TL;DR: Teens in California can apply for a learner’s permit at age 15½ after enrolling in a DMV-approved drivers ed course. To apply, bring identification documents and pass a vision and written test at the DMV. With a permit, you can begin supervised driving practice, leading to a provisional license after meeting training and practice hour requirements.
Are you ready to hit the road, but wondering how to earn your first drivers license? It's not complicated. All it takes is a few steps—and it starts with getting your California learners permit (also called a provisional instruction permit). This will allow you to practice and hone your skills in preparation for the state driving test.
California teens can apply for a permit as early as 15½ years old—but first they must enroll in a 30-hour California drivers education course that is approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Drivers education teaches important traffic rules and prepares you for the written DMV California permit test. At the end of the course, you'll receive a Certificate of Completion that proves you finished your drivers education. You can also take our California Practice Permit Test to gain more confidence before your test!
Everyone under 17½ must meet these requirements to get a drivers permit in California:
When these requirements are met, you can apply for your California learner's permit at a DMV field office. You can walk into a Drivers License Processing Center, but making an appointment will save you time.
You can schedule an appointment online, call 800-777-0133, or use the DMV Now app on your iPhone or Android.
Here’s what to bring for your permit test:
You must also pass:
You’ll have three attempts to pass the DMV permit test within a year. If you don’t pass after three tries, you’ll need to reapply and pay the fee again.
Once you've received your DMV learners permit, you can start practicing right away! However, you must follow these restrictions:
To apply for your California drivers license before age 18, you must:
After completing these requirements, you can apply for a provisional license and take the road test.
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