How To Get Your California Learner's Permit

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.

How to Get a Permit in California

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 Driving Permit Requirements

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:

• Be at least 15 years and 6 months old
• Be enrolled in an approved drivers ed course

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.

DMV Requirements for License Application

Here’s what to bring for your permit test:

• A completed Form DL 44 available at the DMV, signed by your parent or guardian
• Proof of your date of birth and legal residence (see list of acceptable documents)
• Application fee
• Proof of Social Security number
• Proof of California residency
• Proof of completion of a drivers education course
• Provide a thumbprint

You must also pass:

• A vision exam
• A written knowledge test (46 questions; must answer at least 38 correctly)

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.

Get Behind the Wheel Today

Once you've received your DMV learners permit, you can start practicing right away! However, you must follow these restrictions:

• You may only drive with a parent, guardian, spouse, or adult 25+ with a valid license.
• You may not drive friends unless accompanied by a qualified adult.

To apply for your California drivers license before age 18, you must:

• Practice driving for at least six months
• Complete six hours of drivers training with a licensed instructor
• Complete 50 hours of practice (including 10 hours at night) supervised by an adult 25+ with a valid license

After completing these requirements, you can apply for a provisional license and take the road test.

Helpful Resources

• 5 Tips for Parents of Teen Drivers
• Common Mistakes New Teen Drivers Make
• Best Online Driving School for Teens
• Buying Your First Car: A Guide for Teens