California · Handbook chapter 1 · 6 min read

How to get a California instruction permit and driver's license: documents, age rules, driver education, the knowledge, vision and drive tests, provisional license limits for teens, and keeping your license up to date.

Why this chapter matters

Before any rule of the road, you need to know the steps to a license. The knowledge test can ask about the permit process itself, and teen applicants in particular are often tested on the provisional license limits.

License types

• Most drivers need a noncommercial Class C license. Commercial vehicles and motorcycles need a different class.
• From May 2025, your license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant if you want to use it to board a domestic flight, enter a military base or enter most federal facilities.
• California issues driver's licenses to all residents, whatever their immigration status.
• An ID card proves who you are but does not let you drive.

What you need to apply

For an instruction permit or a license, bring:

• Proof of identity.
• Two proofs of residency in California (exceptions may apply).
• A legal full name document if the name on your identity document does not match your application.
• Your Social Security number (exceptions may apply).

Applying for a Class C instruction permit

1. Fill in a Driver's License & ID Card Application.
2. Hand in your documents.
3. Pay the non-refundable application fee.
4. Pass the knowledge test (or tests).
5. Pass a vision test.

Extra steps if you are under 18

• You must be at least 15½.
• You must complete a driver education program.
• A parent or guardian must sign the application and accept financial responsibility for you. If parents share joint custody, both must sign.
• You cannot use the permit until you begin behind-the-wheel training with an instructor, who validates it.

Driver education and training are offered by DMV-licensed driving schools and some high schools. Instructors carry an instructor's ID card, and you may ask to see it.

From permit to license

Everyone with a permit must practice with a California-licensed driver aged at least 18 (at least 25 for minors) who sits close enough to take control, then pass the behind-the-wheel drive test.

If you are under 18, you must also:

• Be at least 16.
• Have held an instruction permit (from California or another state) for at least 6 months, or turn 18, before booking the drive test.
• Show that you completed both driver education and driver training.
• Log at least 50 hours of practice with a licensed driver aged 25 or older, including 10 hours at night.

The three tests

Vision test

Everyone is tested. If you pass wearing glasses or contact lenses, your license carries a corrective lenses restriction. If you fail, your eye doctor fills in a Report of Vision Examination (DL 62).

Knowledge test

• Multiple-choice questions, for an original license.
• You get three attempts before you must reapply.
• A minor who fails must wait seven days, not counting the day of the failure, before trying again.
• No testing aids are allowed: no handbook and no cell phone.
• At renewal, some drivers can take a no-fail eLearning course instead.

Behind-the-wheel drive test

The examiner may give you two instructions at once to see whether you can follow both. On test day, bring:

1. Your permit (or license, if you have one).
2. A licensed driver aged at least 18 (25 for minors), unless you are already licensed.
3. A vehicle that is safe to drive.
4. Valid proof of insurance and registration.
5. If you use a rental car, a contract that lists your name and does not exclude drive tests.

Before you start, the examiner checks the vehicle. Among other things:

• At least two rearview mirrors, one on the left side.
• Working left and right brake lights.
• Tires with at least 1/32 inch of even tread. A donut spare is not allowed.
• At least one inch of space between the pressed brake pedal and the floor.
• A horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet.
• Working seat belts, a driver window that opens and a windshield with a clear view.

Driver assistance features such as automated parking, lane departure and adaptive cruise control may not be used on the test. Backup cameras and blind spot monitors are allowed, but you must still check your mirrors and look over your shoulder. Recording devices are not allowed, and only the examiner rides with you (with limited exceptions such as service animals).

A minor who fails the drive test must wait 14 days, not counting the day of the failure.

Provisional license limits (under 18)

Your license says provisional. For the first 12 months you may not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. As a provisional driver you also may not:

• Carry passengers under 20 unless a parent, guardian or licensed driver aged 25 or older rides with you.
• Drive for pay or drive vehicles that need a commercial Class A, B or C license.

Exceptions apply if you carry a signed note for:

• A medical need (signed by your physician, with the condition and expected recovery date).
• School or a school activity (signed by the principal, dean or designee).
• Work (signed by your employer).
• Driving an immediate family member (signed by your parent or guardian, with the reason and end date).

A parent or guardian can ask the DMV to cancel a teen's license.

Keeping your license up to date

• Moving? Tell the DMV your new address within ten days. You do not get a new card automatically.
• It is illegal to drive on an expired license. Once a replacement arrives, the old card is no longer valid.
• Out of state and unable to renew? You can ask for a one-year extension before your license expires (not for limited-term licenses).
• At 70 or older when your license expires, you must renew in person and pass a vision test.