Hardship Driver's License

Note: These are NOT available for individuals who have received a DUI.

   Consideration: 

     Any Mississippi resident (15-17 years old ONLY) who has successfully received a learner's permit and held it for a period of 30 days without any traffic infractions, a parent or legal guardian may request consideration for hardship driving privileges by completing the following:

  1. Request for Hardship Form submitted by e-mail to Hardship@dps.ms.gov as a PDF. Please do not submit photographs of your application. 

  2. Meet the requirements of law (ALL ARE REQUIRED)​​​​​
  • Complete a certified driver's education course 
  • Have no prior traffic citations
  • Meet school attendance policy 

The following reasons will be considered for hardship request:

  • School Transportation
  • A death-related emergency
  • Assistance for transportation of siblings
  • Medical needs
  • Work requirement
  • Family business requirements (farm included)

   Revocation

     The Commissioner of Public Safety may revoke any hardship driving privilege for any reason, with special consideration to the following reasons:

  1. A request for revocation from any parent or guardian
  2. A citation issued by any law enforcement agency
  3. Law enforcement reporting of criminal activity or dangerous operations of a motor vehicle
  4. State Compulsory academic violations 

   Restrictions

     The hardship licensee will only be allowed unsupervised driving to:

  • school or a school related function
  • to assist with transporting siblings to school or a school related function
  • work
  • medical needs

At all other times the hardship licensee must be supervised by a parent, guardian, or other person twenty-one years or older who holds a valid driver's license and who is occupying the seat beside the driver. 

The Hardship Licensee will only be allowed to transport immediate family members, such as, siblings, parents, and/or grandparents. 

The Hardship Licensee will not be allowed to use a cell phone in any matter while driving the vehicle, including handsfree usage.