How to get a driver's license in California

If you are under 18

1. Take driver education

   Driver education is 30 hours (or 2½ semester periods) of classroom instruction, or a home-study or internet program. To apply for your permit, you need a Certificate of Completion or Enrollment of Driver Education. If you are older than 17½, you may get the permit without the driver education and training certificates, but you cannot take the driving test until you are 18.

   Source: [6] [3]

2. Apply for your instruction permit

   You must be at least 15½ and under 18. A parent or guardian must sign your application and accept financial responsibility (if your parents share joint custody, both must sign). For an online application, your parents or guardians also need their own MyDMV account to approve it. A parent or guardian must also come with you to your appointment.

   Source: [3] [1] [4]

3. Pass the permit tests at a DMV office

   At the DMV office, you provide your documents, pay a non-refundable application fee, pass a vision test and pass the knowledge test. These steps are explained under 'At the office' and 'The tests' below.

   Source: [1]

4. Start driver training with an instructor

   Your permit becomes valid when your professional driving instructor signs it, after at least 1 hour of behind-the-wheel training. You must complete 6 hours of professional driver training, and training cannot be more than 2 hours a day. A permit never lets you drive alone, not even to the DMV office for your driving test.

   Source: [6] [2] [19]

5. Practice for at least 50 hours

   Practice with an adult who is 25 or older and has a valid California driver's license. At least 10 of the 50 hours must be at night. Your parent must sign your permit to confirm the 50 hours.

   Source: [2] [5]

6. Hold your permit for at least 6 months

   You must have an instruction permit (from California or another state) for at least 6 months, or turn 18, before you schedule the drive test. A permit is good for up to 1 year from the application date. If your application expires and you reapply, the time you already held the permit still counts toward the 6 months, so bring both your expired and your valid permit to the drive test.

   Source: [1] [4] [3]

7. Take the drive test

   You must be at least 16. Bring your Certificate of Completion of Driver Training to the test. If you fail, you must wait 14 days (not counting the day you failed) before you can take the test again.

   Source: [1] [6] [2]

Driving limits if you are under 18

• Provisional license

  When you are under 18, your license has the word 'provisional' on it. As a provisional driver, you cannot drive:

  • Between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months you have your license
  • With passengers under 20, unless your parent or guardian, or another California-licensed driver who is at least 25, rides with you
  • For pay, or in a vehicle that needs a commercial license

  Source: [1]

• Exceptions

  There are exceptions to these limits if you have a medical need and cannot reasonably find another way to travel, or if you must drive for school or a school activity, for work or to drive an immediate family member. You must carry a note signed by your doctor (medical need), your school principal, dean or designee (school), your employer (work), or your parent or legal guardian (family member).

  Source: [1]

• Cell phones

  If you are under 18, it is against the law to use a cell phone or wireless device to answer calls or to send or answer text messages while driving. You may use a cell phone to call for emergency help.

  Source: [1]

If you are 18 or older

1. Get an instruction permit first

   If you do not have a driver's license from California or another state, you must get an instruction permit before you take the drive test. At 18 or older, you get a regular instruction permit. The provisional instruction permit is only for drivers under 18.

   Source: [1] [2]

2. Apply at a DMV office

   Complete the Driver's License & ID Card Application, then visit a DMV office with your proof of identity and residency. There you pay the application fee, pass a vision exam, have your photo taken and take the knowledge test. The handbook lists driver education as a requirement only for applicants under 18.

   Source: [3] [1]

3. Practice with a licensed driver

   Practice driving with a California-licensed driver who is at least 18. This person must sit close enough to take control of the vehicle if needed.

   Source: [1]

4. Pass the drive test

   All first-time applicants must pass a behind-the-wheel drive test. Bring another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 with you on test day. The drive test is explained under 'The tests' below.

   Source: [7] [1]

Moving to California with a license from another state

New Resident Guide →

• The deadline

  You are a California resident if you intend to live in the state for 6 months or more in one year. If you become a California resident and drive here, you must get a California driver's license within 10 days. If you bring a vehicle, you must register it within 20 days of becoming a resident or bringing it into the state.

  Source: [8] [18]

• How to apply

  Complete the application and visit a DMV office. Give your Social Security number and an identity document, plus residency documents if you have never had a California license or ID card. Pay the fee, have your thumbprint scanned, pass a vision exam, have your photo taken and pass the knowledge test(s).

  Source: [2]

• The drive test is usually waived

  The drive test is normally waived if you present your license from another state, but DMV may require one at any time. You still need a drive test if your out-of-state license is a junior, provisional or probationary license, or if you were licensed in another state but do not have the license to surrender. If you are under 18 and surrender a license from another state, all California requirements and restrictions for minors apply to you.

  Source: [20] [19]

• A license from another country

  Follow the same steps as for a license from another state, and also pass a drive test. An accompanying driver must come with you to and from the drive test.

  Source: [2]

Documents to bring

The lists below show common examples. DMV's full lists of accepted documents are linked at the end of this page.

• Proof of identity

  Bring a document that proves who you are. It must be an original or a certified copy. DMV does not accept photocopies or "informational copies". Common examples:

  • Certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate (issued by a city, county or state vital statistics office)
  • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport or U.S. passport card
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Resident Alien Card)

  Source: [2] [18] [16]

• Social Security number

  If you have a Social Security number, the law requires you to give it on your application. If you are legally present in the U.S. but are not eligible for a Social Security number, this requirement does not apply to you.

  Source: [9] [16]

• Proof of California residency

  For a standard license (DMV calls it "federal non-compliant"), DMV's documents list asks for at least 1 document that proves you live in California. A REAL ID needs 2 (see 'REAL ID' below). The document must show your first and last name, and the California mailing address must match the one on your application (DMV's list notes some exceptions). For a standard license, photocopies, "informational copies" and computer-generated documents are accepted. Common examples:

  • Rental or lease agreement signed by the owner or landlord and the tenant
  • Mortgage bill
  • Home utility bill (including cell phone bills)
  • Insurance document (medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle)
  • IRS or California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) tax return
  • California property tax bill or statement

  Source: [16] [10]

• If your name has changed

  If the name on your identity document is different from the name on your application, bring a document that shows your true full name (first, middle and last). Accepted documents include:

  • Adoption documents
  • A name change document that shows your legal name before and after the change
  • Marriage certificate
  • Domestic partnership certificate, declaration or registration
  • Dissolution of marriage (divorce) or domestic partnership document

  Source: [16]

• If you are under 18

  Bring your Certificate of Completion or Enrollment of Driver Education. If you completed driver education or driver training in another state, DMV accepts a signed letter from your school there (form DL 33). You may use a residency document in your parent's name if you also bring a birth certificate that shows the relationship.

  Source: [6] [3] [16]

• No proof of legal presence (AB 60 license)

  California offers driver's licenses to all residents, whatever their immigration status. If you cannot prove legal presence in the U.S. but can prove your identity and California residency, you can apply for an AB 60 driver's license. DMV's AB 60 Checklist shows which documents you need. If you cannot provide acceptable documents, a Secondary Review is needed to verify your identity and residency.

  Source: [1] [13]

REAL ID

• What REAL ID is

  A REAL ID is a driver's license or ID card that is also a federally accepted form of identification. Since May 2025, your license must be REAL ID compliant if you use it to board a domestic flight, enter a military base or enter most federal facilities. California REAL ID cards have a grizzly bear and a star in the upper-right corner.

  Source: [10] [1] [2]

• REAL ID is optional

  Every noncommercial license is issued either as a REAL ID card or as a standard (federal non-compliant) card, and REAL ID is optional. A standard card reads "Federal Limits Apply", and you cannot use it to board flights within the U.S. or to visit secure federal facilities.

  Source: [2] [10]

• Documents for a REAL ID

  For a REAL ID you need the documents below. "Abbreviated" or "abstract" birth certificates are not accepted.

  • 1 identity document that shows your date of birth and true full name, such as a valid U.S. passport, a certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate or a valid Permanent Resident Card
  • If the name on your identity document is different from the name on your application: a legal full-name document that proves your current name
  • 2 different printed documents that prove you live in California, with your first and last name and the mailing address that will be on your card
  • If you use a P.O. Box: 1 of these documents must show both your P.O. Box and your home (physical) address
  • Your Social Security number (exceptions may apply)

  Source: [10] [12] [1]

• How to apply for a REAL ID

  You must apply in person at a DMV office for your first REAL ID. You can upload your documents with the online application, but bring the original documents to your appointment. People who apply for an AB 60 license cannot get a REAL ID.

  Source: [10] [11]

At the office

1. Start the application online

   Start the Driver's License & ID Card Application (form eDL44/DL 44) online, in 1 of 10 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Tagalog, Thai or Vietnamese. You need a MyDMV account (a DMV online account). It uses two-factor authentication, so you need an email address and a phone that can receive a call or text message. If you prefer not to apply online, a paper application is available at DMV offices.

   Source: [19] [9] [4]

2. Make an appointment

   After you submit the online application, you get a confirmation number by email. You must then visit a DMV office to complete the application, and you can schedule an appointment for this visit. DMV provides interpreters at no cost.

   Source: [9] [3] [15]

3. Show your documents and sign

   Show your documents and sign the application with a DMV employee. DMV does not keep your original documents.

   Source: [1] [9] [17]

4. Pay the fee and have your thumbprint scanned

   Pay the application fee. It is non-refundable, and the application and fee are valid for 12 months (the current amount is on DMV's Licensing Fees page, see the links below). DMV also scans your thumbprint.

   Source: [2]

5. Take the vision test

   DMV tests your vision and then sends you to the camera. The vision test is explained under 'The tests' below.

   Source: [18] [2]

6. Signature and photo

   At the camera, DMV captures your signature and takes your photo for your license.

   Source: [18] [2]

7. Take the knowledge test

   Pass the knowledge test(s). The knowledge test is explained under 'The tests' below.

   Source: [1]

The tests

• Knowledge test

  The knowledge test has multiple-choice questions, and all of them come from the California Driver's Handbook. Each question has 1 correct answer, and the other 2 answer choices are clearly wrong or do not fit the question. You need a score of 80% to pass, and you may not use testing aids such as the handbook or a cell phone.

  Source: [3] [7] [1]

• Languages, format and retakes

  The knowledge test is available in more than 40 languages. You can take it on a computer touch screen or, in certain cases, on paper or as an audio test. You have 3 attempts to pass before you must reapply. If you are under 18, you must wait 7 days after a failed test (not counting the day you failed).

  Source: [13] [18] [1]

• Vision test

  DMV tests every applicant's vision. The screening standard is 20/40 with both eyes together, and 20/40 in one eye and at least 20/70 in the other eye, with or without glasses or contact lenses.

  • If you use glasses or contact lenses, bring your glasses or wear your contacts.
  • If you take the test with glasses or contact lenses, your license will have a corrective lenses restriction.
  • If you do not pass, you will be asked to have your eye doctor complete a Report of Vision Examination (form DL 62).

  Source: [1] [14] [5]

• Drive test: appointment and what to bring

  Drive tests are given only by appointment. You can make one online or by calling 1-800-777-0133 during business hours. On test day, bring:

  • Your instruction permit, or your driver's license if you have one
  • Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 (25 if you are under 18), unless you already have a license
  • A vehicle that is safe to drive
  • Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration
  • For a rental car: a rental contract with your name on it that does not exclude drive tests
  • If you are under 18: your Certificate of Completion of Driver Training

  Source: [2] [1] [6]

• Pre-drive safety check

  The drive test has 2 parts: a pre-drive safety check of your vehicle, and the Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) with a DMV examiner. In the pre-drive safety check, the examiner will ask you to find and show items such as these. If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, your test is rescheduled.

  • A driver's window that opens
  • At least 2 rearview mirrors, 1 of them on the left side
  • Working left and right brake lights
  • Tires with at least 1/32 inch of tread (a donut spare tire is not allowed)
  • The horn, parking brake, turn and arm signals, windshield wipers and seat belts

  Source: [7] [1]

• During the drive

  The drive takes about 20 minutes. It tests basic driving actions, such as left and right turns, stops at intersections, backing in a straight line, lane changes, driving in regular street traffic and, if required, driving on the freeway. The examiner may give you 2 or more instructions at once to see if you can follow both.

  Source: [20] [1]

• Drive test rules

  • Only the examiner may ride with you. Exceptions are made for training, service animals and certain law enforcement situations.
  • Interpreters may help during the pre-drive safety check, but they may not come on the drive.
  • Recording devices, including video recorders, are not allowed.
  • Driver-assistance features such as automated parallel parking, lane departure systems and adaptive cruise control are not allowed.
  • You may use a backup camera and blind-spot monitors, but they do not replace looking at your mirrors and blind spots yourself.

  Source: [1]

• Passing and retakes

  To pass, you must have no critical driving errors, no more than 15 errors in the scored driving maneuvers and no more than 3 errors on certain pre-drive checklist items. If you fail the drive test 3 times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply. If you are under 18, you must wait 14 days after a failed test (not counting the day you failed).

  Source: [21] [2]

After you pass

• Temporary license

  After you pass your tests, DMV may give you a temporary paper license to use until your license card arrives by mail. It is valid for up to 60 days.

  Source: [18] [2]

• Your license card

  Your license card comes by mail. If you have not received it within 60 days, call 1-800-777-0133 to check the status. You must have your license card with you whenever you drive.

  Source: [18] [2]

• Renewal and changes

  You renew your driver's license every 5 years, and it is against the law to drive with an expired license. If you have temporary legal status, your card expires on the same date as your U.S. legal presence document, and you can get a new card with a documented extension of your legal status. If you move, you must tell DMV your new address within 10 days.

  Source: [4] [1] [2]

Official links

• Driver's licenses: how to apply (dmv.ca.gov)
• Learner's (instruction) permits (dmv.ca.gov)
• Teen Driver Roadmap (dmv.ca.gov)
• Start your application online (dmv.ca.gov)
• Make an appointment (office visit or drive test) (dmv.ca.gov)
• Licensing Fees (dmv.ca.gov)
• Documents list for a standard license (PDF) (dmv.ca.gov)
• REAL ID document checklist (dmv.ca.gov)
• AB 60 driver's licenses (dmv.ca.gov)
• Prepare for the knowledge and drive tests (dmv.ca.gov)

Sources

1. California Driver's Handbook (DL 600, 2025) (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
2. Driver's Licenses (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
3. Learner's Permits (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
4. Teen Driver Roadmap (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
5. Teen Driver Tips (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
6. Driver Training Schools (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
7. Knowledge and Drive Tests Preparation (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
8. New to California (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
9. Driver's License / ID Card Application (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
10. What Is REAL ID? (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
11. REAL ID (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
12. REAL ID Checklist (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
13. AB 60 Driver's Licenses (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
14. Vision Conditions (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
15. Interpreter Services (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
16. Federal Non-Compliant DL/ID Card - Documents List (DL 1144) (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
17. Get Onboard with REAL ID (DL 1010 E) (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
18. Fast Facts 5: Requirements for a California Driver License (FFDL 5) (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
19. Fast Facts 19: Provisional Licensing (FFDL 19) (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
20. Fast Facts 22: Preparing for Your Driving Test (FFDL 22) (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles
21. Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet (DL 32) (dmv.ca.gov) — California Department of Motor Vehicles