Updated for 2026

Mississippi MS DPS (Mississippi Department of Public Safety)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$7 (Learner's Permit) / $24 - $47 (License fee varies by 4 or 8-year term)

Testing System

touchscreen computer

Critical Failure Factors

A primary reason for failure in Mississippi is a lack of understanding of 'Nathan's Law', specifically the requirement to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus and the heavy fines associated with it. Additionally, failing to yield right-of-way correctly on rural 4-way stops is a common error.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Mississippi traffic laws are strictly enforced under the Mississippi Code, with a paramount focus on child safety. The most critical piece of legislation for all drivers to understand is 'Nathan's Law' (Senate Bill 2472). Named after Nathan Key, a child tragically killed by a driver passing a school bus, this law imposes severe penalties. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus loading or unloading children. This applies to traffic in both directions unless the highway is divided by a physical barrier (a continuous turn lane is NOT a barrier). Fines for a first offense can reach $750, and if a child is injured, the charge becomes a felony carrying up to 20 years in prison. Another vital regulation is the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system. A teenager can obtain a Learner's Permit at age 15 but must hold it for a full 12 months before upgrading to an Intermediate License. To obtain the license, the applicant must present a specific 'Certification of School Attendance' form signed by their school principal; dropouts or students with excessive absences may be denied a license. The Intermediate License imposes a curfew: driving is prohibited from 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM (Sunday-Thursday) and 1:30 AM to 6:00 AM (Friday-Saturday). Regarding alcohol, Mississippi enforces an 'Implied Consent' law. Refusing a breathalyzer test results in an immediate 90-day license suspension. The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for adults, but the state enforces Zero Tolerance (0.02%) for drivers under 21. Furthermore, the 'Move Over Law' requires drivers to move to a lane not adjacent to any stationary emergency vehicle, recovery vehicle, or highway maintenance vehicle displaying flashing lights. If changing lanes is unsafe, the driver must reduce speed significantly. Seat belt use is a primary offense in Mississippi ('Click It or Ticket'), meaning police can pull you over solely for not wearing one, and passengers in the front seat must be buckled up. Finally, while Mississippi allows adult drivers to use cell phones for calls, texting and accessing social media while driving is prohibited under the 'Mississippi Wireless Communication Device Act'.

Statistical Realities

Driving in Mississippi presents distinct rural and environmental hazards that statistically contribute to a high traffic fatality rate. A major factor is the prevalence of rural, two-lane roads which often lack shoulders or lighting. On these roads, deer collisions are a constant threat, particularly during the fall and winter months at dawn and dusk. The DPS manual advises scanning ditches for movement and 'eyeshine'. Another critical environmental fact is the risk of hydroplaning and flooding. Mississippi experiences intense tropical storms and hurricanes; the motto 'Turn Around, Don't Drown' is heavily emphasized because just six inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult, and two feet can wash away a car. During tornado season, drivers are taught never to try to outrun a tornado and to seek a low-lying ditch if no shelter is available—never park under an overpass. Regarding the test itself, the Mississippi written exam consists of 30 questions, and you must answer 24 correctly (80%) to pass. The questions are randomly pulled from a large database, so memorizing the manual is essential. A unique aspect of the test is the 'Skip' feature on the computer; if you are unsure of an answer, you can skip it. If you answer enough other questions correctly to pass, you will never have to answer the skipped ones. Insurance is mandatory, and drivers must carry proof of liability coverage ($25,000/$50,000/$25,000 limits) in the vehicle at all times. Mississippi also has specific regulations regarding 'slow-moving vehicles'; on a two-lane highway, if you are driving slower than the speed limit and five or more vehicles build up behind you, you are legally required to pull over and let them pass. Finally, be aware of the 'Pot Pothole' culture; while not a law, the poor condition of some rural roads requires drivers to be vigilant about tire damage, and swerving to avoid a pothole into oncoming traffic is a common cause of head-on collisions. The license validity is also flexible; you can choose to pay more for an 8-year license or less for a 4-year license.