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How to get a Driver’s License in California

What is a Driver’s License?

A California driver’s license (DL) is a card that gives you privileges to operate a motor vehicle.

A driver’s license can also be used as a form of personal identification — it contains your full name, birthday, mailing address, signature, photograph, and physical description.

Any time you operate a vehicle in the State of California, you must have your driver’s license with you.

california drivers license

Are You Eligible to Get Your Driver’s License?

In California, you can start the process when you’re 15½ years old. You’ll be first issued a provisional instructional permit, also known as a learner’s permit. That means, after six months with your learner’s permit, you’ll be at least 16 when you get your license. You can be older, but you can’t be any younger than 16 to apply.

Exception If You Are 17½ Years

If you are at least 17 ½ years old, you can obtain an instruction permit without completing driver education or driver training. However, to get a DL, you must prove that you have completed driver education and training or wait until you are 18 to apply.

What Type of Driver’s License Do You Need?

There are different types of driver’s licenses that fall into two main categories: commercial and noncommercial.

Commercial driver’s licenses are for people who plan to drive as a job — like truckers or school bus drivers.

Noncommercial driver’s licenses are for people who just need to drive in their day-to-day lives. This is probably the type of driver’s license you need.

Noncommercial driver’s licenses also come in a few different subtypes that allow you to drive different types of vehicles. If you want to drive a motorcycle, travel trailer, or motorhome, you’ll need a special type of license to do so. But for the rest of this guide, we’ll be talking about regular Class C driver’s licenses, which allow you to drive a standard vehicle or truck for personal use on California roadways.

Step 1: Take a DMV-Approved Driver Education Course

You’ve probably heard of Driver’s Ed — but gone are the days of spending Saturdays in a stuffy classroom learning rules of the road.

Nowadays, you can take a DMV-approved Driver Education Course online, on your own phone, tablet, or computer. Our user-friendly course can be completed in as little as one sitting. As soon as you pass the course and pay the fee, you receive your DMV Certificate of Completion of Driver Education – DL400C, and you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Your Nearest DMV to Get Your Learner's Permit

Before you can get your driver’s license, you need to have a learner’s permit for at least six months. Getting your learner’s permit requires going to the DMV, submitting the right documents, and taking a written knowledge test.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers an online knowledge test, accessible in 35 different languages. You can learn more here. To help prepare for your permit test, you can purchase our purchase study guide.

First things first: Make your appointment.

Depending on where you live, some DMV locations require you to have an appointment (and won’t even let you in unless you book in advance!). But even if an appointment isn’t required, it will help you save time. Scheduling your appointment on the California DMV website is fast and easy. Keep in mind that test areas won’t administer written permit tests after 4:30 p.m., so grab an appointment time earlier in the day!

Step 3: Go to Your Appointment and Get Your Learner's Permit

Head to the DMV on the day of your appointment, and make sure you have all the right documents! You’ll need:

  • Your DMV Certificate of Completion of Driver Education – DL400C.
  • A completed DL44 application form, signed by both of your parents. You can download it online ahead of time.
  • Your birth certificate or legal presence papers (original or certified copies only).
  • Your social security number (see a list of documents for showing proof of SSN).
  • One form of proof of residency, or two forms if you’re applying for a REAL ID.
  • Money for the DMV application fee.

If you have questions about what to bring with you to the DMV, check the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the DMV, too — you’ll have to take a vision test.

Then, it’s time for your written knowledge test. You have three chances to pass the test within a year, but if you fail, you’ll need to wait seven days (not including the day you failed the test) before trying again. If you fail all three times, you’ll have to start over by filling out a new DL44 application form and paying the application fee again.

Remember, all the questions for the knowledge test come from the California Driver Handbook. The written exam has 46 questions that cover California’s core driving concepts, traffic laws, and road signs in California. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly in order to pass the CA written exam, which is a score of at least 80%.

You can purchase our 200 Question Permit Practice Test Guide to be as prepared as possible.

Once you pass the written test, you’ll receive your provisional instruction permit.

Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice

Your instruction permit is not valid until you begin driver training; your instructor will sign the permit to validate it.

With a learner’s permit, there are some restrictions to when, where, and how you can drive:

  • You can only drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
  • If you’re a minor, you can only drive with a certified driving instructor or a California licensed driver over the age of 25 sitting in the front passenger seat, where they can take over in an emergency.
  • You cannot consume any alcohol if you’re under 21 years of age. Getting caught doing so could mean having your permit suspended.
  • You can’t drive while using a cellphone or other communication device, even in hands-free mode.
  • Your permit will only be valid if you’re in a certified driver training program, unless you’re 17½ or older.

Before you apply for your driver’s license, you need to complete:

  • Six hours of professional driver training.
  • 50 hours of driving practice with an adult 25 years or older who has a valid California driver’s license and can certify the practice. A minimum of 10 of the 50 hours must be at night.
  • Holding your provisional instruction permit for a minimum of six months.

Once you have your required practice hours, you can take your road test.

Step 5: Schedule and Take Your California Driving Road Test

The final step before getting your driver’s license is a road test. This is used to evaluate your ability to perform common driving maneuvers safely. You’ll be asked to drive, turn, stop, reverse, parallel park, and more.

Make a driving test appointment, call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/portal/foa/welcome?localeName=en.

You must provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance) that meets or exceeds California insurance requirements.

If you fail your drive test, you must wait 14 days (not including the day the test was failed) before you may take the test again. There is a fee of $7 to retest. If you fail the driving test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply.

If you pass your road test, you receive an interim California driver’s license, which is valid for 90 days — use this while you wait for your provisional license to arrive in the mail. Once you’ve passed your road test, though, you’re officially a licensed driver and can drive without supervision! For your first year, you’ll still have a few restrictions:

  • You can only drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
  • You can’t have any passengers under the age of 20 in your car unless you’re with a licensed driver over 25.

Those restrictions don’t apply in cases of:

  • A medical emergency or immediate need of a family member
  • School or work-related necessities
  • Employment purposes

Step 1: Get An Instruction Permit

Before you can apply for a driver’s license, you have to get an instruction permit. To be eligible for a California instruction permit:

  • Be at least 18.
  • Complete the California Driver’s License or ID Card Application.
  • Visit a DMV office (schedule an appointment), where you will:
    • Bring your California Identification Card or proof of identity and residency. (Federal Noncompliant/REAL ID/AB60)
    • Pay the application fee.
    • Pass a vision exam.
    • Take a photo.
    • Take the knowledge test(s). There are multiple choice questions based on the California Driver’s Handbook, and a passing score is 80%.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Your Nearest DMV to Get Your Instruction Permit

Before you can get your driver’s license, you need to have a instruction permit for at least six months. Getting your learner’s permit requires going to the DMV, submitting the right documents, and taking a written knowledge test. You can purchase our 200 Question Permit Practice Test Guide so you’ll be prepared to pass in your first attempt.

First things first: Make your appointment.

Depending on where you live, some DMV locations require you to have an appointment (and won’t even let you in unless you book in advance!). But even if an appointment isn’t required, it will help you save time. Scheduling your appointment on the California DMV website is fast and easy. Keep in mind that test areas won’t administer written permit tests after 4:30 p.m., so grab an appointment time earlier in the day!

Step 3: Go to Your Appointment and Get Your Instruction Permit

If you have questions about what to bring with you to the DMV, check the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the DMV, too — you’ll have to take a vision test.

Then, it’s time for your written permit test. You have three chances to pass the test within a year, but if you fail, you’ll need to wait seven days (not including the day you failed the test) before trying again. If you fail all three times, you’ll have to start over by filling out a new DL44 application form and paying the application fee again.

Remember, all the questions for the knowledge test come from the California Driver Handbook. The written exam has 46 questions that cover California’s core driving concepts, traffic laws, and road signs in California. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly in order to pass the CA written exam, which is a score of at least 80%.

Once you pass the written test, you’ll receive your instruction permit.

Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you have your learner’s permit, you can start to practice driving.

With a learner’s permit, there are some restrictions to when, where, and how you can drive:

  • You can only drive with a licensed driver 18 or older.
  • You cannot consume any alcohol if you’re under 21 years of age. Getting caught doing so could mean having your permit suspended.

Step 5: Schedule and Take Your California Road Test

The final step before getting your driver’s license is a road test. This is used to evaluate your ability to perform common driving maneuvers safely. You’ll be asked to drive, turn, stop, reverse, parallel park, and more.

Make a driving test appointment, call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/portal/foa/welcome?localeName=en.

If you pass your road test, you receive an interim California driver’s license, which is valid for 90 days — use this while you wait for your provisional license to arrive in the mail. Once you’ve passed your road test, though, you’re officially a licensed driver and can drive without supervision!

Step 1: Complete the Application

If you’re above 18 and have a DL from another U.S. state, you can easily transfer your license to California. You’ll need to complete a Driver’s License or Identification (DL/ID) card application.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Your Nearest DMV

First things first: Make your appointment.

Depending on where you live, some DMV locations require you to have an appointment (and won’t even let you in unless you book in advance!). But even if an appointment isn’t required, it will help you save time. Scheduling your appointment on the California DMV website is fast and easy. Keep in mind that test areas won’t administer written permit tests after 4:30 p.m., so grab an appointment time earlier in the day!

Step 3: Go to Your Appointment and Get Your Temporary License

Head to the DMV on the day of your appointment, and make sure you have all the right documents! You’ll need:

  • Your DMV Certificate of Completion of Driver Education – DL400C.
  • A completed DL44 application form, signed by both of your parents. You can download it online ahead of time.
  • Your birth certificate or legal presence papers (original or certified copies only).
  • Your social security number (see a list of documents for showing proof of SSN).
  • One form of proof of residency, or two forms if you’re applying for a REAL ID.
  • Money for the DMV application fee.
  • Have your thumbprint scanned.
  • Have your photo taken.

If you have questions about what to bring with you to the DMV, check the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the DMV, too — you’ll have to take a vision test.

Then, it’s time for your written knowledge test. You have three chances to pass the test within a year, but if you fail, you’ll need to wait seven days (not including the day you failed the test) before trying again. If you fail all three times, you’ll have to start over by filling out a new DL44 application form and paying the application fee again.

Remember, all the questions for the knowledge test come from the California Driver Handbook. The written exam has 46 questions that cover California’s core driving concepts, traffic laws, and road signs in California. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly in order to pass the CA written exam, which is a score of at least 80%.

Step 4: You're Licensed!

Once you pass the written knowledge test, you’ll receive an interim California driver’s license, which is valid for 90 days — use this while you wait for your license to arrive in the mail.

Step 1: Complete the Application

If you’re above 18 and have a DL issued by another country, the process to get a California drivers license is fairly straightforward. You’ll need to complete a Driver’s License or Identification (DL/ID) card application and pass a driving road test.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment with Your Nearest DMV to Get Your Learner's Permit

First things first: Making your appointment.

Depending on where you live, some DMV locations require you to have an appointment (and won’t even let you in unless you book in advance!). But even if an appointment isn’t required, it will help you save time. Scheduling your appointment on the California DMV website is fast and easy. Keep in mind that test areas won’t administer written permit tests after 4:30 p.m., so grab an appointment time earlier in the day!

Step 3: Go to Your Appointment and Get Your Learner's Permit

Head to the DMV on the day of your appointment, and make sure you have all the right documents! You’ll need:

  • Your DMV Certificate of Completion of Driver Education – DL400C.
  • A completed DL44 application form, signed by both of your parents. You can download it online ahead of time.
  • Your birth certificate or legal presence papers (original or certified copies only).
  • Your social security number (see a list of documents for showing proof of SSN).
  • One form of proof of residency, or two forms if you’re applying for a REAL ID.
  • Money for the DMV application fee.
  • Have your thumbprint scanned.
  • Have your photo taken.

If you have questions about what to bring with you to the DMV, check the DMV website or call 1-800-777-0133.

If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them to the DMV, too — you’ll have to take a vision test.

Then, it’s time for your written knowledge test. You have three chances to pass the test within a year, but if you fail, you’ll need to wait seven days (not including the day you failed the test) before trying again. If you fail all three times, you’ll have to start over by filling out a new DL44 application form and paying the application fee again.

Remember, all the questions for the knowledge test come from the California Driver Handbook. The written exam has 46 questions that cover California’s core driving concepts, traffic laws, and road signs in California. You must answer at least 38 questions correctly in order to pass the CA written exam, which is a score of at least 80%.

Step 4: Schedule a Driving Test

Your next step is to take a driving test.

To take your driving test:

  • Schedule a driving test appointment (driving tests are not given without an appointment).
  • Provide proof of financial responsibility (insurance) that meets or exceeds California insurance requirements.
  • Your application fee allows you three attempts to pass the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new driving test on another day and pay a $7 retest fee. If you fail the driving test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply.

Step 5: Take Your California Road Test

The final step before getting your driver’s license is a road test. This is used to evaluate your ability to perform common driving maneuvers safely. You’ll be asked to drive, turn, stop, reverse, parallel park, and more.

Make a driving test appointment, call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, or visit https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/portal/foa/welcome?localeName=en.

If you pass your road test, you receive an interim California driver’s license, which is valid for 90 days. Once you’ve passed your road test, though, you’re officially a licensed driver.

California Driver's License: 3 Tips

  1. Make an appointment for your permit test. Wait times at DMVs can average 4-8 hours if you show up without an appointment.
  2. Book your road test ASAP. Road tests can have months-long waiting lists. Book your test as soon as you get your learner’s permit so you won’t have to wait long once your six months of practice are up.
  3. Study for your written test. 55% of people fail the first time. Purchase our 200 Q&A DMV Study Guide to prepare.

Checklist for Getting a California Driver's License

Things you’ll need:

  • Your DMV Certificate of Completion of Driver Education – DL400C.
  • A completed DL44 application form, signed by both of your parents. You can download it online ahead of time.
  • Your birth certificate or legal presence papers (original or certified copies only).
  • Your social security number (see a list of documents for showing proof of SSN).
  • One form of proof of residency, or two forms if you’re applying for a REAL ID.
  • Money for the DMV application fee.
  • Proof of insurance or financial responsibility.

Things to complete (varies by situation):

  • A DMV-approved driver education course.
  • Six months with your learner’s permit.
  • Six hours of professional driver training.
  • 50 hours of driving practice with an adult 25 years or older who has a valid California driver’s license and can certify the practice. A minimum of 10 of the 50 hours must be at night.
  • Have your driver’s license photos taken.
  • Your written permit test.
  • Your road skills test.
Download Checklist (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How Much Does it Cost to Get a Driver's License in California?

    The cost for a Class C driver’s license in California is $41. This covers the cost of your physical license and your knowledge exam. If you pass your knowledge exam within your first three tries and bring all the right documents to the DMV for your appointment, you’ll only need to pay this fee one time.

    Other types of driver’s licenses have different fees. You can learn more at the DMV website.

  2. How Do You Pay for Your Driver's License in California?

    The California DMV makes it easy and convenient to pay your driver’s license fees in person at a DMV office, online, by mail, over the phone, or at a DMV NOW kiosk.

    Learn more about how to make different kinds of payments at the DMV website.

  3. What Documents Can You Use to Prove Identity and Residence to Get a Driver's License in California?

    Valid identification documents include:

    • Birth certificate
    • Passport
    • Armed forces ID cards
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Permanent Resident Card
    • Foreign passport with a valid I-94 (the expiration date of the I-94 expiration date must be more than two months from the date you visit the office)

    Valid full name verification documents include:

    • Adoption documents that contain your legal name as a result of the adoption
    • Name change documents containing your legal name both before and after
    • Marriage certificate
    • Certificate of registration document that verifies the formation of a domestic partnership
    • A dissolution of marriage document that contains your legal name as a result of the court order

    Valid proof of residency documents include:

    • Resident utility bills (this includes cell phone bills)
    • Insurance documents
    • California vehicle or vessel title or registration
    • A record of a financial institution

    The documents you’ll need will depend on the type of driver’s license you’re applying for. For example, if you’re getting a REAL ID, the requirements are more strict, and you’ll need more documents. Learn more here.

  4. Where Do You Get a Driver's License in California?

    You can make your appointment at any DMV location. Find the DMV closest to you at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/locations/.

  5. What Are the Benefits of Having a Driver's License?

    There are many benefits to having a driver’s license in California.

    First, it’s the only way to be able to legally drive in the state. Having a driver’s license means you can go where you want, when you want, without having to wait for others or public transportation schedules. For many teens, a driver’s license is an important step toward adulthood.

    A driver’s license is also the most commonly used form of personal identification in the U.S. You can use it for many activities that require verifying your identity or age: seeing an R-rated movie, buying tobacco or alcohol, taking a domestic flight, and many other scenarios.

  6. What Documents Can You Use to Prove Identity and Residence to Get a Driver's License in California?

    You are required to obtain a California driver’s license if:

    • You live in the state of California and want to drive any type of vehicle on public roadways.
    • You are new to California and want to apply for a California driver’s license or transfer an out-of-state driver’s license.
    • You plan to operate any of the non-commercial Class A and Class B vehicles described above.
    • You have a legal presence in the state of California and the United States (You are not required to have a California driver’s license if you possess a diplomatic driver’s license that the U.S. Department of State has issued).

    You are not required to have a California driver’s license if:

    • You’re 18 years old or older, and visiting California with a valid out-of-state driver’s license
    • You’re an active military member or dependent that is stationed in California, as long as you have a valid out-of-state driver’s license, and you haven’t established residency in California.
    • You operate farm vehicles off public highways.
    • You only operate registered off-highway vehicles and snowmobiles without accessing public roads (other than crossing the roads).

  7. Do You Need to Get a New Driver's License When You Move to California?

    Yes. As a new resident of California, you’re required to apply for a driver’s license within 10 days of establishing residency in the state. The requirements for you to get a California driver’s license will depend on several factors, such as your age, the state you moved from, and whether you still have a valid driver’s license from your prior home state.

  8. How Do You Check the Status of Your Driver's License?

    You can check the status of your Driver’s License or your ID Card using this online service provider.