, and on a highway at least twice each.
Why It Matters: Real driving happens in all kinds of conditions.
How To Do It: Add one new condition every few weeks once you feel comfortable.
How To Measure It: Six practice sessions in new conditions.
Phase Four: Handling Nerves
1. Name Your Fear
SMART Goal Example: This week, I will write down exactly what scares me about driving.
Why It Matters: Naming fear makes it easier to work on.
How To Do It: Is it highways, other drivers, parking, or making a mistake?
How To Measure It: Fears written down.
2. Breathe Before You Drive
SMART Goal Example: Before every practice drive this month, I will take five slow, deep breaths.
Why It Matters: Slow breathing helps calm your body.
How To Do It: Breathe in for 4 counts and out for 6 counts, five times.
How To Measure It: Breathing done before every drive.
3. Consider a Driving School
SMART Goal Example: If I still feel very nervous after a month of practice, I will look up the cost of a few lessons with a driving school.
Why It Matters: Professional instructors are trained to help nervous drivers.
How To Do It: Call two driving schools and compare prices.
How To Measure It: Two schools compared.
Phase Five: Passing the Road Test and Driving on Your Own
1. Practice the Test Route
SMART Goal Example: In the two weeks before my road test, I will practice the skills on the test at least four times.
Why It Matters: Practicing test skills, like parallel parking, lowers stress on test day.
How To Do It: Check your state's road test checklist.
How To Measure It: Four practice sessions done.
2. Budget for Driving Costs
SMART Goal Example: Before I start driving on my own, I will save enough for three months of insurance and gas.
Why It Matters: Driving costs money every month.
How To Do It: If insurance is $150 and gas is $100 a month, that is $250 a month. $250 × 3 = $750 to save.
How To Measure It: Savings goal reached.
3. Set Safe Driving Rules for Yourself
SMART Goal Example: For my first six months of driving, I will never text, call, or use apps while driving.
Why It Matters: NHTSA warns that distracted driving is a major danger, especially for new drivers.
How To Do It: Put your phone in the glove box or turn on driving focus mode.
How To Measure It: Six months of phone-free driving.
You do not need to work on every phase at once. Pick the one step that feels most doable today, and start there.
Is Your Goal Realistic and Relevant?
The goals in this article are examples, not rules. State rules, money, access to a car, health, and where you live all affect how and when you get your license. In some cities, public transit may make a car less necessary. Look at your own life and see if there are other ways to break this down that fit you better.
Check Every Goal Against Your Life
Before you start, ask yourself:
Is this step small enough to do on a nervous day?
Did I give myself enough time to practice?
Does it fit my budget and access to a car?
Does it help me become a safe, confident driver?
If a Goal Isn't Working, It's the Process, Not You
Missing a goal does not mean you will never drive. Usually the step was too big or there was not enough practice time. That is a problem with the plan, and plans can be fixed.
Make it smaller: If highway driving is too scary, practice on quiet roads longer.
Give it more time: Add a few more weeks of practice before the test.
Change the how: Try a different practice driver or a professional instructor.
You can also ask others what has helped them. That is why we have free community groups, where people share their overcoming stories and practical advice.
Examples: Breaking Down "I Don't Have My License Yet"
"I'm too nervous to drive."
Smaller: Start in a parking lot.
SMART goal: This month, I will practice in an empty lot for 30 minutes, three times.
Other small steps: Take deep breaths, drive with a calm adult, or take a lesson.
"I can't afford it."
Smaller: Save for one step at a time.
SMART goal: I will save $20 a week for the next 10 weeks for permit and test fees. That is $20 × 10 = $200.
Other small steps: Ask about family insurance plans or free driver's ed programs.
"I don't have a car."
Smaller: Find someone who will let you practice.
SMART goal: This week, I will ask two relatives or friends if I can practice in their car with them.
Other small steps: Look into driving schools that provide cars.
How to Find Your Own Smaller Steps
Ask yourself: What is the one thing stopping me from getting my license? Is it fear, money, time, or a car? What is the smallest step I could take this week to fix it? Turn your answer into a SMART goal.
Measuring Time for Driver's License Goals
Most people need about 3 to 6 months from permit to license, depending on state rules and practice time. Check your log every month. If you are falling behind, add one more practice session a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it too late to get my license at 20 or older?
No. Many people get their licenses as adults. It is never too late.
Do I need driver's ed if I'm over 18?
It depends on your state. Some states require it only for drivers under 18. Check your state's DMV website.
How many practice hours do I need?
It depends on your state. Many states require a set number of supervised hours.
How can I get over driving anxiety?
Start small, practice often, breathe deeply before driving, and consider lessons with a professional instructor.
How much does insurance cost for a new driver?
It varies a lot by state, age, car, and driving record. Ask an insurance agent for quotes.
When Everything Feels Too Much
Learning to drive can feel scary, especially if you have waited a long time. Remember: small steps count.
Focus on one phase at a time.
Celebrate every practice hour logged.
Practice with someone calm and patient.
Remember your reason for getting your license.
Be patient with yourself. Every driver started as a beginner.
Journal Prompts for Getting Your Driver's License
Use these prompts to think through your goal:
What is my biggest reason for wanting my license?
What scares me most about driving?
Who could help me practice?
How will my life change once I can drive?
What is one small step I can take this week?
How will I celebrate when I pass my road test?
Journaling helps you stay focused and calm as you work toward your license.
Where to Go From Here
Becoming independent is easier with support. At Surviving Life Lessons, we believe in life survivors helping life strugglers. Our Life Skills & Resilience group shares practical skills for adult life, and our Career Growth & Advancement group helps you plan your next steps. You can also browse our Community Groups Catalog to find every group that fits where you are right now.
Next, read SMART Goals for Young Adults: An Independence Guide or Break Big Problems Into Small Steps: The SMART Goals Guide.
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References
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Teen Driving: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving
Governors Highway Safety Association: Teen and Novice Drivers: https://www.ghsa.org/state-laws/issues/teen-and-novice-drivers
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Teen Drivers: https://www.cdc.gov/teen-drivers/
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Your Money, Your Goals: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/your-money-your-goals/
About the Author:
Deborah Ann Martin is the founder of Surviving Life Lessons, a published author, poet, speaker, and trainer with over 20 years of management experience across multiple industries. An MBA graduate, U.S. veteran, single mother, and rare cancer survivor, Deborah brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her writing on resilience, leadership, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. Her mission is to empower others with practical wisdom and real-life insight to navigate life’s challenges with strength and purpose.
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