Driving Log

A driving log is a record of the hours driven under supervision for individuals under 18 who wish to apply for a driver’s license. The number of hours an individual must drive under supervision, and the details they need to record differ from state to state, but there are some commonalities you’ll see in all states. Note that not all states require records of practice hours.

Always have your learner’s permit on you when logging hours.

To find out your state’s specific requirements, contact your local DMV.

What a driving hours log should contain

The following details are required in most US states

The date of practice
The amount of driving time
If the drive is completed during day or night hours
A signature of the parent, guardian or family member who has been supervising the teen driver during their practice hours.

Other information you may need to fill out in the driving log depending on the state includes:

Weather and road conditions
Skills practised
The supervisor for each practice session
The time practice starts

Different states require a different amount of driving hours to be completed, but they all require practice both day and night time. The total driving practice can vary between 40 and 60 hours, while 10 to 15 hours are to be done at night.

States that require learners to record road and weather conditions generally have requirements for the conditions a learner must drive in before applying for a driver’s license. Depending on where you live, you may need to drive in the rain, snow, fog and other conditions.

Most DMVs will provide official driving hours logs to the applicants, and will only accept these when submitted.

It is generally recommended that the learner, together with the supervisor, log each practice session soon after it is completed, so the information in the driving hours log is correctly recorded.

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Submit your driving hours log

After a learner has completed the requirements for supervised practice, the supervisor must sign the driving log as confirmation that the recorded information is correct.

When it is time to take the driving test, the learner should bring their driving log with them to the DMV.

Do you drive for work and receive mileage reimbursement? See more about mileage reimbursement rules in our IRS mileage guide.

FAQ

Do you have to log your driving hours in CA?

While you have at least 50 hours of supervised driving training, you are not required to keep a driver’s log to prove your training. The DMV still provides an optional log so you can easily keep track of your training hours. When you go to the DMV to apply for your provisional driving license, your supervisor (parent or guardian) will have to sign a document stating you have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving.

How many learner driving hours are required in Florida?

In Florida, you must gain 50 hours of driving experience, including a minimum of 10 hours of night driving in order to obtain your Florida driver’s license.

How many driving hours do you need in Minnesota?

In order to get a provisional driver’s license in Minnesota, you will need to acquire 50 hours of supervised driving practice, including at least 15 hours of night driving.