How To Get Your License
STEP 1: PASS DRIVER'S EDUCATION AND GET YOUR CERTIFICATE
- If you are younger than 17 and 1/2 years old, you need to pass a DMV-approved driver’s education course.
- If you are older than 17 and 1/2 you do not need to take driver’s education, but it is highly recommended.
- You can only get a permit if you’re at least 15 and 1/2 years old.
- Once you successfully pass the course, you should receive a certificate of completion. Don’t lose it!
STEP 2: SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION, BRING ID, AND PAY FEE
- Complete Form DL-44. You can’t download or print it online; they’re only available at DMV offices. Follow the directions on the form exactly.
- Consider making an appointment with the DMV to reduce the amount of time spent in line.
- You will need to pay a fee of $33 dollars.
- You need to bring your birth certificate or other valid proof of legal U.S. citizen or resident status. Find out more on what to take with you »
STEP 3: TAKE THE WRITTEN TEST AND GET YOUR PROVISIONAL PERMIT
- You can usually take the written test during the same visit where you submit your application.
- You must get at least 38 questions right out of 46. The questions are multiple choice. Practice tests »
- You will have 3 chances to take the test, but if you fail a test you must wait 7 days before taking the test again. If you fail the test all 3 times, you must start over by filling out a new Form DL 44 and paying again.
- You also need to pass a vision test and your photo and fingerprint will be taken.
STEP 4: GET ENOUGH BEHIND-THE-WHEEL TRAINING HOURS
Important: The provisional permit is not valid until it is signed by a professional instructor. It’s illegal to drive with an invalid permit.
- DMV requires at least 6 hours of Behind-the-Wheel instruction with a licensed and certified professional driving instructor.
- You need an additional 50 hours (at least 10 at night) with any adult with a California license over 25 years old.
- With your prermit, you must drive with a sober and licensed driver who is at least 25 years old who can take control of the car in an emergency. Certain exemptions from these restrictions exist. Learn more »
STEP 5: TAKE THE DRIVING TEST AND GET YOUR PROVISIONAL LICENSE
Important: Once you pass the driving test and get your provisional license, restrictions will apply until you turn 18 years old or have held your provisional license for 1 year. Read more about the restrictions in Step 6.
- You need to hold your permit for six months and get enough behind-the-wheel training hours before you can take the driving test.
- You must be at least 16 years or older before you can take the driving test.
- You must make an appointment at the DMV to take the driving test.
- If you fail, you will need to pay a retest fee each time and you must wait 2 weeks before testing again.
- You need to bring your parent, provisional permit, and proof of insurance for the car you will be taking the test in.
STEP 6: GET YOUR UNRESTRICTED DRIVER'S LICENSE
- With a provisional license, you can drive by yourself, but you can’t drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
- You also can’t have any passengers under 20 years old in your car, unless you’re with a licensed driver over 25 years old.
- Once you turn 18 years old or have held your provisional license for 1 year (whichever comes first), these restrictions will no longer apply to you.
- You don’t need to get a new license once your provisional period ends. Your provisional license contains the date where it turns into a regular license.